Company Registratlon No. 03498691 (England and Wales) Charlty Registration No.1070672 RIBBLE RIVERS TRUST LIMITED (FORMERLY RIBBLE CATCHMENT CONSERVATION TRUST LTD) ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024 PM+M Solutlons for Buslness LLP Chartered Accountsnts New Century House Greenbank Technology Park Challeng8 Way Blackburn Lancashire BB15QB
RIBBLE RIVERS TRUST LIMITED (FORMERLY RIBBLE CATCHMENT CONSERVATION TRUST LTD) LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Trustees J A Cowburn J EAlcock J F Bleasedale D W Bradley M J Ellacot JPLord C H Marchbank J J B Rawkins A T Rowntree D J Wilmot J L Yates Secretary and treasurer A T Rowntree Key Management Por80nnel J Spee8 CJagg H Hamilton Thorpe A Walmsley K Oddie E Brown Chief Executive Officer Head of Core Services Head of People And Le8rning Head of River Conservation Head of Land Managernent Strategic Evidence and GIS Manager Charlty number 1070672 Company number 03498691 Reglstered offlce CIO Heidelberg Materials Ribblesdale Work8 Clitheroe Lancashire BB7 4QF Audltor PM+M Solutlons for Business LLP New Century House Greenbank Technology Park Challenge Way Blackburn Lancashire BB15QB Bankers Royal Bank of Scotland plc Customer SeNi¢e Centre Drummond House 1 Redheughs Avenue Edinburgh EH12 9JN
RIBBLE RIVERS TRUST LIMITED (FORMERLY RIBBLE CATCHMENT CONSERVATION TRUST LTD) CONTENTS Page Trustees, report Independent auditorfs report 12-15 Statement of financial actlvities Balan¢9 sheet 17 siatement of cash flows 18 Notes to tha financial statements 19-30
RIBBLE RIVERS TRUST LIMITED (FORMERLY RIBBLE CATCHMENT CONSERVATION TRUST LTD) TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024 The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 January 2024. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the Charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities- Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Finanaal Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). ObJectlve8 and actlvltle8 The aim of the Trust (set out in the Memorandum of Association of the Trust) is to secure the Conservation, Protection, Rehabilitation and improvement of rlvers, streams, water courses, water impoundments, banksides, and tributaries, catchment areas and estuaries in particular of the Rivers Ribble, Calder and Hodder for the benefit of the public. The Trust seeks to achieve this alm by uslng a holistic strategy that us&s the proc8ss, of "Identify - Improve Sustain" to address all issues affecting the catchment. In achieving this strategy the Trust has set the following objectives.. 1. Undertake and support annual monitoring, investigation and research activities to identify and quantify issues and impacts that affect the Ribble Catchment. 2. Collate evidence from objectlve 1 to prioritise and deliver an annual restoratlon and improvement programme of activities across the catchment. 3. Vvherever possible to influen¢a and encourage partners delivering activities wilhin the catchment to undertake actions in partnership to dellver improvements to the River Ribble and its tributaries. 4. To continuously engage and educate all communities, stakeholders and interest groups to address wlder Issues and ensure improvements are maximisod and sustained. Dellvery of Objectlvos: In delivery of the objectives Ribble Rivers Trust employs a team of dedicated, experienced and highly qualified staff. The skills and experience of the Trust reflect the holistic strategy, and the Trust is committed to continually developing the employees through external and internal training, and providing opportunities to work on different projects to provide broader involvement in th8 Trust's activities. Volunteers: The Trust relles upon the support of volunteers for a range of actlvities, including, tree planting, fenclng, rlver clean ups, surveying and monitoring, education activities and administration and technical support (including website maintenance, and design work). The volunteers represent a significant component of the activity of the Trust, the value of the volunteer contribution ranges from £50 per day to £350 per day. During the year the Twst benefited from 3,265 hours put in by over 400 volunteers with a value calculated at £39,185.
RIBBLE RIVERS TRUST LIMITED (FORMERLY RIBBLE CATCHMENT CONSERVATION TRUST LTD) TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024 Public beneflt: The outcomes of the Trust's strategy and activities are vital to the continued conseNation of the Ribble Catchment. The Trust provid&s a range of benefits to the public, commonly referred to as "Ecosystem Services" these include benefits such as the provision of high quality recreation areas and assets, reduction in flood risk, reductions in the risk of droughts, Improvements to water quality (bringing benefit to biodiversity and bathing waters), and sustainable food production. The methodology employed in delivery of the objectives is to work with the communities and stakeholders who use and enjoy the catchment. This involves provision of opportunities to be directly involved, and also for the Trust to provide information on its work to its partners, funders and the public through reports, presentations, attendance at public events, newsletters, our website, and social media. Such partnership working helps to ensure that the Trust is delivering its core objectives effectively in the public interest, but also ensures and maximises wider direct and indirect socio-economic public benefits. The Trustees confimi that they have referred to the guidance contalned in the Charity Commission's general guidance on Public Benefit when reviewing the charity's aims and objectives and in planning its future activities, which is an annual process. Achlevements and perfomiance, Includlng Plans for Future Perlods During the year to January 31 st 2024 the Trust's activity focused around.. Delivering the largest floodplain reconneclion project in the Ribble Catchment to date, bringing water quality, habitat and natural flood risk management benefit. Continuation of the works to reduce diffuse pollution from agriculture in priority areas through our previously Natural England Facilitation Fund Farm Group in the Loud Catchment near Chipping, which has commenced, dellv&ring a catchment scale project with United Utllities. Additionally working in partnership with Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust evolving the Farm Group in the Upper Ribble, the Ribbl8sdale Farm Group, looking at Habitat creaiion and restoration 10 SUPPOrt reduced Diffuse Pollution and improved Natural Flood Risk Management, through Deeper Connections. Installation of leaky dams at a demonstrator site on the Rlver Sklrden and undertaking monitoring to show its benefits. Re-meandering of Ged beck, increasing the amount of and quality of river habitat. Completion of the Deeper Connections project, improving the environment of the Long Preston Deeps project area. Continuation of the Catchment System Thinking Monitoring Cooperative (CaSTCo) project, seeking to increase the use of citizen science to inform action and plans by a range of stakeholders through River Blitz's resulting in action to improve rivers. Working with the Turning Tides partnership and communities to deliver actlvSties that will support better coast Bathing Waters. Continuing the Lancashlre Woodland Connect campaign, that bullds on our rlparlan and catchment woodland programme, seeking to deliver a decade of woodland creation. with 30 Hectares of woodland scheduled for the winter 2023124. Continuing the Darwen Evidence and Engagement Project, seeking to enable community input and action to improve the River Daen. Continuing the Damen and Trawden Natural Flood Risk Management projects. Development and delivery of education activities across the catchment, including involving school children in delivery of improvement works, and learning to fish. Completion of the Opening Up the River Douglas (OUR Douglas) programme involving delivery of 8 fish passage projects in the Douglas Catchment concluded with a weir removal in summer 2023, supported by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities with support from Groundwork Cheshire, Lancashire and Merseyside. Ongoing monitoring of fish, invertebrates, and water chemistry and other species that indicate the health of the Ribble Catchment. Continuing our work to prioritise our activities, using spatial data and evidence through Geographical Information Systems and models, sharing the results, and developing tools that are of national significan, such as the Turning Tides decision making tool. Submission of an application for designated Bathing Water status at Edisford Bridge to create a siatutory driver for its protection and improvement for ongoing use by the public.
RIBBLE RIVERS TRUST LIMITED (FORMERLY RIBBLE CATCHMENT CONSERVATION TRUST LTD) TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024 Rlbble Revlval The Trust has developed a concept and a title of our planned and proposed projects and programmes over the coming 5 years. This seeks to be simple and given the time frame an indication of the pace at which we wish to work, this was decided to be "Ribble Revival" Each of our programmes and projects would sit under this banner, within 4 work areas, and each project would be linked to one principle work area, but integrated within each. These are.. Communlty Catchm8nts Room for Rivers Farmlng Communltles Monltoring for Change Exlstlng projects fall within these, but as new projects are developed and funding applied for and secured, they will be specifically associated to communicate how our works link together to revive the Ribble. During 2023, we have had some of our first successes which are set out below. The Ribble Life "Catchment Based Approach. partnership (a Department for Environment Farming and Rural Affairs instigated initiative) continued to meet throughout the year, a number of key focuses were identified, including the creation of a Collaborative Monitoring Plan, to batter share, align and utilise all of the data, evidence 8nd informatlon collected by partners. This would identify gaps in monitoring that needed to be filled, but mora inportantly provide better basis for influencing strategies, plans and decision making. This process would directly support the revision of the Rlbble Llfe Catchment Action Plan, which will identlfy key collaboratlons an opportunlties to work together to Improve the catchment. This was complemented through a review of different data and evidence tools to ald In prioritisation of works and works locations that were undertaken during the year, The partnership has also provided, or acted as, a steering group for a number of RRT projects, and been a key source of technical input for project development and delivery. Futur8 Plans Complete the Collaborative Monitoring P18ns and C8tchm8ntAction Plan r8view. This project was finally completad in spring of 2023, wrth the last woodlands planted, and mini celebrations held wlth partners and volunteers. This project has sparked a number of successful activiti&s and initiatives that have continued post project completion, such as walking groups and community tree nurseries. This is a key indicator of the success of the project. Future Plans Embed the lessons leamed from HEAL into futur8 projects, and seek to expand some of the activities MO widely. The education activities of "River in the Classroom. offer a wide range of activities for schools that can be done individually or in combination. This is seen as a fundamental area of activity for the trust, particularly expanding our coverage and the number of schools and pupils involved. Future Plans Continuation of the eduCatn programme, with increased emphasis on securing longer t8rm sust8inability to ensure that the successes delivered thus far can continue and be expsnded.
RIBBLE RIVERS TRUST LIMITED (FORMERLY RIBBLE CATCHMENT CONSERVATION TRUST LTD) TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024 enen em d environm riorities DE The Trust, in partnership with the Environment Agency, is undertaking community engagement activities to develop priorities for river restoration in the Darwen catchment. The aim to create a Damen urban river restoration project, that has been developed through direct input of the community, leading to wider socio economic benefits. Future Plans To Gontinue to engage and work with communities to develop projects, that can b8 gmuped into 8 programme 01 delivery to support river restoration. rwen atchm nt RRT has developed a prioritised evidenced based NFM catchment action plan. Using a range of widely avallable and bespoke GIS tools to identify both intervention types and the locations they are needed, and most beneficial. This has focused on Darwen as currently there are no NFM measures in place, but an increased priority for NFM to benefit Darwen, owing to lack of alternative "traditional. measures, to address future forecasted increased likelihood of flood events. The interventions focus on attenuating and slowing the flow in the headwaterslupper catchment to reduce and slow the amount reaching the Urbanised centre of Darwen which is across the near entirety of catchment's valley bottom. They include., Woodland Management (Riparian, and Cross Slope), Run-off Management specifically Headwater drainage management (vegetation management and grip and gully blocking), River Management (leaky barriers) and Run-off Pathway management Iswales and ponds). This will be delivered in o locations above the town and within 2km, Darwen Moor, and a public open space adjacent to Black&Yape Playing Fields. Tha Trust also drew on input from the DEEP project, and is keen to establish a community group to aid in monitoring and delivery of the works, and instigate a wider and longer term community led NFM programme, The Trust submitted an application to the EA National Natural Flood Risk Management Programme which has been successful and the project will now move into the first of I0 phases, to install monitorlng equipment and develop full business case, and then the second phase, subject to a positive declsion on the full business case, delivery of the works. Future Plans Install the monitoring equipment and submit a full business c8se for the EA National NFM Programme project to secutB funding for delivery of works in 2025. Previously we have delivered environmental and NFM work in and around Clitheroe. This has focused on land management, with Peat Restoration and soil improvements delivered across the Mearley Brook catchment. However, little work has been undertaken to slow the flow within river channels, and working with three land owners, we have identified several locations where leaky barriers could be installed to slow the flow. Wth little traditional flood defence planned within Clitheroe, and increasing axtreme events the importance of NFM has grown, and working with Downham estate and Heidelberg Materials we have identified interventions that can be implemented. The interventions proposed are., River and Flood Plain Management, specifically L8aky Barriers and floodplain wetland restoration. The Trust is keen to establish a community group to aid in monitoring and delivery of the works, and instigate a wider and longer term community led NFM programme. The Trust has secured funding through the EA National NFM programme. The project has two phases, firstly to install monitoring equipment and develop a full business case, and subject to a positive decision on the full business case delivery of the works. Future Plans Install the monitoring equipment and submit a full business case for the EA National NFM Pmgramme project to secure funding for delivery of works in 2025.
RIBBLE RIVERS TRUST LIMITED (FORMERLY RIBBLE CATCHMENT CONSERVATION TRUST LTD) TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024 miln Com iffuse Water riculture DWPA As one of the most significant issues affecting our rivers and streams DWPA is a primary focus for the Trust, we continue to engage with famers and provide advice, guidance and support to adopt actions that will reduce DWPA, whilst providing additional environmentsl benefits (including natural flood risk managment, but importantly will support more sustainable farm businesses. This is delivered through our "Pinpoint" advisory fram8Wk, which identifies "opportunities. for famiers, and signposts to funding, support or guidance that will enCCraga uptake. Complimented through establishing "Farm Groups" which bring together farmers from a specific area to provide peer to peer knowledge sharing, group training and engagement, as well as, group support to identify opportunities and take actions individually. Over the last 12 months we have begun to focus on key priority locations, developing and initiating projects to address DWPA. Loud and Chipping Phosphate and Natural Flood Risk Management Long Preston Floodplain Partnership (and Ribblesdale Farm Group) Ribble and Douglas Farm Advice project Better Rivers Better Northwest Farm Groups {Douglas, Hyndburn) Future Plans Continue to deliver t8rg8ted fami visits and interventions in priority Ioc8tions across the Ribble 8nd Douglas, seeking to utilis6 8 range of funding sources to support int8Nentlons (such as countrysid8 SteW8rdshlp). Identify further prionty Ioc8tions to establish fam7 groups and deliver advise, dTrwing on information from the Collaborative Monltorlng P18ns and the C&STCo project. hme Instigated by the community, and supported and enabled by the Trust securing fundlng through the 84 National NFM programme, our project will deliver Run-off Management, specifically Run-off pathway management, by seeking to divert water, particularly Surfa water from streams that flow out of Ribby Hall, and from drainage on Brown's Lane into a new storage pond, designed to hold a minimum level of water for biodiversity berEfit, but with capacity to store up to 5500m3 of storm water, which it will then release slowly. The project has two phases, firstly to install monitoring equipment and develop a full business case, and subject to a positive decision on the full business case delivery of the works. It will work with existing ponds and water courses to produce a cluster of connected features providing NFM beneflt. The project was developed through Ribble Life for Water { a Watar Environment Grant funded project), The project will also improve water quality, whilst providing new habitat for priority species (eels). FuturB Plans Install the moniloring equipment 8nd submit a full business Case for the EA National NFM Progr8mme pmject to secure funding for delivery of wort(s in 2025, The Angling Passport Scheme continues to be a success with significant numbers of anglers utilising the Trust's fishing, particularly at Mitton. Improvements to the access at Mitton have been completed, with futher improvements being planned in 2024. Futu Plans The Angling Passport Scheme will Gontinue to oper8te, and the Tnist will seek to expand 8nd increase the availability of fishing within the catchment. F Ide Waters Ou door Learnin Working with the Eamest Cook Trust, the Trust has a dedicated outdoor learning officer delivering education and engagement activities with the public in the Fylde area, linking their actions and what they can do to water, and the links between the freshwater environment and the estuarine and marine environment. Future Continue to deliver this pmgramme of activity, and link to other initl8tives being delivered in ¢h9 Fylde area, such as Turning Tides and ourpmposed wort on Main Drain and Liggard Brook.
RIBBLE RIVERS TRUST LIMITED (FORMERLY RIBBLE CATCHMENT CONSERVATION TRUST LTD) TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024 Trawden N Flood R. em Continuation of previous work the Trust and EA have commenced creation of a Farm Group in the Trawden sub- catchment and undertaking farm visits, to identify interventions to deliver NFM across the Trawden catchment. Once opportunities are identified, and feasibility agreed, these will be costed including the paymerts to farmers to aid in exploring ways to create 'investable" projects to draw in private sector funding. Futur8 Plans To complete farm visits and secure agreement to deliver 8 range of actions to improve Trawden Brook, and reduc8 flood risk to Trawden, develop and 'investment' plan to attract private funding to deliver the work, and to sha learning fmm the pn)ject with othgr communities 8nd organisations. erD The OUR Douglas projects was completed in June of 2023, with Gathurst fish easement opened up, and monitoring confirming it met the requirements for fish passage. Additionally a weir was removed in Tawd Valley Park, part of the vision for the Park, this removal represented one of the fastest weir removals recorded in the UK, from first visit to end of works. The complete removal ensures full passage for all species, and observations have shown a wider diversity of species upstream of the weir as a result. This project was nicely celebrated with an ncredible mural painted onto the bridge just downstream of the project site, containing pictures of all the key sp&cies. Future Plans Having now completed this project, the Twst will now review the Flsheries StTrtegy for the Douglas to identlfy futur8 opportunities. Eco-regeneration Lancashire is an Environment Agency Natural Environment Investment Readiness Fund project, It is seeking to explore governance models, specifically cooperatives, that will enable many of the barriers to landscape, or catchment scale, restorationlimprovement through public and private funding. It aims to address the issue of scale and rate of improvement by enabling aggregation of a large number of smaller projects at priority locations across a catchment, which have quantified costs and benefits, and to subsequently create a business plan that will attract "investment" in the projects, buyers and funders of the benefits and income for providers of projects. The project concluded in December 2023, with an outline business plan costed and developed. Future Plans Seek funding and opportunities to gstablish and init18te cooperatives and private funding and finance to progress the busingss plan and increase the scale of delivery. er ne Working as a delivery partners to Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, the Trust completed the works and activities of the Green Recovery Challenge Fund project "Deeper Connections" funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and DEFRA. This project delivered creation and restoration of 10 hectares of habitat, focusing on wildlife corridors. This included 16 separate schemes focused on riparian woodlands and hedgerows, wetlands and tributaries, and provide natural flood management. It also connected 8,000 people to nature in the area, including urKIgr- represented communities, through improved access and interpretation, volunteering and events. Engaged over 28 farmers in the project, highlighting how sustainable agriculture can contribute to effective environmental management. Futu Plans To continue our WO with the Long Preston Floodplsin Partnership.
RIBBLE RIVERS TRUST LIMITED (FORMERLY RIBBLE CATCHMENT CONSERVATION TRUST LTD) TRUSTEES. REPORT {INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024 awd Valle Working in collaboration with the Environment Agency and West Lancashire Borough Council, we have developed designs and obtained all pemission for the construction of wetlands to separate surface water from sewers, which will slow the flow and improve water quality in the River Douglas. Future Plans ConstruGtion of the w8tl8nds in spring 2024. The Trust's 10 year campaign to establish 500 Ha of woodland across Lancashire, with partners dellverlng In the areas outside of the Ribble Catchment, continue a pa. The campaign continued to see support from the Environment Agency, the Woodland Trust, United Utilities and the Forestry Commisslon as well as other partners. There is now a tMo year programme of woodland creation planned, which shows the growing momentum. The third full planting season started in late November, later than desired owing to the warm autumn and early winter delaying the supply of young trees, with 30 hectares planned for establishment by March 2024. Future Plans To continug th8 campaign and associated delivery of L8ncashire Wood18nd Connect, seeking to int8grate n8W funding exp8Cted to be announced in 2024, and to secure long-t8m? funding commitments to aid in achi8V8ment ol the campaign outcomes. The EA approach RRT to work in partnership to further develop and deliver an outline NFM programme developed by tha EA in response to flood risk requirements rasulting from the decommissioning of the Jack's Key reservolr. NFM was seen as the only remaining option to reduce flood risk, as all other viabl8 tradltional defences had been delivered. The project identified and modelled potential interventions showlng the range of benefits, and costed the hypothetical interventions. The project is now moving into a delivery phase ton implement interventions identified In the project plan to decrease flood risk and deliver wider environmental benefit. Future Plans.. To utilis8 budget m8de 8V8i18ble by thg EA in conjunction with other funding SoUeS to deliver int8rv8ntions identifi8d. Inspired by the Jacks Key project, and the ongoing relationship with Blackburn with Darwen council developed over a decade of activity across the Damen catchment, the Trust has worked on a feasibility study for the wider Darwen catchment to model benefits and identify & agree interventions with a view to securing funding to instigated a large catchment wide programme of NFM. The modelling completed has shown significant potential benefit from NFM Interventions, the Trust has now moved to securing permissions for delivery ahead of seeking funding from the Regional Flood and Coastal Committee for implementation. Future Plans Finalise the Feasibility Study with Blackbum with Daen Council, and th9n s8ek d81iv8ry funding.
RIBBLE RIVERS TRUST LIMITED (FORMERLY RIBBLE CATCHMENT CONSERVATION TRUST LTD) TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024 ecies Survival.. or Riv A programme of 12 projects was developed and funding applied for from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and DEFRA through the Species Survival Fund. The trust was informed of the application success in early January. This 2 year project will deliver a range of interventions across the catchment designed to help a number of key species, namely salmon, trout, eels, smelt and lamprey, but all of the other associated species, and beyond that will benefit from the proposed works, which include delivery of habitat creation and restorationlenhancement works, water quality improvement, and fish passage, resulting in of 7.63 ha of wetland and riparian habitat, and 37.71 km watercourse habitat connected. Th8 proj8Ct will also deliver significant community engagement, and offer opportunities for voluntsering in conservation activities and monitoring. Future Pl8ns Compl&t8 the necessary activities to obtain pennission to start, and then initiate the programme. This project is a national project, working across the water sector, seeking to mainstream Nature Based Solutions INBSI. NBS have the potential to provide multiple socii>economic and environmental benefits by tackling flooding, drought and water quality issues at landscape scale. The Trust have been delivering NBS under various guises for over a decade. However, there are systemic barriers currently preventing wider adoption and the benefits of NBS from being fully maximised, such as.. fragmentedlsiloed investment, lack of standardisation and regulatory restrictions. This transformational programme of work brings together multi-sactorial expertise and leadership to collaboratively create and test new solutions to remove these barriers through real life case studies and facilitate and enable transition of NBS into business-as-usual to dellver greater value for customers, society, environment, The Trust will contribute to this programme widely, but will also act as a convenor for all rivers trusts in the North West, as well as to deliver a project whlch wlll demonstrate how we can malnstream NBS. Futurg Plans ContllPUg to contribute to the wider programme, and develop our demonstration project with input from EA, Rivers Trust, United Utilities and other rivers tnists.
RIBBLE RIVERS TRUST LIMITED (FORMERLY RIBBLE CATCHMENT CONSERVATION TRUST LTD) TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024 rln for Chan aSTC The Trust drew learnings from the previous years Riverblitz's (which aid in identifying haV, and °where" problems are, with a view to taking positive actions to improve the sub-catchment) and were a resounding success, pinpoint locations for follow up work, but also engaging and enthusing communities (confirmed with results of evaluation surveys issued to those present on the day). This approach is enabling rapid assessment of sul>catchments, and multiple sub-catchments per year to generate a robust overall assessment of a much larger area. Futur8 Plans Dgliver l Riverblitz 8 month from Apnl to S&pt8mber In 2024, with an intention to continue thls In 2025 and beyond. Demonstr8te to volunteers the Impact th8t the results have achleved, through sh8rfng follow up actlons deliveTrd. Working with the Turning Tides partnership the Trust has commenced a project to develop a °decision making tool" which brought togethar a range of data and evidence that allow collaborative decision making. Additionally we secured some funding to support Citizen Science to monitor for faecal indicator organisms, and to undertake a feasibility study on Liggard Brook. Future Plans To put the decision making tool Into use, and consid8r how it could be applied more widely. We 8&0 will s88k to secuTr funding and wort with landowners to deliver improvements to LIgg8 Brook. and continue supporting Citizen SGientists, The Trust's dellvery of Its annual fisherles surveys contlnued wlth over 300 sltes surveyed across the catchment. There was a "levelling. out of the results with some positives for Trout but overall similar results to the previous year, In addition to electro fishing, a new strategy and programme of Invertebrate sampllng by the Trusts own In house freshwater ecologist at "sentinel sites" continued to complement the electro fishing data, but also 8id in better informing the use and approach of our citizen science. Monitoring of specific projects was also conducted to assess the outputs, and given and indication of expected outcomes. As well as ongoing monitoring of Otters, INNS, Bats and Habitat. The data being collected continues to be used to generate evidence to gulde the Trust's work. Particularly highlighting the locations for further investigation, interventions and the need for significantly more work to reverse the downward trend. New ways to interpret and use our data were developed, allowing rapid identifitIon of target areas, and easier assessment of causes of poor results when combined with other data. The Trust has also developed further projects and activities, and sought funding to enable delivery, these include a programme on Invasive Non-Native Species, River Clean-ups, more Community Catchment initiatives to deliver NFM, Works on Main Drain and Liggard Brook, and finally more river channel improvements across the catchment. Flnanclal revlew The financial statements show that for the year ended 31 January 2024 net incoming resources were £77,320. There were net incoming resources on Unrestricted Funds of £49,754 and net incoming resources of £27,566 on Restricted Funds. The balance of the unrestricted funds at 31 January 2024 was £478,741 and the b8lance of the restricted funds at that date was £718,263.
RIBBLE RIVERS TRUST LIMITED (FORMERLY RIBBLE CATCHMENT CONSERVATION TRUST LTD) TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024 Roserves policy It is the policy of the Truste6s to establish Unrestricted Funds of at least £500,000 In ordér to be in a posltlon to fLLnd individual projects to this or a greater value, particulady bearlng in mind that much of the grant assistance receivable is paid following either part or full completion of such projects. Reserves also provide a fund which is available to deal with unforesèen events such as the need to reduce staff numbers if grant assistance should reduce. Invéstment pollcy Th8 subsidlary company, Ribble Rivers Consultancy Llmited traded during thè year, providing consultsncy services. A profit of £49.012 was gen8rated during the year. Structure, governancg and management The Trust is a company limited by guarantee and is a registered charity. It Is enrolled with Entrust, the regulator of environmental bodies under the Landfill Tax regulations. It Is also a member of the Rivers Trust and the Angllng Trust. The Trust operates under the name "Rlbble Rivers Trust" Trustees are recruited by recommendatlon of existing Trustees and members. Induction and training is undertaken by existing trustees and staff. The Trustees meet formally on a quarterly basis and liaise constantly beeen m&etings amongst thems81ves and with the Trusl's stsff, particularly tho Chief Executlve Officer to whom day-lo-day management of the Trust Is dèlegated. Th8 Trustees revl8w th8 malor risks to whlch th8 Trust Is exposed. Rlsk Is assessed on an overall basis as well as on a pralect-by-projecl basls. Th8 Trust rnaintains appropriat8 insurance cover includlng employ8r's liabllity, publlc Ilabillty, professlonal Indemnity, and trustee Ilablllty. The Cost of the trust88 liabillty 5nsurance for the year was £821. The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who seNed during the year and up to the date of signature of th8 financial statements were- J A Cowburn J E Alcock J F Bleasedale D W Bradley M J Ellacot JPLord C H Marchbank J J 8 Rawkins A T Rowntr6e D J Wilmot J L Yates Remuneratlon pollcy The Remuneration Committee agrees the pay and remuneration of key management'p'ersonnel after considering the remuneration paid for similar posts. 10
RIBBLE RIVERS TRUST LIMITED (FORMERLY RIBBLE CATCHMENT CONSERVATION TRUST LTD) TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024 Statement of trustees. responsibllitios The trustees, who are also the directors of Ribble Rivers Trust Limited (Formerly Ribble Catchment Conservation Trust Ltd) for the purpose of company law, arè rasponsible for preparing the Trustees, R8port and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company Law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for 8ach flnanclal year which glve a ttue and fair vlew of the state of affairs of the Charity and of thè incomlng resources and applicalion of resources, Including the income and expendlture, of the ¢haritabl8 company for that year. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are r8qulr8d to: select 8Ultable accounting policies and then apply them conslstently; observe the methods and principles in the Charlties SORP., mak8 judgements and estlmates that are reasonable and prudent,. and pr&pare the financial statements on the going concem basis unless it is inapproprlate to presume that the Charity wlll continue in operation. The trustees are responsible for keeping ad8quat8 accountlng racords that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any tlme the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that th8 flnancial statements comply wlth the Companies Act 2006. They are also responslbl8 for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and henc8 for taking r8asonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and othér Irrégularities. Audltor In accordance with the ¢ompany's articles, a resolutlon proposlng that PM+M Solulions for Busin8ss LLP be reappointed as audltor of the company will be pul al a General Meeting. D18closure of Information to audltor Each of the trustees has conflrmed that there is no infomatlon of which they are aware which Is relevant to the audit, but of which thé audltor is unaware. They have further confimied that they havè taken appropriate steps to identify such relevant Infomiatlon and to establish that the audltor is aware of such informallon. rustees, report was approved by the Board of Trustées. Cowburn Chairman halrman Date.. 2. 2+ 11
RIBBLE RIVERS TRUST LIMITED (FORMERLY RIBBLE CATCHMENT CONSERVATION TRUST LTD) INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF RIBBLE RIVERS TRUST LIMITED (FORMERLY RIBBLE CATCHMENT CONSERVATION TRUST LTD) Oplnlon We have audited the financial statements of Ribble Rivers Trust Limited (Forrnerly Ribbl& Catchment Conservation Trust Ltd) (the 'Charity') for the year ended 31 January 2024 which comprise the statement offinancial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). In our opinion, the financial statements.. give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 January 2024 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended., have been properly prepared in accordance with United 'ngdorn Generally Accepted Accounting practi., and have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the CompaniesAct 2006. Basls for oplnlon We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAS (UKI) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditoffs responsibilities for the audit ol the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the Charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, Includlng the FRC'S Ethical standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethlcal responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. Concluslons relatlng to golng concern In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees, use of the going concem basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. Our responsibilities and the responsiblllties of the trustees wlth respect to going concern are descrlbed in the relevant sections of this report. other Informatlon The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial ststements and our auditor's report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the exter)t otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or othemise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. 12-
RIBBLE RIVERS TRUST LIMITED (FORMERLY RIBBLE CATCHMENT CONSERVATION TRUST LTD) INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT {CONTINUED) TO THE MEMBERS OF RIBBLE RIVERS TRUST LIMITED (FORMERLY RIBBLE CATCHMENT CONSERVATION TRUST LTD) Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companles Act 2006 In our oplnion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit.. the information given in the trustees, report for the financial year for which the financial statements ar6 prepared, which includes the directors, report prepared for the purposes of company law, is consistent with the financial statements., and the directors, report included within the trustees, report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements, Matters on whlch wo are requlred to report by exceptlon In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Charity and its envlronment oblained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the directors, report included within the trustees, report. We have nothing to report In respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2008 requires us to report to you if. in our opinion.. adequate accounting records have not been kept, or retums adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us., or the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or certain disclosures of trustees, remuneration specified by law are not made., or we have not recelved all the information and explanations we require for our audit- or the trustees were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with tha small companies regime and take advantage of the small companies, exemptions in preparing the irustees, report and from the requirement to prepare 8 Strateglc report. Responslbllltles of trustees As explained more fully in the statement of trustees, responsibilities, the trustees, who are also the directors of the Charity for the purpose of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the Charity's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicablo, matters related to going concem and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to ase operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. Audltor's r8sponslbllltles for the audlt of tho flnanclal statements Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAS {UK) will always detect a material misslatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered msterial if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. Extent to whlch the audit was consldered capable of detectlng Irregularltles, Includlng fraud Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance wth laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below. We identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and then design and perfomi audit procedures responsive to those risks, including obtaining audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 13-
RIBBLE RIVERS TRUST LIMITED (FORMERLY RIBBLE CATCHMENT CONSERVATION TRUST LTD) INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE MEMBERS OF RIBBLE RIVERS TRUST LIMITED (FORMERLY RIBBLE CATCHMENT CONSERVATION TRUST LTD) Identifylng and assessing potentlal risks related to Irregularltles In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non- compliance with laws and regulations, we have considered the following.. the nature of the industry and sector, control environment and business performance including the design of the Charity's remuneration policies, key drivers for directors, remuneration, bonus levels and performance targets., results of our enquirles of management about their own identification and assessment of the risks of irregularities. any matters we identlfied having obtalned and reviewed the Charity's documentatlon of thelr polici8s and procedures relating to.. • identifying, evaluatlng and complying wlth laws and regulations and whether they were aware of any instances of non-compliance; detecting and responding to the risks of fraud and whether they have knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud., the internal controls established to mitigate risks of fraud or non-compliance with laws and r&gulations', the matters discussed among the audit engagement team including significant component audit teams and involving relevant specialists regarding how and where fraud might occur in the financial statements and any potential indicators of fraud, As a result of these procedures, w8 considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the organisation for fraud and identified the greatest potential for fraud in the following areas.. timing of recognition of commercial income, posting of unusual journals and complex transactions., and manipulating the Charity's performance profit measures and other key performance indicators to meet remuneration targets and externally communicated targets. In common with all audits under ISAS (UK), we are also required to perform specific procedures to respond to the risk of management override. We also obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that the Charity operates in, focusing on provisions of those laws and regulations that had a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The key laws and regulations we considered in this context included UK Companies Act, Charities Act, employment law, health and safety regulations, pensions legislation and tax legislation. 14-
RIBBLE RIVERS TRUST LIMITED (FORMERLY RIBBLE CATCHMENT CONSERVATION TRUST LTD) INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT {CONTINUED) TO THE MEMBERS OF RIBBLE RIVERS TRUST LIMITED (FORMERLY RIBBLE CATCHMENT CONSERVATION TRUST LTD) Audit response to rlsks Identlfled Our procedures to respond to risks identified included the following.. reviewing the financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with provisions of relevant laws and regulations described as having a direct effect on the financial statements- enquiring of management concerning actual and potential litigation and claims. performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships that may indicate risks of material misstatement due to fraud., reading minutes of meetings of those charged with governance and reviewing correspondence with HMRC., and In addressing the identified risks of fraud through management override of controls, testing the appropriateness of joumal entries and other adjustments; assessing whether the judgements made in making accounting estimates are indicative of a potential bias,. and evaluating the business r8tionale of any significant transactions that are unusual or outside the normal course of business. Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstatements in the financial statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. For example, the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations (irragularities) is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely the inherently limited procedures required by auditing standards would identify It. In addition, as wtth any audit, there remained higher risk of non-detection of irragularities, as these may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal controls. We are not responsibl6 for preventlng non-compliance and cannot be expected to detect non-compliance with all laws and regulatlon8. A further description of our responsibilities is availabla on the Flnancial Reportlng Council's website at., httPS'.11 .frc.org.uklauditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report. Use of our report This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitalje company's members those matters we are required to state to th&m in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the Ilest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or forthe opinions we have formed. Jow • 6tsoloLSf LLP Cerl Dlxon Bsc (Hons) FCA {Senlor Statutory Audltor) for and on behalf of PM+M Solutlons for Buslness LLP Chartered Accountants Statutory Audltor New Century House Greenbank Technology Park Challenge Way Blackburn Lancashire BB15QB 15-
RIBBLE RIVERS TRUST LIMITED (FORMERLY RIBBLE CATCHMENT CONSERVATION TRUST LTD) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024 Unrestricted Rostricted funds funds 2024 2024 Total Unrestrlctod Restrlctsd funds funds 2023 2023 Total 2024 2023 Notss As restated Incom8 from: Charitable activit18S Inv8Stments 116,148 1,828,983 1,945,131 9,086 9,086 121,887 2,039,824 2,161,711 1.323 1,323 Total Incomè 125,234 1,828,983 1,954,217 123,210 2,039.824 2,163,034 Expèndlture on: Charitable activities 75,480 1,801,417 1,876,897 73,042 2,164,298 2,237,34Q Total axpenditure 75,480 1,801,417 1,876,897 73,042 2.164,298 2,237,340 Net Incomelloxpanditure) 49,754 27.566 77,320 50,168 1124,4741 (74,3061 Transf8rs beeen funds {12,631} 12,631 Net movement In funds 49,754 27,566 77,320 37,537 (111,8431 {74,306} Reconciliatlon of funds: Fund balances at 1 February 2023 428,987 690,697 1,119,684 391.450 802,540 1,193,990 Fund balances at 31 January 2024 478,741 718,263 1,197,004 428,987 690,697 1,119,684 The statement of financial activities includ&s all galns and losses recognised in th8 y8ar. All Income and 8xp8ndltur8 derive from continuing activities. 16-
RIBBLE RIVERS TRUST LIMITED (FORMERLY RIBBLE CATCHMENT CONSERVATION TRUST LTD) BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 JANUARY 2024 2024 2023 Notes Fixed assets Tangible asséts Inv8Stm8nts 12 13 16,251 100 10,030 100 16,351 10,130 Currént asséts Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 14 469,973 764,477 677,961 510,891 1,234,450 1.188,852 Crodltors: amounts falllng due wlthln one year 15 (53,297 (78,798) Net current assets 1,181,153 1,110,054 Total as8ets108s current Ilabllltle8 1,197,504 1.120,184 Crodltors: amounts falllng due after more than one year 16 {500) 1500) Net assets 1,197,004 1,119,684 Net a38ets 1,197,004 1,119,684 The funds of the Charlty Restrlcted Income funds Unrestricted funds 18 19 718,263 478,741 690,697 428,987 1,197,004 1,119,684 Inancial statements were approved by the trustées on Cowburn Chairman Chairman A T Rowntree ' Secretary and treasurer Company registration number 03498691 (England and Walés) 17-
RIBBLE RIVERS TRUST LIMITED (FORMERLY RIBBLE CATCHMENT CONSERVATION TRUST LTD) STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024 2024 2023 Notes Cash flows from operatlng actlvltles Cash generated fromllabsorbed by) operations 23 261,699 (144,216) Investlng actlvltles Purchase of tangible fixed assets Investment income received (17,200) 9,087 (3,660) 1,323 Net cash used in Investlng actlvltles 18,113) (2,337) Nat cash used In flnanclng actlvltles Nat Increaselldecrease) In cash and cash equlvalents 253,686 <146,553) Cash and cash equlvalents at beginning of year 510,891 657,444 Cash and ca8h equlvalants at end of year 764,477 510,891 18-
RIBBLE RIVERS TRUST LIMITED (FORMERLY RIBBLE CATCHMENT CONSERVATION TRUST LTD) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024 Accountlng pollcles Charity Informatlon Ribble Rivers Trust Limited {Formerly Ribble Catchment Conservation Trust Ltd) is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is CIO Heidelberg Materials, Ribblesdale Works, Clitheroe, Lancashire, BB7 4QF. 1.1 Accountlng conventlon The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charity's Igovarning documenti, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 'Th8 Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" {"FRS 102") and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities- Statement of Recommended PractlC8 applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 1021" (effective 1 January 20191. The Charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102. The flnancial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the Charlty. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below, 1.2 Golng concern At the tlme of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expe¢tatlon that the Charity has adequate resources to continue In operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trLBtees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements. 1.3 Charltable funds Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives. Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements. 1.4 Income Income Is recognised when the Charlty is legally entltled to it after any performance condltlons have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received. Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised On the Charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under GiftAid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation. 1.5 Expendlture Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third paty, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of dIrt costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity- Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity .and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset's use. 19-
RIBBLE RIVERS TRUST LIMITED (FORMERLY RIBBLE CATCHMENT CONSERVATION TRUST LTD) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024 Accounting policies (Continued) 1.6 Tangible fixed assets Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses. Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their rasldual values over their useful lives on the following bases., Motor vehicles 25% Straight Line The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financlal activities. 1.7 Flxed asset Investment8 Fixed asset investments are initially measured at transaclion price excluding transaction costs, and are subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date. Changes in fair value are recognised in net incomel(expenditure) for the year. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred. 1.8 Cash and ca8h equlvalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash In hand, deposits held at call wilh banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank ovordrafts, Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities. 1.9 Flnan¢lal Instruments The Charity has elecled to apply the provisions of Section 11 'Basic Financial Instrument8, and Section 12 'Other Financial Instruments Issues, of FRS 102 to all of its financial instrumgnts. Financial instruments are recognised in the Charity's balance sheet when the Charity becomes party to the contractual provlsions of the instrument. Financial assets and liabilities are offset, wlth the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intantion to settle on a net basis or to realise the a88et and settle the liability simultaneously. Basi¢ financlal assets Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised. Baslc flnanclal Ilabllltles Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially rocognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised. Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method. Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. -20-
RIBBLE RIVERS TRUST LIMITED (FORMERLY RIBBLE CATCHMENT CONSERVATION TRUST LTD) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024 Accountlng pollcles {Continu8d) 1.10 Employee beneflts The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee's services are received. 1.11 Retlrem8nt b8neflts Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due. Crltlcal accountlng estlmates and Judgements In the application of the Charity's accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or In the period of the ravision and futur& periods where the revision affects both current and future periods. Income from charltable actlvltles Unrostrl¢tod Restrlcted fund8 funds 2024 2024 Total Unrestrlcted Restrlcted funds funds 2023 2023 Total 2024 2023 Subscriptions and donation8 Donations from subsidiary company Gift in kind - office accommodation Grants and contributions receiveable Angling passport tokens 51,671 28,276 79,948 59,626 29,416 89,042 40,633 40,633 38,178 38,178 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 1,800,708 1,800,708 3,844 2,010,408 2,010,408 4,083 3,844 4,083 116,148 1,828,983 1,945,131 121,887 2,039,824 2,161,711 Income from Investments Unrestricted Unrestricted funds funds 2024 2023 Bank interest 9,086 1,323 -21
RIBBLE RIVERS TRUST LIMITED (FORMERLY RIBBLE CATCHMENT CONSERVATION TRUST LTD) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024 Expenditure on charitable actlvities 2024 2023 Dlrect C08ts Staff costs Depreciation and impairment Gift in kind- office accommodation Accountancy Governance costs Legal and professional fees Training Telephone, intemet and websile Minor equipment Insurance Subscriptions Office supplies Bank charges Advertising Habitat improvement works Newsletters Motor and travel expenses Other charltable expenditure 732,512 10,978 20,000 10,464 10,600 47,172 30.928 14.013 40,183 14,848 3,198 9,350 899 4,257 884,013 1,551 37,642 4,389 808,602 8,083 20,000 13,779 8,200 12,581 30,843 14,650 12,752 9,309 2,000 11,118 850 19,236 1,222,968 2,252 35,313 4,804 1.876,897 2,237,340 Analysls by fund Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 76,480 1,801.417 73,042 2,164,298 1,876.897 2,237,340 Support C09ts allocated to actlvltles 2024 2023 Governance costs 10,500 8,200 Analysed between: Audit Fees Accountancy 8,500 2,000 8,200 10.500 8,200 -22-
RIBBLE RIVERS TRUST LIMITED (FORMERLY RIBBLE CATCHMENT CONSERVATION TRUST LTD) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THEYEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024 Net movement In funds 2024 2023 The net movement in funds is stated after chargingl{crediting)'. Fees payable for the audit of the charity's financial statements Depreciation of owned tangible fixed asset8 8,500 10,978 8,200 8,083 Trustee8 None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) recelved any remuneration or benefits from the Charity during th& year. Employees The average monthly number of employees during the year was.. 2024 Number 2023 Number Engaged in Projects Administration 23 25 Total 24 26 Employment costs 2024 2023 Wages and salaries Social security costs other pension costs 614,880 62,546 55,087 691,516 64,883 52,203 732,S12 808,802 The number of employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000 is as follows: 2024 Number 2023 Number £70,000 - £79,999 £80,000 - £89,999 Remuneratlon of key management personnel The remuneration of key management personnel was as follows: 2024 2023 Aggregate compensation 363,298 306,022 -23-
RIBBLE RIVERS TRUST LIMITED (FORMERLY RIBBLE CATCHMENT CONSERVATION TRUST LTD) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS {CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024 Employees (Contlnued) The key management personnel of the parent charity comprise the Chief Executive Officer, Head of Core Services, H&ad of People and Learning, Strategic Evidence and GIS Manager, Head of Land Management and Head of River Conservation. 10 Taxatlon The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes. 11 Restatement The prlor year SOFA has been restated to transfer fee Income to expenditure. Thls is to make it comparable to current year figures. 12 Tanglble flxed assets Motor vehlclos Cost At 1 February 2023 Addltlons 128,238 17,200 At 31 January 2024 145.436 Depreclatlon and Impalrment At 1 February 2023 Depreciation charged in Ihe year 118.207 10.978 At 31 January 2024 129,185 Carrylng amount At 31 January 2024 16,261 At 31 January 2023 10,030 13 Flxed asset Investments Unlisted investments Cost or valuatlon At 1 February 2023 & 31 January 2024 100 Carrylng amount At 31 January 2024 100 At 31 January 2023 100 -24-
RIBBLE RIVERS TRUST LIMITED (FORMERLY RIBBLE CATCHMENT CONSERVATION TRUST LTD) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024 14 Debtors 2024 2023 Amounts falllng due wlthln one year: Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings other debtors Prepayments and accrued income 101,680 364,453 3,840 69,054 604,764 4,143 469,973 677,961 15 Credltors: amounts falllng due wlthln one year 2024 2023 Trade creditors Accruals and deferred income 42,661 10,746 64,695 14,103 53,297 78,798 16 Credltors: amounts falllng due after mora than one year 2024 2023 Other creditors 500 500 17 Retlrement beneflt schemes 2024 2023 Doflned contrlbutlon schamos Charge to profit or loss In respect of defined contribution schemes 66,087 52,203 The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The 8ssets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Charity in an independently administered fund. -25-
RIBBLE RIVERS TRUST LIMITED (FORMERLY RIBBLE CATCHMENT CONSERVATION TRUST LTD) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024 18 Restricted funds The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. At l February 2023 Incomlng resources Resources expended Transfers At 31 January 2024 National Lottery Heritage Fund Environment Agency United Utilitl8S The Rivers Trust Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Pendle Hill Landscape Partnership Lancashire Woodland Connect National Lottery Heritage Fund (Green Recovery Challenge Fund) Yorkshire Dales Millenium Trusl (Funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund- Green Recovery Challenge Fund) The Woodland Trust BAE Others 76,463 120,824 189,121 29,172 (50,523) (473,998) (231,864) (5,481) 26,930 29,606 461,282 23,691 382,779 504,025 69,739 190,510 (275,000) (14,761) {4,238) 42,461 1.674 (76) (2,564) 43,677 1,292 43,299 359,763 (324,175) 78,887 134 24,692 9,324 89,716 28,260 245,532 (2,3241 119,146 (28,394) (180,471) 89,763 (7,000) 7,000 (233,109) 117,247) 690,697 1,828,983 (1,801,417) 718,263 -26-
RIBBLE RIVERS TRUST LIMITED (FORMERLY RIBBLE CATCHMENT CONSERVATION TRUST LTD) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024 18 Restrlcted funds (Contlnued) Prevlous year: At 1 February 2022 Incomlng resources Resources expended Transfers At 31 January 2023 National Lottery Heritage Fund EnvironmentAgency United Utilities The Rivers Trust Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Pendle Hill Landscape Partnership Lancashire Woodland Connect National Lottery Heritage Fund {Green R&covery Challenge Fund) Yorkshire Dales Millenium Trust (Funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund- Green Recovery Challenge Fund) The Woodland Trust BAE Others 168,967 12,305 111,641 31,729 30,903 706,416 254,753 2,312 (123,417) (595,618) (170,212) (4,869) 76,453 120,824 189,121 29,172 (2,279) (7,061 > 211,184 278,622 (426,737) 6,670 89,739 (1,556) 109,321 35,416 1,403 138,098) 168,263) {4,238) 42,461 64,472 427,010 (448,183) 43,299 28,674 100,217 86,120 9,324 107,328 (128,757) 180,679) 134 24,692 9,324 89,716 19,251 65,803 (79,465> (3,9501 802,640 2,039,824 (2,184,298) 12,631 890,697 Within our projects that are delivered through provision of restricted funding by exiemal Funders, we take a holistic approach to addressing the issues, as such the description below focuses on the significant activities delivered using the funds, however most funding will contribute to a range of activities. Envlronment Agency- We receive support from both natlonal and local programmes. The local programmes support delivery of fish and eel passage projects. woodland creation (through Tributrees), habitat improvements and fann advice across the Catchment (Ribble and Douglas Farm Advice), natural flood risk management projects (Trawden NFM) and engagement activities (Darwen Environment and Engagement Project). Nationally there is support for hosting the Ribble Catchment Partnership - Ribble Life, and the Natural Environment Investment Readiness Fund (NEIRFI project Eco-regen Lancashire, which explored ways to increase private funding and investment in the restoration of the Ribble Catchment. United Utilities - Delivering farm advice and improvements to farm infrastructure in the °Tidal Ribble. area of the Catchment to the west of Preston and support to the Wyre Rivers Trust in the °Tidal Wyre. area. Delivering farm advice and developing a capital works programme to improve water quality in the River Loud Catchment, and Wayoh. As well as the "Catchment System Thinking" grant for "Valuing Ribble's Water Woods" seeking to detemiine the economic value of woodland for water quality improvements, and opportunities for green finance to support woodland creats'on. United Utilities have also provide funding through the oat Innovation Funded projects Mainstreaming Nature Based Solutions. which seeks to increase the use of nature based projects to address water sector issues. As well as the Catchment Monitoring Cooperative seeking to increase Citizen Science to influence decision making. -27-
RIBBLE RIVERS TRUST LIMITED (FORMERLY RIBBLE CATCHMENT CONSERVATION TRUST LTD) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024 18 Restrlcted funds (Continued) The Rivers Trust - delivering habitat improvements through woodland creation to provide multiple ecosystem seNices and benefits across the Ribble Catchment, and exploring Green Finance for woodland creation in the 'Trees for Waterf project, a juvenile salmon monitoring programme, and in collaboration with United Utilities the better rivers better northwest programme of farm groups. We also received funding from the Rivers Trust for a DEFRA"Test and Trial" which is a project seeking to obtain input from farmers into the development of the new agri-environment schemes. Department for Levelllng Up, Housing and Communities Funding supported the "Opening Up the River Douglas (OUR Douglas)" project involving 8 priority fish passage projects across the Douglas sub-catchment, as well as funding from Groundwork Cheshire, Lancashire and Merseyside. Lancashire Woodland Connect - a 10 year woodland creation campaign start&d in January 2020, which has sought financial support from a range of organisations and the public. This includes support from Pendle. Hyndburn, Rossendale, West Lancashire, Lancaster, and Ribble Valley councils. It also received funding from a range of corporate donors and individuals. National Lottery Heritage Fund Green Recovery Challenge Fund Supporting the "Health and Environmental Action Lsncashire (HEAL)" project, which is delivering woodland, wetland, access, volunteering and education activities across Lancashire. Th& Green Recovery Challenge Fund also includes funding from thg Department for the Environment Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRAI. Yorkshlre Dales Mlllennium Trust - supporting fami cooperation through facilitation as well as woodland creation and activities linked to the Facilitation Fund, Ribble5dale Farm Group. Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust Funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund supports the Deeper Connection project which is the next evolution of the Ribble5dale Farm Group, supporting a range of habitat creation and restoration projects across the Long Preston Deeps (and surrounding area). The Green Recovery Challenge Fund also includes funding from the Department for the Environment Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The Woodland Trust - The Grow Back Greener funding, associated to the Northern Forest supporting woodland creation across the catchment. Others A r8ng8 of schools contributing to our education campalgn., Whalley Vtllage Hall donation for woodland creation around Whalley., Skipton Properties a donation to woodland creation around Long Preston Deeps,. Enforcement Undertakings for rivar restoration projects., Trees for Cities and Natural England for activities with community groups. 19 Unrestrlcted funds The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors 8S to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes. At 1 February 2023 Incoming resources Resources expended Transfers At 31 January 2024 General funds 428,987 125,234 (75,480) 478,741 -28-
RIBBLE RIVERS TRUST LIMITED (FORMERLY RIBBLE CATCHMENT CONSERVATION TRUST LTD) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024 19 Unrestricted funds (Contlnued) Prevlous year: At 1 February 2022 Incomlng resources Resources expended Transfers At 31 January 2023 General funds 391,450 123,210 (73,042) (12,631) 428,987 20 Analysls of net assets b•tween funds Unrestrlcted funds 2024 Restrlcted funds 2024 Total 2024 At 31 January 2024: Tangible assets Investments Debtors Cash Current Ilabillties Long term liabilitles 12,905 100 172,605 304,377 (10,748) (600) 3,346 16,261 100 469,973 764,477 163,297) (500) 297,388 460,100 (42,651) 478,741 718,263 1,197,004 Unrestrlcted funds 2023 Restrlcted funds 2023 Total 2023 At 31 January 2023: Tangible assets Investments Debtors Cash Current liabilities Long term liabilities 3,343 100 74,983 364,410 (13,349) (500) 6,687 10,030 100 677,959 510,893 (78,798) (500) 602,976 146,483 (65,449) 428,987 690,697 1,119,684 21 Operating lease commitments Lgssee At the reporting end date the Charity had outstsnding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows: 2024 2023 Within on8 year 4,173 5,913 -29-
RIBBLE RIVERS TRUST LIMITED (FORMERLY RIBBLE CATCHMENT CONSERVATION TRUST LTD) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS {CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024 22 Related party transactions During the year the following transactions took place between the Trust and Ribble Rivers Consultancy Limited, a company registered in England an Wales which is a wholly owned subsidiary.. The Trust recharged costs of £72,95012023 - £29,530) to the subsidiary and the subsidiary company made donation of £40,633 (2023 - £38,178) to the Trust. At 31 January 2024 there was an amount of £101,680 {2023 - £69,054) included in debtors in respect of Ribble Rivers Consultancy Limitad, Durlng the year, unreslricted cash contributions recelved from Trustees and companles In which they have an interest amounted to £8,141. 23 Cash generated from operations 2024 2023 Surplusl(deficit} for the year 77,320 74,306 Adjustments for.. Investment income recognised in statem8nt of financlal activities Depreciation and Impalrment of tangible fixed assets (9,086) 10,978 11,323) 8,083 Movements in working capital.. Decreasel(increa5e) in debtors IDecrease}lincrease in creditors 207,988 (25,501) 182,729) 6,059 Cash generated fromllabsorbed by) operatlons 261,699 (144,216) 24 Analysls of changes In net funds The Charity had no material debt during the year.