Charity number: 1076275
BUXTON CONSERVATION TRUST
UNAUDITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
BUXTON CONSERVATION TRUST
| CONTENTS | |
|---|---|
| Page | |
| Reference and administrative details of the charity, its Trustees and advisers | 1 |
| Trustees' report | 2 - 3 |
| Independent examiner's report | 4 |
| Statement of financial activities | 5 |
| Balance sheet | 6 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 7 - 14 |
BUXTON CONSERVATION TRUST
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Trustees
D D Marris, Chairman A J F Buxton H G Cator
Charity registered number
1076275
Principal office
Hill House Carlton Newmarket Suffolk CB8 9JY
Accountants
MA Partners LLP Chartered Accountants 7 The Close Norwich Norfolk NR1 4DJ
Investment Advisors
Barratt & Cooke 5 Opie Street Norwich Norfolk NR1 3DW
Page 1
BUXTON CONSERVATION TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025.
Objectives and activities
a. Policies and objectives
The charity's objects are to manage and enhance the Stiffkey Wildlife Reserve.
The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity's aims and objectives. Minimizing the disturbance of wildlife habitat is a key tenet of the charity's conservation efforts and public access would contravene the charity's objectives. However, significant areas of the reserve are viewable by the public at all times, and without charge, from Public and Permissive footpaths. The reserve is also visited by school children and people undertaking research into a wide range of ecological, environmental and conservation subjects.
There have been no changes in the objectives since the last annual report.
b. Activities undertaken to achieve objectives
Activities for achieving the objectives of the charity continue to be the management of the Stiffkey Wildlife Reserve along strict conservation principles. There have been no new activities.
Achievements and performance
a. Main achievements of the charity
The assets of the charity are invested in a portfolio of listed investments generating income totalling £24,155 (2024 - £24,208) which contributed towards the costs of conservation activities during the year.
b. Review of activities
Income in the year exceeded expenditure by £10,694 however, investment losses of £16,047 gave rise to a net deficit for the year of £5,353 ( 2024 - £23,437 net surplus). The value of the investment portfolio stood at £884,494 (2024 - £901,297) at 31 March 2025. The Trustees consider that the financial position of the charity is satisfactory.
Financial review
a. Going concern
After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.
b. Reserves policy
The Trustees are conscious of the current need to maintain unrestricted reserves sufficient to meet planned as well as unforeseen fluctuations in income and expenditure and aim to maintain a cash balance of £10,000 in the bank account at all times. As at 31 March 2025 unrestricted funds totalled £65,053 (2024 - £53,903) .
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BUXTON CONSERVATION TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Structure, governance and management
a. Constitution
Buxton Conservation Trust is a registered charity, number 1076275, and is constituted under a Trust deed.
b. Methods of appointment or election of Trustees
The management of the charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Trust deed.
Plans for future periods
The substantial developments at the outset have now been completed, and no further plans (other than maintenance) are required.
Statement of Trustees' responsibilities
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102);
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make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the Trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
D D Marris
Date: 23 June 2025
Page 3
BUXTON CONSERVATION TRUST
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Independent examiner's report to the Trustees of Buxton Conservation Trust ('the charity')
I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the Trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared the accounts in accordance with 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) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has been withdrawn.
I understand that this has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.
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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accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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.
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 accounts to be reached.
This report is made solely to the charity's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the charity's Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an independent examiner's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity's Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.
Signed:
Dated: 23 June 2025
Frank Shippam BSc FCA DChA
MA Partners LLP
Chartered Accountants
Page 4
BUXTON CONSERVATION TRUST
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| Note Income from: Investments 2 Other income 3 Total income Expenditure on: Charitable activities 4 Total expenditure Net (losses)/gains on investments Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: 10 Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted funds 2025 £ 46,809 62 46,871 35,421 35,421 - 11,450 53,603 11,450 65,053 |
Restricted funds 2025 £ - - - 756 756 (16,047) (16,803) 1,126,297 (16,803) 1,109,494 |
Total funds 2025 £ 46,809 62 46,871 36,177 36,177 (16,047) (5,353) 1,179,900 (5,353) 1,174,547 |
Total funds 2024 £ 46,208 62 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 46,270 60,512 |
||||
| 60,512 37,679 |
||||
| 23,437 1,156,463 23,437 |
||||
| 1,179,900 |
The Statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 7 to 14 form part of these financial statements.
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BUXTON CONSERVATION TRUST
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025
| Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 6 Investments 7 Current assets Debtors 8 Cash at bank and in hand Current liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 9 Net current assets Total net assets Charity funds Restricted funds 10 Unrestricted funds 10 Total funds |
11,363 40,701 52,064 (2,568) |
2025 £ 240,557 884,494 1,125,051 49,496 1,174,547 1,109,494 65,053 1,174,547 |
21,961 17,583 39,544 (1,596) |
2024 £ 240,655 901,297 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,141,952 37,948 |
||||
| 1,179,900 1,126,297 53,603 |
||||
| 1,179,900 |
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
................................................
D D Marris
Date: 23 June 2025
The notes on pages 7 to 14 form part of these financial statements.
Page 6
BUXTON CONSERVATION TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1. Accounting policies
1.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - 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 2015), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
Buxton Conservation Trust meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.
1.2 Income
All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment income is receivable.
Other income is recognised in the period in which it is receivable and to the extent the goods have been provided or on completion of the service.
1.3 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, 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 on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.
All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
1.4 Interest receivable
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.
1.5 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.
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BUXTON CONSERVATION TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1. Accounting policies (continued)
1.5 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation (continued)
Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives.
Depreciation is provided on the following bases:
- Freehold property Not depreciated - Plant and machinery 15% reducing balance
1.6 Investments
Fixed asset investments are a form of financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction cost and subsequently measured at fair value at the balance sheet date, unless the value cannot be measured reliably in which case it is measured at cost less impairment. Investment gains and losses, whether realised or unrealised, are combined and presented as ‘Gains/(Losses) on investments’ in the statement of financial activities.
1.7 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
1.8 Liabilities and provisions
Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.
Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.
1.9 Financial instruments
The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.
1.10 Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.
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BUXTON CONSERVATION TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
2. Investment income
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Investment income 24,155 Rents receivable 22,000 HMRC interest 654 46,809 |
Total funds 2025 £ 24,155 22,000 654 46,809 |
Total funds 2024 £ 24,208 22,000 - |
|---|---|---|
| 46,208 |
3. Other incoming resources
| Unrestricted | Total | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | funds | |
| 2025 | 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Wayleaves | 62 | 62 | 62 |
4. Analysis of expenditure by activities
| Charitable activities Total 2024 |
Activities undertaken directly 2025 £ 23,000 42,500 |
Support costs 2025 £ 13,177 18,012 |
Total funds 2025 £ 36,177 60,512 |
Total funds 2024 £ 60,512 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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BUXTON CONSERVATION TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
4. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)
Analysis of direct costs
| Donations Warden costs and contribution towards conservation activities Analysis of support costs Estate maintenance, insurance and drainage Light and heat Governance - accountancy Professional fees Sundry Depreciation |
Total funds 2025 £ 500 22,500 23,000 Total funds 2025 £ 8,932 - 2,568 1,056 523 98 13,177 |
Total funds 2024 £ - 42,500 |
|---|---|---|
| 42,500 Total funds 2024 £ 10,435 1,067 2,508 3,414 473 115 |
||
| 18,012 |
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BUXTON CONSERVATION TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
5. Trustees' remuneration and expenses
During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2024 - £NIL) .
During the year ended 31 March 2025, no Trustee expenses have been incurred (2024 - £NIL) .
6. Tangible fixed assets
| Cost or valuation At 1 April 2024 At 31 March 2025 Depreciation At 1 April 2024 Charge for the year At 31 March 2025 Net book value At 31 March 2025 At 31 March 2024 |
Freehold property £ 240,000 240,000 - - - 240,000 240,000 |
Plant and machinery £ 2,732 2,732 2,077 98 2,175 557 655 |
Total £ 242,732 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 242,732 | |||
| 2,077 98 |
|||
| 2,175 | |||
| 240,557 240,655 |
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BUXTON CONSERVATION TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
7. Fixed asset investments
| Cost or valuation At 1 April 2024 Additions Disposals Revaluations Transfers between classes At 31 March 2025 Net book value At 31 March 2025 At 31 March 2024 8. Debtors Other debtors 9. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year Accruals and deferred income |
Listed investments Cash pending investment £ £ 900,228 1,069 91,649 - (102,439) - (23,879) - - 17,866 865,559 18,935 865,559 18,935 900,228 1,069 2025 £ 11,363 11,363 2025 £ 2,568 |
Total £ 901,297 91,649 (102,439) (23,879) 17,866 884,494 884,494 901,297 2024 £ 21,961 21,961 2024 £ 1,596 |
|---|---|---|
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BUXTON CONSERVATION TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
10. Statement of funds
Statement of funds - current year
| Balance at 1 April 2024 £ Unrestricted funds General Funds 53,603 Restricted funds Restricted Funds 1,126,297 Total of funds 1,179,900 |
Income £ 46,871 - 46,871 |
Expenditure £ (35,421) (756) (36,177) |
Gains/ (Losses) £ Balance at 31 March 2025 £ - 65,053 (16,047) 1,109,494 (16,047) 1,174,547 |
|---|---|---|---|
The restricted funds were all donated by the late Lord Buxton, in the form of land and buildings, the Stiffkey Wildlife Reserve, and stocks and shares. Income from these funds is to be treated as unrestricted, whereas the capital is to be retained unless it can be reinvested into a purpose compatible with the objects of the Buxton Conservation Trust. The donor had confirmed that the restricted funds could be utilised for unrestricted purposes if funds are needed in very exceptional circumstances.
Statement of funds - prior year
| Unrestricted funds General Funds Restricted funds Restricted Funds Total of funds |
Balance at 1 April 2023 £ 67,071 1,089,392 1,156,463 |
Income £ 46,270 - 46,270 |
Expenditure £ (59,738) (774) (60,512) |
Gains/ (Losses) £ - 37,679 37,679 |
Balance at 31 March 2024 £ 53,603 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,126,297 | |||||
| 1,179,900 |
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BUXTON CONSERVATION TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
11. Analysis of net assets between funds
Analysis of net assets between funds - current year
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Tangible fixed assets 557 Fixed asset investments - Current assets 67,064 Creditors due within one year (2,568) Total 65,053 |
Restricted funds 2025 £ 240,000 884,494 (15,000) - 1,109,494 |
Total funds 2025 £ 240,557 884,494 52,064 (2,568) 1,174,547 |
|---|---|---|
Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year
| Tangible fixed assets Fixed asset investments Current assets Creditors due within one year Total |
Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 655 - 54,544 (1,596) 53,603 |
Restricted funds 2024 £ 240,000 901,297 (15,000) - 1,126,297 |
Total funds 2024 £ 240,655 901,297 39,544 (1,596) 1,179,900 |
|---|---|---|---|
12. Related party transactions
A J F Buxton, Trustee, is also a director of Stiffkey Farms Ltd, from whom the charity received rent of £22,000 (2024 - £22,000) during the year. The charity paid £22,500 (2024 - £42,500) to Stiffkey Farms Ltd in respect of a contribution towards the costs of its conservation activities during the year.
Page 14