ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2022-2023
Cobthorn Open Day Winter Wanderland Workshop
Slow Worm Hibemaculum at Cobthorn Littlewood Fungus Walk
1
ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
| Statutory Information | |
|---|---|
| Registered Charity Number | 1076362 |
| Working Name | YACWAG |
| Governing Document | Constitution adopted 18 February 1999 |
| with amendments agreed on 28 June 1999 and 23 May | |
| 2018 and a further amendment was made on 6 July 2022. | |
| Executive Committee | |
| Chairperson | A Moulin |
| Vice Chairperson | R Croucher |
| Secretary | C Moore |
| Treasurer | L Millar |
| Committee | R Ashley |
| M Harrison | |
| S Lovesey | |
| J Clayden | |
| F Moulin | |
| R Wood (Yatton Parish Council) | |
| Landholding Trustees: | |
| Nortons | A Moulin, T Riddle |
| Harry’s Plot – off Claverham Close A Moulin, R Croucher | |
| Cobthorn Reserve | A Moulin, R Croucher |
| Custodian Trustee | The Official Custodian for Charities |
| Bankers | Lloyds TSB plc, Weston-super-Mare branch |
| Charity Bank, Tonbridge. | |
| Triodos Bank, Bristol. | |
| Independent Examiner | Richard Whalley (ACMA). |
| Solicitors | Wards Solicitors, 1-3 Alexandra Road, |
| Clevedon, BS21 7QF & Merryweather Williams, 31 College | |
| Street, Burnham, TA8 1AS. | |
| Website | www.yacwag.org.uk |
2
ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
Structure, Governance and Management
The Charity was registered on 2 July 1999. The group was previously known as Friends of Biddle Street SSSI, which was an informal association with management responsibilities for an area of land in the parishes of Yatton and Congresbury in North Somerset. Membership of the Charity is open to individuals and organisations who are interested in furthering the work of the Charity and who have paid any subscription laid down from time to time by the Executive Committee.
The Charity has a qualified accountant from its membership as Honorary Treasurer. This gives an appropriate level of expertise to develop budgetary, financial risk and investment policies and systems. In addition, we have obtained the services of a qualified accountant to act as independent examiner of the accounts
The Executive Committee has formed an Education and Outreach sub-committee to supplement the work of its existing Land Management sub-committee. It is exploring and developing opportunities to bring individuals and the community closer to nature especially with outcomes for health and well-being.
Objectives and Activities
The Charity’s objects are to establish and maintain nature reserves in the parishes of Yatton and Congresbury for the benefit of the public and to advance education in natural history and nature conservation.
YACWAG has an active membership with a wide array of relevant skills and expertise in voluntary organisation and nature conservation.
Membership of the Charity has been maintained at approximately 250 and the YACWAG Facebook Group reached 705 members.
In addition to fundraising volunteers organise practical work parties, walks, talks, school visits, events, species surveys and training.
YACWAG provides advice and support to local landowners, individuals, other voluntary organisations and community groups on conservation issues. In addition, YACWAG works with a wide network of agencies and voluntary organisations involved with nature conservation in North Somerset. It is represented on the Strawberry Line management committee and continues strong links with North Somerset Council in the management of the Local Nature Reserve. We work closely with Natural England in connection with water quality issues on Biddle Street SSSI and planning issues associated with the North Somerset and Mendip Bats SAC supplementary planning document. We work with the Hawk and Owl Trust and the BTO in monitoring local bird populations especially Barn Owl and Kestrel on YACWAG reserves. The charity works with owners of land in Kings Wood in monitoring Dormouse and Greater Horseshoe Bat populations. We also provide advice and guidance to small land holders and others interested in wildlife friendly gardening in the local community.
3
ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
Achievements and Performance 2022/2023
YACWAG’s financial position remains strong with sufficient reserves to meet its contingent liabilities and further its charitable objectives. The receipt of a substantial bequest has enabled the charity to place a deposit to purchase a field adjacent to its new Cobthorn Reserve thereby creating a larger area under positive management for the Greater Horseshoe Bat. Completion is expected in April 2023.
The lifting of all COVID restrictions enabled the charity to fully engage again with its volunteers, members and communities through a diverse programme of activities commencing with an Open Day in May at the Cobthorn Reserve. Children’s activities and the opportunity to meet the rare breed sheep and cattle at close quarters attracted over 100 visitors and spread the message of “Nature is your Neighbour”. The event concluded with a bat walk. The bat conservation theme was continued with stalls at Yatton Schools annual fete and Congresbury Village Fete during the summer. The display at the latter attracting a prize for the best dressed stall. A bat walk on Cadbury Hill LNR was attended by over 30 people.
Four bat transects were undertaken in the summer for the Bat Conservation Trust Field and Waterway surveys as part of the National Bat Monitoring Programme.
A new information board was erected at the Strawberry Line Junction Nature reserve sponsored by Bristol Airport and Yatton WI Strawberry Hearts depicting nature and railway history.
During the year YACWAG was sponsored by North Somerset Council and Sport England to deliver a programme of 12 Wellness Walks to places of nature interest including its reserves.
A landowner in Kingston Seymour provided an evening walk to see wild flowers in the fields and their management for barn owls. YACWAG volunteers also led other walks throughout the year including an around the reserves’ itinerary giving people an opportunity to view all YAGWAG reserves in a day, a fungus walk at Littlewood and a New Year’s Day walk in conjunction with Cleeve church.
Over the autumn and winter three talks were organised through zoom on the subjects of Fungi at Littlewood, Regenerative Farming and the conservation of Swifts. The latter promoted YACWAG’s action programme to save swifts locally.
YACWAG initiated two projects with North Somerset Council to improve the biodiversity of the Strawberry Line. At Congresbury a volunteer led project to improve the disused station was undertaken with the dual purpose of restoring the platforms and improving wildlife habitat. Three work parties were organised for this purpose involving over thirty people living in the locality. At Yatton work was carried out to remove a large area of scrub and level ground to improve drainage and create a wild flower bank. A litter pick along the line was also organised.
Work parties were organised at Cobthorn for the purpose of carrying out tree and hedge maintenance.
4
ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
On YACWAG reserves the annual programme of checking and maintaining bird boxes was carried out. Volunteers continued with their work to monitor breeding Kestrel and Barn Owl nests in conjunction with the Hawk and Owl Trust. Work was also carried out to replace and reposition boxes. There were regular seasonal surveys carried out within the two parishes including the Strawberry Line and YACWAG reserves. Volunteers attended St Andrews school to organise the RSPB Big Schools Bird Watch and the BTO Rook Survey.
YACWAG repeated its Window Wanderland event in the two parishes to celebrate nature through art with the theme Brilliant British Birds. This again proved popular and included the participation of businesses in making up displays in the windows of over 60 homes and premises including the local library.
YACWAG has also responded to the concerns of its members and the local community about the impact of development and attended two planning inquiries to represent their views concerning the likely threats to the local natural environment especially habitat for the Greater Horseshoe Bat.
5
ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT
I report on the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 March 2023.
Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner
The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under Section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an Independent Examination is needed. It is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act;
-
to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission
-
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of the Independent Examiner’s Report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent Examiner’s Statement
In the course of my examination no matter has come to my attention:
-
which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
-
a) to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the Charities Act b) to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met, or:
-
to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
6
ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The total receipts of the charity in the financial year were £186,274 (2020/21 £92,306). The expenditure amounted to £17,549 (2020/21 £20,137). Total funds carried forward at the end of the year were £283,365. The Committee is satisfied that sufficient reserves are held at the present time.
The Executive Committee is required to comply with its obligations under the Charities Act and Charities SORP 2005 with regard to the preparation of financial statements and is satisfied that it has so complied. The Committee acknowledges that it is responsible for the keeping of proper accounting records and for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.
In line with the decision of the Charity Trustees last year the accounting year runs from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023 and the previous years accounts are shown restated to reflect a 12month period for comparison along with the formally published position.
The significant increase in receipts this year arose from the receipt of a bequest, which is going to support the objectives of the charity through the acquisition of additional land to extend our current reserves. This acquisition is going through due process at the end of the financial year and the solicitor is holding funds in their client account to enable the completion of this transaction.
COMPARATIVE FINANCIAL POSITION
| COMPARATIVE FINANCIAL POSITION | |
|---|---|
| Total Receipts Total expenditure Net Revenue Total Funds Carried Forward |
2022/23 2021/22 2021/22 restated* 186,274 92,306 91,290 17,549 20,137 20,111 |
| 168,725 72,169 71,179 283,365 114,640 114,640 |
Note. (*) The 2021/22 position has been restated to show a 12 months comparison (1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022) to enable direct comparison with the equivalent 2022/23 period
The above report was approved by the Executive Committee on 26 April 2023 and signed on its behalf by:
The notes on page 10 form an integral part of these accounts.
7
ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
| RECEIPTS Restricted Funds (£) Designated/ Unrestricted Funds (£) Totals 2022/23 (£) Totals 2021/22 (£) (13months) Totals 2021/22 (£) (Restated - 12months) |
RECEIPTS Restricted Funds (£) Designated/ Unrestricted Funds (£) Totals 2022/23 (£) Totals 2021/22 (£) (13months) Totals 2021/22 (£) (Restated - 12months) |
|---|---|
| Subscriptions Donations - Paid with Subscriptions Other Donations & Events Give As You Live & EveryClick Donations Gift Aid Publications Clothing Rural Payments Agency Grants S106 Income Bank Interest TOTAL RECEIPTS |
1,518 1,518 1,477 845 128 128 568 345 100 172,962 173,062 1,924 1,814 214 214 123 106 458 458 635 635 7 7 235 235 11 11 31 31 5,690 5,690 5,388 5,388 4,500 0 4,500 2,800 2,800 0 0 79,000 79,000 687 687 125 91 4,600 181,674 186,274 92,306 91,290 |
Subscriptions
At the start of 2023 the Executive Committee agreed to re-establish Life Membership for YACWAG at a new rate of a one-off payment of £200. In addition, we agreed to move to a variable rates of annual membership fees based on households. The three rates were set at £5, £10 and £15. This flexible approach is seen as supportive of the community in the current economic situation.
| PAYMENTS Restricted Funds (£) Designated/ Unrestricted Funds (£) Totals 2022/23 (£) Totals 2021/22 (£) (13months) Totals 2021/22 (£) (Restated - 12months) |
PAYMENTS Restricted Funds (£) Designated/ Unrestricted Funds (£) Totals 2022/23 (£) Totals 2021/22 (£) (13months) Totals 2021/22 (£) (Restated - 12months) |
|---|---|
| Direct Charitable Payments | |
| YACWAG Reserves Management | 26 11,709 11,734 11,959 11,992 |
| Strawberry Line Work | 106 2,639 2,745 4,835 4,835 |
Bird Projects |
0 906 906 128 128 |
| Bat Projects | 0 0 0 90 90 |
Insect Projects |
0 102 102 228 228 |
| Tree Projects | 0 0 0 84 84 |
Education & Training |
100 857 957 348 348 |
| Annual Drainage Rate | 0 112 112 111 111 |
Tools and Equipment |
0 21 21 64 64 |
| Insurance | 0 266 266 267 267 |
| Events | 0 0 0 211 161 |
| Other Payments | |
Stationery & Supplies |
0 65 65 99 99 |
| Meetings | 0 0 0 143 143 |
| Publications | 0 0 0 105 100 |
| Transaction Fees | 0 31 31 22 19 |
| Professional Fees | 0 609 609 1,443 1,443 |
| TOTAL PAYMENTS | 232 17,317 17,549 20,137 20,111 |
8
ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
| MONETARY ASSETS Restricted Funds at 31/03/2023 (£) Designated/ Unrestricted Funds at 31/03/2023 (£) Totals at 31/03/2023 (£) Totals at 31/03/2022 (£) |
MONETARY ASSETS Restricted Funds at 31/03/2023 (£) Designated/ Unrestricted Funds at 31/03/2023 (£) Totals at 31/03/2023 (£) Totals at 31/03/2022 (£) |
|---|---|
| Balance at Bank Lloyds Current Account Lloyds Savings Account Charity Bank Paypal Petty Cash Triodos Social Venture Triodos Deposit Account Solicitors Client Account TOTAL |
369 6,706 7,074 16,567 4,500 62,910 67,410 70,201 512 69,417 69,929 19,620 128 128 221 48 48 20 32,899 32,899 2,899 5,136 5,136 5,112 100,740 100,740 0 5,381 277,984 283,365 114,640 |
New Bank Accounts
No new bank accounts have been opened. Although currently £100,740 is lodged in the Client Account of the Solicitors pending completion of the purchase of additional land. This transaction is expected to complete in the early months of the new financial year
Fixed Assets held by the Charity
-
10 Acre field on Congresbury Moor, purchased in 1999.
-
2 additional fields (New Croft and Meakers) on Congresbury Moor, purchased in 2000.
-
Phippens (field) on Congresbury Moor, purchased in November 2001.
-
Littlewood (woodland), Claverham Drove, Kenn Moor, purchased in 2003.
-
2 fields off Stowey Road, Yatton, purchased in 2006.
-
2 fields off Kenn Moor Road, Yatton, purchased in 2006.
-
Footmead (field) on Congresbury Moor, purchased in 2007.
-
Nortons, field on Congresbury Moor, purchased in 2009.
-
Harry’s Plot off Claverham Close, Claverham, bequeathed in 2017.
-
Cobthorn Reserve, fields off Cobthorn Way, Congresbury transferred under a S106 arrangement in February 2022
The freehold title to the above properties, with the exception of Nortons and Cobthorn, is held on trust for the Charity by the Official Custodian for Charities.
Contingent Liability
The land off Moor Lane known as Nortons is subject to a legal charge in perpetuity of 58.3% of the sale price in the event of any sale.
YACWAG also holds conservation tools and equipment with an estimated value of £4,314
9
ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
1 Receipts and Payments Basis
Section 133 of the Charities Act 2011 allows a charity to prepare a ‘receipts and payments account’ for the year and a ‘statement of assets and liabilities’ at the year-end instead of preparing full accounts for a particular financial year on condition that in the financial year the charity’s gross recorded income was £250,000 or less and it is not a company.
As this charity’s income for the financial year was less than £250,000 the Committee has decided to prepare accounts on this basis.
2 Restricted and Committed Funds
| Balance 31.03.22 £ Funds Received £ Funds Expended £ Balance 31.03.23 £ |
Balance 31.03.22 £ Funds Received £ Funds Expended £ Balance 31.03.23 £ |
|---|---|
| Junction Reserve Project (Bristol Airport & Yatton WI*) |
267 0 106 161 |
| Bat Projects (Middlecombe Nursery) |
246 0 0 246 |
Winter Wanderland 22/23(Yatton PC) |
0 100 100 0 |
| Wellness Walks (Wesport) Cobthorn Reserve (Vistry Limited) |
0 500 4,500 0 0 26 4,500 474 |
| TOTAL | 1,013 4,600 232 5,381 |
YACWAG has no outstanding contractual commitments at the 31 March 2023.
3 Designated Funds
YACWAG has designated funds of £37,716 at the 31 March 2023 largely to cover future estimated costs for the Cobthorn Reserve (£36,745). As agreed by the Trustees the designated funds for the Cobthorn Reserve will be reassessed triennially to ensure adequate reserves are sustained.
4 Independent Examiner’s Fee
The Independent Examiner has agreed to carry out this service for no charge.
5 Employees
The Charity has no employees and has therefore not incurred staff costs during the period.
6 Transactions with Trustees
No member of the Committee received any remuneration during the period. The only payments to members of the Committee were in respect of reimbursement of expenditure incurred on behalf of the charity.
10