Charity registration number 1075053
Company registration number 03666857 (England and Wales)
FRIENDS OF BRANDON WOOD
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025
FRIENDS OF BRANDON WOOD
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
| Trustees | D A Cardus | |
|---|---|---|
| V R Wood | ||
| W A Ireland | ||
| A R Kirby | ||
| A C Sinclair Taylor | ||
| R J Cardus | ||
| M W Dallaway | (Appointed 13 June 2024) | |
| Secretary | V R Wood | |
| Charity number | 1075053 | |
| Company number | 03666857 | |
| Registered office | 22 Pinewood Drive | |
| Binley Woods | ||
| Coventry | ||
| West Midlands | ||
| United Kingdom | ||
| CV3 2BX | ||
| Independent examiner | Azets Audit Services | |
| 3Mc Middlemarch Business Park | ||
| Siskin Drive | ||
| Coventry | ||
| United Kingdom | ||
| CV3 4FJ |
FRIENDS OF BRANDON WOOD
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' report | 1 - 2 |
| Independent examiner's report | 3 |
| Statement of financial activities | 4 |
| Balance sheet | 5 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 6 - 12 |
FRIENDS OF BRANDON WOOD
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTOR'S REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 January 2025.
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 Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)".
Objectives and activities
(a) To conserve and enhance the natural beauty and amenity of the area of benefit to Brandon Wood including flora and fauna natural to it or as may be compatibly introduced thereto. To assist in the provision of facilities for education, recreation or other leisure activities in the interest of social welfare with a view to improving the conditions of life.
(b) For the protection of the environment, the provision, maintenance and improvement of a public amenity in the vicinity of a landfill site.
The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
Achievements and performance
The Charity has been administered during the year by the Trustees in accordance with the wishes of its members and within the constraints of its constitution. Administrative expenses have been maintained at a very low level. The Trustees expenses have continued to be a nil charge to the Charity (Company).
Monthly Trustees Meetings have continued throughout the year. We were pleased to co-opt a representative from Binley Woods Parish Council to liaise between the two. The Annual General Meeting took place on 13th June and was very well attended.
The number of paid up members dropped slightly from 468 to 411 as we moved to cash free membership payments. Strategies are being put in place to encourage residents to renew their memberships. Information and membership forms in weather proof boxes in the wood has resulted in some new membership applications.
Regular weekly work parties carrying out a variety of conservation projects have continued to be well attended. Monthly Sunday work parties have also been well attended and have included a few young people.
Pine thinning has continued in line with Forestry Commission guidelines. The resulting timber has been sold for horse bedding and chipboard. Brash has been cleared or tidied for the benefit of wildlife as well as woodland visitors. A large number of indigenous broad leafed tree saplings have been planted in cleared areas. This is in keeping with our aim to return the woodland to a natural English woodland. With the aid of a grant, coppiced areas have been surrounded by deer fencing allowing the stools to grow undisturbed.
Weather has impacted some trees within the wood. Dry spells resulted in some trees dying while winter storms saw several large trees fall. These were quickly made safe and the timber removed.
We responded very quickly to local residents’ reasonable requests to reduce vegetation bordering their property as they perceived it to be a possible fire risk.
Butterfly and moth surveys have continued, the results showing that Brandon Wood is on trend compared to other woodland areas. Warwickshire Wildlife Trust carried out a hedgehog survey and a group of PHD university students carried out a study of pollination distribution.
The woodland continues to be a very popular amenity for the local community. Families, walkers and cyclists make regular use of the wood. The all-ability path is popular with people with mobility issues and carers of babies in pushchairs. A 13 year old boy joined the Sunday work party to complete his Duke of Edinburgh Award ‘Service to the Community’. We were also joined by Coventry and Warwickshire Outdoor Group on one work party when a large number of tree whips were planted. We appreciated their assistance.
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FRIENDS OF BRANDON WOOD
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTOR'S REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025
Financial review
During the year the charitable company returned a surplus of £8,786 (2024 - £1,149 deficit).
At the balance sheet date the charitable company's reserves totalled £219,900 (2024 - £211,114) of which £130,866 (2024 - £130,866) related to restricted funds.
It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month’s expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.
The trustees has assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
Structure, governance and management
The charity is a company limited by guarantee and governed by the Memorandum of Association and Articles (Companies Act 1985).
The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:
D A Cardus
V R Wood
W A Ireland A R Kirby A C Sinclair Taylor R J Cardus M W Dallaway (Appointed 13 June 2024)
Trustees are appointed by the Members of the Charity at the Annual General Meeting, provided a quorum of 12 people, all being members, is present. Each Trustee is appointed to fulfil a particular role in relation to achieving the objectives of the Company.
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
..............................
V R Wood Trustee
Date: .............................................
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FRIENDS OF BRANDON WOOD
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF FRIENDS OF BRANDON WOOD
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Friends of Brandon Wood (the charity) for the year ended 31 January 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the 2006 Act).
Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
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2 the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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3 the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
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4 the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
Robert Anderson FCA
Azets Audit Services
3Mc Middlemarch Business Park Siskin Drive Coventry CV3 4FJ United Kingdom
Dated: .........................
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FRIENDS OF BRANDON WOOD
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2025 Notes £ £ Income from: Donations and legacies 3 16,781 - Charitable activities 4 13,294 - Investments 5 1,082 - Total income 31,157 - Expenditure on: Raising funds 6 234 - Charitable activities 7 22,137 - Total expenditure 22,371 - Gross transfers between funds - - Net income/(expenditure) for the year/ Net movement in funds 8,786 - Fund balances at 1 February 2024 80,248 130,866 Fund balances at 31 January 2025 89,034 130,866 |
Total Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2024 2024 £ £ £ 16,781 13,671 - 13,294 4,325 - 1,082 387 - 31,157 18,383 - 234 358 - 22,137 13,279 5,895 22,371 13,637 5,895 - (3,395) 3,395 8,786 1,351 (2,500) 211,114 78,897 133,366 219,900 80,248 130,866 |
Total 2024 £ 13,671 4,325 387 18,383 358 19,174 19,532 - (1,149) 212,263 211,114 |
|---|---|---|
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.
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FRIENDS OF BRANDON WOOD
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 JANUARY 2025
| Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 12 Current assets Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 13 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Income funds Restricted funds 14 Unrestricted funds |
2025 £ 63,344 (942) |
£ 157,498 62,402 219,900 130,866 89,034 219,900 |
2024 £ 49,994 (750) |
£ 161,870 49,244 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 211,114 | ||||
| 130,866 80,248 |
||||
| 211,114 |
The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 January 2025.
The director acknowledges her responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on .........................
..............................
D A Cardus Trustee
Company registration number 03666857
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FRIENDS OF BRANDON WOOD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025
1 Accounting policies
Charity information
Friends of Brandon Wood is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 22 Pinewood Drive, Binley Woods, Coventry, West Midlands, CV3 2BX, United Kingdom.
1.1 Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's [governing document], the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 “The 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 Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. 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 Going concern
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
1.3 Charitable 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 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.
Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.
1.4 Income
Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions 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 once 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 Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.
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FRIENDS OF BRANDON WOOD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
1.5 Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditures as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, 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 accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings, they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
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 residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
Land and enhancements 15% per annum of cost on certian enhancements Tractor and chipper 15% per annum of cost Tools and equipment 15% per annum of cost
Freehold land is not depreciated.
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 financial activities.
1.7 Impairment of fixed assets
At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).
1.8 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
Basic financial 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.
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FRIENDS OF BRANDON WOOD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
Basic financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised 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.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
2 Critical accounting estimates 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 revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
3 Donations and legacies
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Donations and gifts | 7,100 | 7,544 |
| Grants receivable | 9,681 | 6,127 |
| 16,781 | 13,671 | |
| Grants receivable for core activities | ||
| Rural Payments Agency | 9,681 | 6,127 |
| Other | - | - |
| 9,681 | 6,127 |
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FRIENDS OF BRANDON WOOD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025
4 Charitable activities
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Sales within charitable activities | 13,294 | 4,325 |
5 Investments
| **Unrestricted ** | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Interest receivable | 1,082 | 387 |
6 Raising funds
| **Unrestricted ** | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Fundraising and publicity | ||
| Other fundraising costs | 234 | 358 |
| 234 | 358 |
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FRIENDS OF BRANDON WOOD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025
7 Charitable activities
| Depreciation and impairment Administrative expenses Maintenance and development costs Analysis by fund Unrestricted funds Restricted funds |
2025 £ 7,442 5,528 9,167 22,137 22,137 22,137 - |
2024 £ 5,356 4,470 9,348 |
|---|---|---|
| 19,174 | ||
| 19,174 | ||
| 13,279 5,895 |
8 Accountants remuneration
Included within administrative expenses are fees of £942 (2024 - nil) payable to accountant for the completion of the independent examination. The comparative period includes fees of £750 for the prepartion of stautory accounts.
9 Trustees
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.
10 Employees
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Number | Number | |
| Total | - | - |
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.
11 Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.
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FRIENDS OF BRANDON WOOD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025
| 12 Tangible fixed assets Land and enhancements Tractor and chipper Tools and equipment £ £ £ Cost At 1 February 2024 151,476 43,586 2,835 Additions 499 480 2,091 At 31 January 2025 151,975 44,066 4,926 Depreciation and impairment At 1 February 2024 20,531 13,796 1,700 Depreciation charged in the year 173 6,556 713 At 31 January 2025 20,704 20,352 2,413 Carrying amount At 31 January 2025 131,271 23,714 2,513 At 31 January 2024 130,945 29,790 1,135 13 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 2025 £ Accruals and deferred income 942 |
Total £ 197,897 3,070 |
|---|---|
| 200,967 | |
| 36,027 7,442 |
|
| 43,469 | |
| 157,498 | |
| 161,870 | |
| 2024 £ 750 |
14 Restricted funds
The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes:
| Balance at 1 February 2023 Resources expended £ £ Brandon Wood including enhancements 130,866 - New culvert project 2,500 (5,895) 133,366 (5,895) |
Movement in funds Transfers Balance at 1 February 2024 Incoming resources Balance at 31 January 2025 £ £ £ £ - 130,866 - 130,866 3,395 - - - 3,395 130,866 - 130,866 |
Movement in funds Transfers Balance at 1 February 2024 Incoming resources Balance at 31 January 2025 £ £ £ £ - 130,866 - 130,866 3,395 - - - 3,395 130,866 - 130,866 |
|---|---|---|
| 130,866 |
Brandon Wood including enhancement
Original funding to assist in the purchase of the wood.
New culvert project
Funding for a new culvert to replace a bridge to enable wheelchair access to the wood.
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FRIENDS OF BRANDON WOOD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025
| 15 Analysis of net assets between funds Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 2025 2025 £ £ Fund balances at 31 January 2025 are represented by: Tangible assets 26,632 130,866 Current assets/(liabilities) 62,402 - 89,034 130,866 |
Total Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 2025 2024 2024 £ £ £ 157,498 31,004 130,866 62,402 49,244 - 219,900 80,248 130,866 |
Total 2024 £ 161,870 49,244 |
|---|---|---|
| 211,114 |
16 Related party transactions
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2024 - none).
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