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2023-09-30-accounts

SONGBIRD SURVIVAL

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Robin
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A company limited by guarantee
Registered Charity No. 1085281 Company No. 4078747
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SONGBIRD SURVIVAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2023

CONTENTS

Pied flycatcher

SUMMARY INFORMATION

DIRECTORS

INDEPENDENT BANKERS EXAMINERS Svenska Adam James MAAT Handelsbanken Eric Southwick & Co 1 Prince Of Wales Road Chartered Accountants Norwich 51 The Avenue Norfolk Seaham NR1 1BD Co Durham CHARITY ADDRESS SR7 8NS

Tom Leicester

Clive Sherwood Nick Forde Colin Strang Steel Nicky Oliver Peter Roberts Steve Guest Alison Spottiswoode

CHARITY ADDRESS PO Box 311 Diss IP22 1WW

CEO

Susan Morgan

Cover image: Robin by Frank Heinrich

REGISTERED OFFICE

50 Princes Street

Ipswich Suffolk IP1 1RJ

REGISTERED NUMBER 4078747 CHARITY NUMBER 1085281

(Charity Commission for England and Wales)

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INTRODUCTION FROM THE CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE

THIS REPORT ACCOUNTS FOR ACTIVITY FROM OCTOBER 2022 TO SEPTEMBER 2023.

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Colin Strang Steel Susan Morgan
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The past year (2022/2023) has been one of significant growth and ambition as we strive to address the crisis facing UK songbirds. Our annual report for the year ending September 2023 captures the progress we’ve made and acknowledges the challenges ahead.

We take pride in our strong foundations, expanding organisational capacity, and the dedication of our skilled staff, loyal members, generous supporters, and hardworking trustees. Our shared commitment to a positive future for songbirds remains unwavering. Together, we are collaborating to make a meaningful impact on our goals.

This year, we’ve updated our overall strategy to guide our work. Recognising the serious decline of songbirds, we carefully direct our efforts where they can have a clear and impactful outcome.

Working with our Scientific Research Advisory Committee we have developed a robust fiveyear strategy (2023-2028) to address crucial evidence gaps for the conservation of UK songbirds. We’ve initiated a new scientific research investment programme to support this effort.

Progress has also been made in our educational campaigns, such as Gardens for Birds. These campaigns translate our research into practical actions for songbird conservation and are reaching new and broader audiences.

To achieve our goals, we rely on the vital support of our members and donors. Despite external economic challenges, we had a successful year and remain committed to the highest standards of professionalism and stewardship

in our fundraising. Our small size allows us to maintain a personalised approach, valuing and listening to the input of our members.

As we enter 2023/2024, increased investments in research and partnerships are planned, including a focus on engaging younger audiences. Leveraging our digital presence and building brand awareness will be key to ensuring the success of our research and campaigns.

Looking forward, SongBird Survival remains steadfast in our commitment to build on the successes of 2022/2023. Our plans are grounded in a clear strategic framework, a strong research agenda, and an unwavering dedication to our mission. This is backed by a determination to be courageous when needed and not shy away from what can be difficult conversations about the most pressing threats and issues to the songbirds which share our natural world.

Together, we will continue to navigate challenges, inspire action, and work towards a future where songbirds thrive.

Colin Strang Steel, Chairman & Susan Morgan, CEO

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SONGBIRD SURVIVAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2023

The Trustees present their annual report, together with the accounts for the year ended 30th September 2023, which have been prepared in accordance with the statutory requirements and the charity’s governing documents. The Trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) Accounting and Reporting by Charities (FRS 102) in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity.

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PRINCIPAL OBJECTIVES AND
ACTIVITIES OF SONGBIRD SURVIVAL
OBJECTS OUR VISION AND AIM
The object of the charity is to improve protect The charity’s vision is to see a resilient and
and preserve the population of song and other balanced UK songbird (and other small
small birds for the benefit of national biodiversity bird) population sustained through sound
and the public. It aims to achieve this by management strategies.
commissioning and funding scientific research;
supporting the conservation and restoration Our aim is to improve, sustain or halt the decline
of habitats; by education of the public and by of UK songbird populations.
advocacy where changes in the law may be
deemed necessary to protect song and other
small birds.
Wren
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ORGANISATION STRATEGY

STRATEGY

A new strategic framework was developed by the Board in summer 2023. Work continues to develop the detail of this strategy due to be published in 2023/2024.

Our strategic goals encompass three key themes:

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Priyesha Willow tit
Tank, PhD
Raising Funding Arresting
awareness independent the decline
1of the rapid 2 scientific 3of the most
decline of research which at-risk songbirds
songbirds in fills critical which breed
order to activate evidence gaps and annually in the UK.
and motivate leads to action
action for change and demonstrable
impact
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How we will succeed

We are proud to be ambitious, growing and ready to take on the next stage in our organisational development. Five core themes are incorporated in all that we do to support the achievement of our goals.

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SONGBIRD SURVIVAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2023

RESEARCH STRATEGY

Working with our Scientific Research Advisory Committee of specialists and experts, a new five-year research strategy for 2023-2028 is now in place.

Our scientific research programme funds songbird specific research across the whole of the UK. We fund novel and innovative research that fills gaps in the conservation evidence base. Projects are prioritised where there is potential for the biggest impact on halting and/or reversing songbird declines.

This strategy sets out our specific priorities for scientific research to benefit the declining UK songbird population. These priorities were identified through an independently led comprehensive review of the scientific evidence. The study assessed the relative importance of potential drivers of change in species population size of UK annually breeding passerines with 83 species considered. The outcome determined gaps in evidence base relating to songbird declines in the UK and has led to a number of new studies which are now in the commissioning pipeline.

Main activities and achievements

Scientific research is at the heart of our work to influence and achieve a more positive future for songbirds, but this works alongside our other core activities.

Scientific research into the causes of decline of songbirds, and using the results of this research to demonstrate what is happening to songbirds

Suitable education of the public and key audiences through targeted campaigns to engage them in actions to benefit songbirds Publicising the causes of decline in songbird numbers and acting as the voice for songbirds in conveying relevant facts and information to the public

Lobbying other conservation organisations and government to effect changes of policy and where necessary, the law

Influencing and educating farmers, landowners, government, other NGO’s and the public about the need for conservation of natural and semi-natural habitats, predator control, and re-creation of habitats in which the songbirds may live

NEW RESEARCH PROJECT

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Song thrushes
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META ANALYSIS OF NEST CAMERA STUDIES

his project is looking at UK nest camera data to give a greater understanding T of the threats facing UK songbird populations. Independent researchers from the University of East Anglia and the British Trust for Ornithology are creating a database of previously published nest camera studies.

By putting together all this information and studying it, we will figure out exactly which types of animals are causing problems for nesting birds in different contexts. The results will then be compared to existing perceptions about how wildlife interact, including relevant literature and policies. This will help us to determine if existing theories about predation are reliable.

The outcomes of this project, due in 2023/2024 will:

RESEARCH PIPELINE

The Scientific Research Advisory Committee and the SongBird Survival Board have agreed a number of new PhD projects which are now in the process of commissioning. These include

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SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

GOAL:

To deliver a programme of independent scientific research targeting specific gaps in the conservation evidence base relating to songbird declines and prioritised relating to their potential to make a positive impact to achieve the organisational mission .

Two long term studies were underway during 2022/2023.

Cats, their owners and the environment reached its conclusion in 2022/2023 and the Pesticides and songbirds project at University of Sussex continued to deliver some critical findings.

CATS, THEIR OWNERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT

ats are the second most popular pet in the UK with more than C 12 million animals and living in 28% of households. Their presence as companion animals provides many with much needed love and company but understanding the impact that cats have on our songbird populations is a crucial area of research.

The project working with the University of Sussex has focused on understanding more about cat behaviour and cat owner attitudes to hunting to move beyond the social conflict that has plagued the issue of cat predation on wildlife.

The project took an innovative approach through engagement and collaborative research with cat welfare organisations and cat owners. A series of nine papers have been published which have identified key practical solutions proven to minimise hunting and these have generated significant media interest in the findings.

A multi-partner meeting was held in spring 2022 gathering together key individual and organisational stakeholders to work together towards shared goals to support the reduction in cats’ hunting. The meeting was convened and led by The University of Exeter and we hope this will lead to beneficial partnerships as we use the study’s findings to make a positive impact for songbirds.

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SONGBIRD SURVIVAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2023

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PESTICIDES AND SONGBIRDS
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ow entering its third year, this study which is working to N understand pesticide use and how it may affect UK songbirds is producing much anticipated results.

Published in the Journal of the Total Environment, the paper ‘Habitat quality, urbanisation & pesticides influence bird abundance and richness in gardens’ investigated bird-friendly features in domestic gardens and looks at the use of pesticides in gardening and the effects these have on our common garden songbirds.

Key findings

Cannelle Tassin de Montaigu, the lead author, said “House sparrow population is declining fast in the UK and pesticide use could be one of the factors. Pesticides are not fundamentally necessary in our gardens and many towns in the UK and around the world are now pesticide free, let’s do the same in our own gardens!”

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ENGAGEMENT AND EDUCATION

CAMPAIGNS

GOAL:

To provide information and guidance to the general public on how they can take more active actions to preserve and protect songbirds and actively encourage proactive engagement with this.

Every day we respond to enquiries and promote advice and information. We also run targeted campaigns based upon messaging linked to our scientific research.

Our campaign and education activity continues to grow. Our campaigns are designed to turn our scientific research outcomes into solutions which make an impact through targeted audiences.

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EDUCATION CASE STUDY:
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elso Showground: Border Union Agricultural Society (BUAS) Spring K Schools Event, 16th May 2023

130 teachers brought 1,300 primary aged school children to the event to learn about countryside activities and organisations. Susan our CEO, Colin, our Chairman and volunteers Bob Black and Bob Dawson attended the event, taking with them various resources and Garden for Birds 2023 materials to hand out to the teachers and children. This is an enthusiastic audience and fuels our aim to do more to educate younger people.

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SONGBIRD SURVIVAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2023

Goldfinch

RESULTS:

CAMPAIGN CASE STUDY:

ardens for Birds: A campaign to get people to think proactively about birds G and how they can support them in their gardens.

The campaign focused on education, awareness, and inclusivity, sharing messaging for the universal accessibility of bird-friendly gardening, irrespective of garden size or gardening expertise. The success of this initiative was reflected in the increased outreach to diverse audiences, individuals unfamiliar with the charity, and those who had not considered bird-centric gardening before.

Key elements included a campaign section on the website, show stands at a number of events to reach gardeners, a PR campaign and provision of information resources in print and online.

Information

A resource bank of materials and dedicated campaign on the website provided targeted information for gardeners

Shows and Events

With four shows attended, including the Royal Norfolk Show and Toby’s Garden Festival, we reached more than 3,400 people face to face, providing advice and also some welcome feedback on our work and identification of the most unknown issues.

Partnerships

Our partner, Grazers, invited us to share their space at various events across February, March and April, including the Garden Press Event which gained a lot of interest and was of invaluable support with the PR and radio aspects of our Garden for Birds Campaign.

Website

The campaign drew visitors to the website with 1,100 downloads of resources and almost 5,000 campaign site visits.

Social media followers increased by 335% compared to usual increase and adverts reached 66,511 people

ENGAGEMENT & REACH

Total reach was 287,741 (excluding press) and engagement with 23,995 individuals.

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FUNDRAISING

GOAL:

To increase income from existing audiences through excellent stewardship, alongside diversifying the portfolio of activity and investing in generating income from new audiences.

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Robin
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e do not receive any government funding: 100% of income comes from W donations, and our work relies on the generosity of members and supporters. We have signed up to the Fundraising Regulator’s fundraising promise and we strictly adhere to the Fundraising Regulator’s code of fundraising practice and all the relevant Chartered Institute of Fundraising guidance, including ‘Treating Donors Fairly.’

SongBird Survival has not received any complaints regarding aspects of our fundraising during the year. We have not received any notifications from the Fundraising Preference Service during 2022/2023.

Securing long-term sustainable income is vital and we continue in our aim to broaden the range of ways in which individuals and organisations can get involved. A priority area in our fundraising strategy is developing income from Trusts and Foundations and this year we have invested in recruiting a new specialist team member who will lead growth in this area.

Our members continue to be the core of our supporter base. 60 new members were recruited but there was a net decline of 6% during the year.

These loyal supporters often support in many ways and play a significant role in providing financial support and guiding our work through the feedback they provide.

LEGACIES

Supporting a charity through a legacy can provide loyal members and supporters with a wonderful way of ensuring that their desire for a positive future for songbirds can become a reality. Legacies received in recent years have enabled us to have the confidence to commit to investment in critical long-term research projects. In 2022/2023 we received £155,717 of legacy income. Using a new suite of legacy marketing materials, we continue to promote the value and benefits of supporting us in this way.

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SING FOR THEIR FUTURE?
Leave a gift for songbirds
in your will today
Our dedication to songbirds is a long
WILL and difficult path and we are only able
YOU to achieve anything for our birds with
your help. Their future is in your hands.
George
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SONGBIRD SURVIVAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2023

“I feel that SongBird Survival’s funding for independent studies on bird decline is excellent”

Satisfaction levels: 8.7 out of 10

WHAT OUR SUPPORTERS SAY:

Listening to our members and supporters provide an important and helpful guide for our work. In 2023 our annual supporter survey demonstrated that our commitment to stewardship continues to have a positive impact. Satisfaction levels remained at 8.7 out of 10 and the vast majority (almost 90%) also feel appreciated, think that we spend the donations wisely, and keep them informed about our work.

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Whitethroat
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“SongBird Survival is accessible and personal, and they bring people who care about birds together”

“I have confidence I’m supporting a professional organisation”

“I feel as though I’m getting some questions answered and also helping songbirds at the same time”

TRUSTS

We are grateful for the support received from charitable trusts and foundations and would like to thank the 45 Trusts and Foundations who donated to us in the year. A full list of these can be found on our website.

The income from Trusts and Foundations provides vital funds which enable our research and engagement programmes to be achieved.

Our Gardens For Birds Campaign was only made possible by funding from 16 Trusts. This support meant we were able to reach new audiences and help educate them on ways they can help songbirds. This funding has also provided campaign materials which will be used in coming years, expanding our reach and impact.

We would specifically like to thank the Dulverton Trust for their £10,000 donation towards our Meta Analysis research project, plus their welcome support in keeping our running costs low through the loan of their boardroom.

With our Trusts and Foundations Manager, we aim to build on existing relationships with Trusts and develop new connections that support our research projects and education programmes based on these scientific findings.

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Copdock promotion at the
Royal Norfolk Show
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CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

Our corporate partnership with Copdock Mill was renewed for another two years raising £25,000 across two years and also raising awareness of SongBird Survival through a range of branded packaging on the packaging of the wild bird food range.

“We are delighted to work with SongBird Survival to protect songbirds and to support their work through the sales of our wild bird food range.”

Marie Podkormorzy, Marketing Manager

We are keen to develop partnerships with companies and this year have started working with Metal Motif, Grazers and Zembra. We are very appreciative of their support.

INDIVIDUALS

The fundraising efforts of our members and supporters are very much appreciated and we love to hear about all the wonderful ways they choose to raise money. This years’ great ideas have included Open Gardens, sponsored bird counts and coffee mornings. We enjoy supporting our fundraisers and provide a Fundraising Pack with resources to help those who want to take action and support our work.

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Tree sparrow by Sharon Wilson
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APPEALS

The generosity of our supporters and members to our appeals is very much appreciated and forms the cornerstone of our income generation. We had a terrific response to our two main appeals in winter and summer which this year went towards funding our educational activity and a new metaanalysis of nest cameras research studies.

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SONGBIRD SURVIVAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2023

COMMUNICATIONS

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GOAL:

To raise awareness of the organisation, its mission and impact, building a positive brand reputation and increased engagement with key stakeholder groups and audiences.

ctivity to support this goal has been an important area in 2022/2023. We do A not underestimate the importance of a positive brand reputation and high organisational awareness in supporting our strategic goals. We launched a new website in autumn 2022 and have a new Communications Strategy in place.

Investment in specialist communications expertise is growing with recruitment underway to appoint a new Communications Manager. We will also continue to be supported by expertise from specialist external PR professionals to ensure we maximise the impact of our research results and campaigns.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Our digital channels allow us to get the word out about the latest campaigns, research, information on songbirds, charity news and how to get involved. They are also important for generating feedback and engagement with key audiences.

IN 2022/2023 OUR CHANNELS GENERATED:

Page Followers: 7,095, +17% Engagement: 34,892 reactions, +86% Reach: 472,797

PRESS AND MEDIA

Working with external freelance PR support, SongBird Survival was featured once again featured across a broad range of print online and radio broadcasting in 2022/2023. These activities all supported our aim to raise awareness of the charity and our work, build a positive brand reputation and increase engagement with key stakeholder groups and audiences.

Followers: 2956, +126% Engagement: 55,000 reactions +120% Reach: 115,774, +95%

[(Twitter)]

Followers: 3,830, +15% Engagement: 6,833 reactions, +105% Impressions: 159,766

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IN THE NEWS

The Gardens for Birds Campaign secured more than 111,000 listeners on radio appearances throughout the campaign across eleven stations. Print articles in the Daily Mail, Yorkshire Post and a host of gardenrelated publications also shared the messaging to encourage gardeners to provide bird-friendly habitat in their outdoor space.

A press campaign to share the findings of the Pesticides and Gardens study resulted in coverage in several national publications. These included the Daily Express , The Guardian , The Herald in Scotland, BBC Radio Devon , BBC Radio Norfolk and My Science . Total audience reach for coverage of the study was over 125m.

NATIONAL ROBIN DAY

Our sixth annual awareness event on 21st of December 2022 was a highlight in 2022/2023.

Our goals were: To drive action at home to help songbirds throughout December 2022 through signups to a National Robin Day campaign, website traffic and engagement on social media.

To increase brand awareness of SongBird Survival and position the charity as the ‘go-to’ on saving the UK’s songbirds in December 2022, through securing PR coverage and social media reach. The focus was on encouraging people to helping birds in winter through cost effective and DIY solutions.

Sophie Wesley (Curious PR), Sue Morgan and Hannah Kapff (Curious PR)

The Cats and Cat owners campaign led by Curious PR for SongBird Survival, secured a media reach of over 673 million across three waves of activity. It was a finalist in the Third Sector Awards 2022 in the Communications Campaign of the Year category.

Social media activity reached 208,000 people

with over 12,000 reactions and a significant impact on follower numbers.

#NationalRobinDay trended in the UK in the top 10 for most of the day.

Over 2,700 new supporters signed up to receive our advice and ongoing information

and there was an 81% increase in visitors to the website .

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SONGBIRD SURVIVAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2023

FINANCIAL REVIEW

INCOME decreased by 5% to £437,930 (2022 £460,392).

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Income
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Donations £97,746 Membership £34,384

Legacies and In Memory Gifts £138,029 Trust Grants £106,413

Corporate Partnerships £13,051 Gift Aid £27,038

Income Generating Activities £6,874 Other Income £14,395

Income was generated from a broadening portfolio of income streams as we continue to invest in the development of voluntary income generation. Individual donations lowered year on year, as expected, as multi-year-pledgers who donated to the 2020 Future Appeal came to a close. However, individual donations remain strong, and we are very grateful for the committed support of these individuals.

The response to the programme of an annual winter and summer appeal was good and we are investing time and energy into stewardship of these donors who are very engaged and loyal.

Membership subscription income grew slightly due to some new life and corporate memberships with higher subscription rates despite overall member numbers dropping slightly.

Legacy income is unpredictable and can change significantly year on year. Five significant gifts were received in 2022/2023.

Trust Funding continues to be a key income provider with income increasing by 32% and this is a key area we have identified and are investing in for future growth.

EXPENDITURE increased by £60,553 to £401,823.

Research Programme £107,572 Education Programme £60,284 Fundraising costs £66,525 Cost of membership £30,373 PR, communications and marketing £48,036 Support Costs £89,033

The most significant changes relate to staff costs, increased research funding and investment in campaigns and education and engagement.

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NET INCOME

A net surplus of £36,107 was achieved in 2022/2023. This surplus was planned to enable the charity to retain its agreed reserves and build a fund that will allow the commissioning of new longer-term research projects, where funding is needed for several years. This surplus is designated for this purpose and will be allocated to priority research projects identified in 2022/2023.

Closing total assets were £408,006

At the year-end our unrestricted reserves amounted to £408,006. As per the Charity’s Reserves and Investment Policy, £392,000 of these funds are held in Reserve or are Designated Funds towards the Research and Education Programmes. This means the free reserves of the charity are £16,006.

FINANCIAL RESERVES POLICY

The following reserves will be held: i) A “safety reserve” of £50,000 pounds to cover budget variances, to allow contingency actions to be affected, and to provide a buffer for more radical action in the event of a more serious or more sustained variance than anticipated. ii) A “general reserve” of £74,000 pounds to be used to support the growth of the charity, in particular to ensure key staff contracts and operational costs can be continued in a crisis. This is calculated based upon three months of operating costs.

RESTRICTED AND DESIGNATED FUNDS

  1. The Research Fund. A total of £107,572 was spent from this fund towards our research programme as described in the report of the Directors. At the year end the fund amounted to nil with £196,000 held in reserve for future spending.

  2. The Duckworth Fund. This began in 2013 and has been used to fund the Keith Duckworth Scholarship fund for Research. At the year end this fund amounted to nil.

  3. The PR Fund. This fund was set up in 2012 to help towards the cost of promoting the work of the charity. The fund is ongoing with a regular income pledged to help with these costs until the end of 2025. At the year end this fund amounted to nil

after a total of £48,036 was spent during the year. 4. The Education Fund. This fund was set up to help fund our Education programme and the Charity spent £47,535 during the year and at the year end the fund amounted to nil with £72,000 held in reserve for future spending.

All funds are actively fundraised for and donations which are restricted to that purpose pass through their respective fund accordingly.

Any shortfall in spending from any particular fund is made up with transfers from unrestricted funds.

RISK MANAGEMENT

The Board takes all reasonable steps to ensure that major risks are identified and recorded.

The risk register which identifies both operational and strategic risks is reviewed and updated every six months by the senior staff team. The Board conduct a more robust review on an annual basis.

PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

The main risks identified during the risk management process were:

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SONGBIRD SURVIVAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2023

OUR FUTURE PLANS

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Nuthatch by Lucy Goodson
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The last year has seen continued change within the charity especially in relation to having clear strategic goals and supporting plans. Thanks to the generous support of our donors, 2023/2024 will see an increased investment in research with the start of several new projects. This new suite of studies has been identified to fill gaps in the evidence base and where they have potential to make tangible and significant impact.

In 2023/2024 we will add the nuance and practical detail in our new strategic framework. Developing partnerships and working to inspire action from younger audiences are strong themes in our forthcoming work.

The Scientific Research Advisory Committee will guide this area of our work providing expert and objective steerage of our research programme as we actively commission new research studies.

Our work will continue to be guided by eight organisational objectives which give us focus for our annual plans and support the delivery of the strategy.

Our original ‘Birds and Pesticides’ projects will conclude in 2023/2024, although we now anticipate a potential follow-on study to delve further into findings relating to the negative impact of veterinary drug treatments applied to pets but affecting chicks in nests. Although ‘Cats and their owners’ research has ended we are increasingly devoted to supporting cat owners to

take proactive decisions to minimise the hunting by their cats. 2023/2024 will see a new educational campaign and associated petition to change relevant regulatory elements.

Fundraising to develop a sustainable income base will continue to be a priority in 2023/2024 and beyond. This will include engaging with wider audiences and building our supporter base. We will develop our membership programme and introduce a new lottery fundraising product. Stewardship and a high level of personalised support will be fundamental to build our community of loyal supporters.

Our brand awareness must be increased to enable us to build relationships with stakeholders and supporters and realise our ambitious goals. A major part of this will be to maximise the impact of our research through promoting the publication of papers in the media and where applicable educating the public and advising what they can do to help reverse the decline of songbird populations. This will be achieved through targeted PR campaigns, building our profile on social media, further developing our new website, and maximising our use of digital communication.

We will develop our engagement campaigns which ensure our scientific findings are turned into practical action and a positive impact for songbirds. In 2024 this will include a second year of Gardens for Birds and the Ruby Robin Award for children aged 5-11.

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THE SONGBIRD SURVIVAL TEAM

Our staff team mostly work remotely across the UK with a small office hub in Diss, Norfolk where our supporter services team are based.

Sue Morgan CEO

George Bradley Operations & Finance Manager

Charlotte Bartleet-Cross Research & Engagement Manager

Robyn Cooper Trusts & Foundations Fundraising Manager

Lisa Beamish Fundraising & Supporter Care

Sofia Chapman Fundraising & Supporter Care

A new post of Communications Manager will be introduced in 2024.

GET IN TOUCH

If you have any questions about how to get involved, support our work or find out more how you can help songbirds, please get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.

Supporter services:

Email: dawn-chorus@songbird-survival.org.uk Tel: 01379 641715 ( 9am-4pm Monday to Friday)

Email:

research@songbird-survival.org.uk fundraising@ songbird-survival.org.uk pr@songbird-survival.org.uk education@songbird-survival.org.uk

Follow us on social media:

SongBirdSBS |  SongBirdSBS  songbird-survival |  songbirdsurvival

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SONGBIRD SURVIVAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2023

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR TO 30TH SEPTEMBER 2023

STRUCTURE AND GOVERNANCE

Structure and Governance

The Trustees have paid due regard to the guidance published by the Charity Commission on Public Benefit, when reviewing the activities of the charity.

Charitable status

The company is a registered charity. Its registration number is 1085281 with the Charity Commission of England and Wales

Legal status and organisation

The Charity is constituted as a company limited by guarantee and, therefore, governed by a memorandum and articles of association. The members of the Charity elect the Trustees at each annual general meeting. The Trustees meet around six times a year to decide how the Charity should carry out its aims.

The Trustees delegate day to day running of the charity to the CEO and staff; with monthly oversight to ensure activities are within agreed parameters.

Services of volunteers

The charity depends on the unpaid work of its Trustees, all of whom donate their time. The money saved by not paying Trustees for their professional expertise has not been quantified but is estimated to be in the region of £36,000 in the year.

Trustees

The Trustees who served the company during the year were as follows: Tom Leicester Peter Roberts Clive Sherwood Steve Guest Nicholas Forde Nigel Macpherson (ret March 2023) Colin Strang Steel Alison Spottiswoode Nicky Oliver

Insurance

The Charity has purchased liability insurance for the Trustees and officers.

Results and Dividends

The results of the Charity are set out on the following pages.

Clause 5 of the Memorandum of Association specifically prevents payment of any dividend or material benefits to members.

Small company status

The report of the Trustees has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

This report was approved by the Board of Trustees on 23rd January 2024.

Appointment of Trustees

Trustees are elected at the annual general meeting by the membership. One-third of the Trustees must retire at each general meeting. No new trustees were appointed in 2022-2023.

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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT

TO THE MEMBERS OF SONGBIRD SURVIVAL

I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 30th September 2023, which are set out on pages 22 to 31.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of 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 you as 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 connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

Adam James MAAT Eric Southwick & Co Charity Accountants 51 The Avenue

Seaham Co Durham SR7 8NS

Date: 18th January 2023

22

SONGBIRD SURVIVAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2023

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT YEAR TO 30TH SEPTEMBER 2023

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2023 2022
Unrestricted Restricted Unrestricted Restricted
Funds Funds Total Funds Funds Total
Notes £ £ £ £ £ £
Income and Endowments
from:
Donations and Legacies 2 287,256 105,367 392,623 372,099 43,777 415,876
Charitable Activities 3 6,874 - 6,874 8,266 - 8,266
Other trading activities 4 506 - 506 831 - 831
Investment Income 5 5,762 - 5,762 1,010 - 1,010
Other 5 32,165 - 32,165 34,409 - 34,409
Total income and Endowments 332,563 105,367 437,930 416,615 43,777 460,392
Expenditure on
Charitable activities:
Research 6 - 107,572 107,572 - 83,028 83,028
Education 6 - 32,396 32,396 - 26,022 26,022
Campaigns 6 12,749 15,139 27,888 2,268 - 2,268
Raising funds
Membership 7 30,373 - 30,373 27,614 - 27,614
Fundraising 7 61,830 - 61,830 56,049 - 56,049
PR 7 - 48,036 48,036 - 66,479 66,479
Activities 7 4,540 - 4,540 4,675 - 4,675
Trading activities 8 155 - 155 126 - 126
Support costs 9 89,033 - 89,033 75,009 - 75,009
Total Expenditure 198,680 203,143 401,823 165,741 175,529 341,270
Net income / expenditure 133,883 (97,776) 36,107 250,874 (131,752) 119,122
Transfers between funds 17 (97,776) 97,776 - (131,752) 131,752 -
Net movement in funds 36,107 - 36,107 119,122 - 119,122
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward 371,899 - 371,899 252,777 - 252,777
Total funds carried forward 408,006 - 408,006 371,899 - 371,899
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23

BALANCE SHEET YEAR TO 30TH SEPTEMBER 2023

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2023 Total 2022 Total
Notes £ £
Fixed Assets
Tangible Assets 13 1,731 1,416
Current Assets
Stock 519 674
Cash at bank - Current Account 275,494 241,830
Cash at bank - Deposit Account 200,000 170,000
Cash in hand 308 328
Funds in transit 627 604
Debtors 14 2,872 2,939
Total current assets 479,820 416,375
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 15 (73,545) (45,892)
Net current assets 406,275 370,483
Total assets less current liabilities 408,006 371,899
Funds:
Unrestricted Funds 16 408,006 371,899
Restricted Funds 16 - -
Total c/fwd 408,006 371,899
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These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions for small companies under Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the Financial Reporting Standard FRS 102.

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 30 September 2023

The members have not required the charitable company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2023 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 23rd January 2024 and were signed on its behalf by:

Colin Strang Steel, Director

The notes on pages 24 to 31 are an integral part of these accounts.

24

SONGBIRD SURVIVAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2023

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW YEAR TO 30TH SEPTEMBER 2023

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2023 2022
£ £ £ £
Net Income / Expenditure 36,107 119,122
Adjustments for:
Purchases / disposals of
investments 1,142 (346)
Depreciation of fixed assets 593 1,709
Dividends, interest and rents from
investments (5,762) (1,010)
Increase / decrease in stock 155 126
Increase / decrease in debtors 67 12,648
Decrease / increase in creditors 27,653 33,439
Cash flows from operating
activities 59,955 165,688
Cash flows from investing
activities
Purchase of property, plant and
equipment (2,050) (2,050) - -
Dividends, interest and rents from
investments 5,762 5,762 1,010 1,010
Change in cash and cash
equivalents in the year 63,667 166,698
Cash and cash equivalents at the
beginning of the year 412,762 246,064
Total cash and cash equivalents
at the end of the year 476,429 412,762
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Cashflow restrictions

Charity law prohibits the use of net cash inflows on any endowed or other restricted fund to offset net cash outflows on any fund outside its own objects, except on special authority. In practice, this restriction has not had any effect on cash flows for the period.

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Analysis of changes in cash during the period
2023 2022 Change
£ £ £
Cash at hand and in bank 476,429 412,762 63,667
2022 2021 Change
£ £ £
Cash at hand and in bank 412,762 246,064 166,698
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25

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR TO 30TH SEPTEMBER 2023

1) ACCOUNTING POLICIES

SongBird Survival is a company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital. Company number 4078747. The registered office is 50 Princes Street, Ipswich, Suffolk. IP1 1RJ. SongBird Survival is a registered charity. Registered in England and Wales Number 1085281.

The principal accounting policies are summarised below. The accounting policies have been applied consistently throughout the year.

INCOMING RESOURCES

All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when the Charity is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:

Voluntary income is received by way of grants, donations, subscriptions and gifts and is included in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when receivable, except as follows:

BASIS OF ACCOUNTING

The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued in October 2019 and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011, Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Practice as it applies from 1 January 2019.

The charity is a public benefit entity as defined under FRS102.

There are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern. Whilst the Trustees expect there could be an impact from the current uncertain economic environment on the charity’s operations and reserves in the coming months and years, the charity has sufficient reserves to be able to meet these challenges.

Legacies are included on a receivable basis where the Charity is entitled to the income, it can be measured reliably and receipt is probable. Where legacies have been notified to the Charity, or the Charity is aware of the granting of probate, and the criteria for income recognition have not been met, then the legacy is not included in income but is treated as a contingent asset and disclosed if material.

Investment income is included when receivable.

APPLICATION OF RESOURCES

Resources expended are included in the statement of financial activities on an accruals basis inclusive of any VAT which cannot be recovered. Expenditure which is directly attributable to specific activities has been included in the relevant cost categories. Where costs are attributable to more than one activity they have been apportioned across the cross categories on a basis consistent with the use of these resources.

26

SONGBIRD SURVIVAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2023

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR TO 30TH SEPTEMBER 2023

FUND ACCOUNTING

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general activities of the Charity.

Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through the terms of appeal.

CREDITORS

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

FIXED ASSETS

Fixed assets are included at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is charged so as to write off the cost of fixed assets over their estimated useful lives. The Trustees estimate that the following classes of assets have the following useful lives:

Computer - 3 years Office equipment - 5 years

STOCK

Stock represents the purchase of goods that are initially recognised at cost. Provision for slowmoving or obsolete lines is made, reducing their carrying value to expected realisable sales or written off and disposed.

DEBTORS

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

PENSION SCHEME

The Charity has arranged a defined contribution scheme for its staff. Pension costs charged in the SOFA represent the contributions payable by the Charity in the period.

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

The company is limited by guarantee, not having a share capital.

The maximum liability of each member does not exceed £1.

TRUSTEES’ EXPENSES

Details of the Trustees’ expenses can be found on page 24. Trustees were reimbursed expenses that they incurred whilst carrying out Trustee duties. The nature of these expenses was travel, mileage and subsistence costs.

TRUSTEES’ REMUNERATION

No Trustee received remuneration during the year.

CASH

Cash at bank and cash 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.

ACCOUNTANCY AND EXTERNAL SCRUTINY FEES

During the year accountancy and external scrutiny fees amounted to £1,300 (2022 £1,800)

CONTROL

The Charity is under the control of the Board of Trustees, each of whom are a Director.

27

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR TO 30TH SEPTEMBER 2023

ANALYSIS OF INCOMING RESOURCES

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2023 2022
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Total
£ £ £ £
2) DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
Donations 47,292 50,454 97,746 122,251
Membership 34,384 - 34,384 32,746
Legacies and In Memory gifts 138,029 - 138,029 155,717
Trust Grants 54,500 51,913 106,413 80,600
Corporate Partnerships 13,051 - 13,051 21,562
Gifts in Kind -
Professional Services - 3,000 3,000 3,000
287,256 105,367 392,623 415,876
3) INCOME GENERATING ACTIVITIES
100 Club and Raffles 5,970 - 5,970 6,264
Auctions - - - 1,250
Events - - - -
Other activities 904 - 904 752
6,874 - 6,874 8,266
4) OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
Sales 506 - 506 831
506 - 506 831
5) OTHER
Investment Income 5,762 - 5,762 1,010
Gift aid 27,038 - 27,038 29,309
Other Revenue 127 - 127 100
Employment allowance 5,000 - 5,000 5,000
37,927 - 37,927 35,419
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28

SONGBIRD SURVIVAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2023

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR TO 30TH SEPTEMBER 2023

ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE ON:

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2023 2022
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Total
£ £ £ £
6) COST OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Research Programme - 107,572 107,572 83,028
Education Programme - 32,396 32,396 26,022
Campaigns 12,749 15,139 27,888 2,268
12,749 155,107 167,856 111,318
7) RAISING FUNDS
Fundraising costs 61,830 - 61,830 56,049
Cost of membership 30,373 - 30,373 27,614
Cost of activities 4,540 - 4,540 4,675
PR, communications
and marketing - 48,036 48,036 66,479
96,743 48,036 144,779 154,817
8) COST OF OTHER TRADING ACTIVITY
Cost of sales 155 - 155 126
155 - 155 126
9) SUPPORT COSTS
Staff costs 65,550 - 65,550 57,853
Staff expenses 7,901 - 7,901 4,880
Trustee meetings and expenses 3,109 - 3,109 1,221
Insurances 1,468 - 1,468 1,226
Professional services 1,724 - 1,724 2,724
Bank charges 950 - 950 1,993
Rent rates and power 3,044 - 3,044 1,729
Office, telephone and stationery 3,518 - 3,518 1,369
Equipment and software 1,176 - 1,176 305
Depreciation 593 - 593 1,709
89,033 - 89,033 75,009
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29

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR TO 30TH SEPTEMBER 2023

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2023 2022
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Total
£ £ £ £
10) NET INCOME / EXPENDITURE
Total income 332,563 105,367 437,930 460,392
Total expenditure 198,680 203,143 401,823 341,270
133,883 (97,776) 36,107 119,122
11) STAFF COSTS
Wages and Salaries 158,201 - 158,201 138,708
Employer's National Insurance 16,257 - 16,257 13,870
Pension contributions 3,753 - 3,753 3,166
Staff training 3,248 - 3,248 2,968
Recruitment costs 6,192 - 6,192 5,525
Other employment costs 430 - 430 2,923
188,081 - 188,081 167,160
2023 2022
Employees with salaries over £60k - -
Number of these employees - -
Total benefits received by these employees, including pension
contributions - -
The average monthly employees during the period 5 4
12) TAXATION
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No provision is made for taxation because the company is a registered charity.

The Charity is entitled to reclaim tax on gift aid donations.

30

SONGBIRD SURVIVAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2023

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR TO 30TH SEPTEMBER 2023

13) FIXED ASSETS

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Computer Office Total
equipment equipment
£ £ £
a) Cost
Balance b/fwd 3,280 6,305 9,585
Additions in the year 875 1,175 2,050
Disposal in the year (2,177) (6,305) (8,482)
Balance c/fwd 1,978 1,175 3,153
b) Depreciation
Balance b/fwd 2,866 5,303 8,169
Charge for the year 352 241 593
Elimination on disposal (1,980) (5,360) (7,340)
Balance c/fwd 1,238 184 1,422
c) Net book value
Balance b/fwd 414 1,002 1,416
Balance c/fwd 740 991 1,731
14) DEBTORS
2023 Total 2022 Total
£ £
Gift aid recoverable 1,582 1,679
Prepayments 1,290 1,260
Other debtors - -
2,872 2,939
15) CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year:
Creditors 4,337 24,106
Pensions and HMRC payable 819 694
Accruals 68,389 21,092
73,545 45,892
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31

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR TO 30TH SEPTEMBER 2023

16) ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS

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Unrestricted Restricted Total
Funds Funds Funds
£ £ £
Tangible fixed assets 1,731 - 1,731
Current assets 479,820 - 479,820
Current liabilities 73,545 - 73,545
Net assets as at 30/09/23: 408,006 - 408,006
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17) MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

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At 01/10/2022 Incoming Outgoing Transfers At 30/09/2023
Resources Resources
£ £ £ £ £
Restricted Funds: - 105,367 203,143 97,776 -
Research Fund: - 40,900 107,572 66,672 -
Duckworth Fund: - 15,000 - (15,000) -
PR Fund: - 15,000 48,036 33,036 -
Education Fund: - 34,467 47,535 13,068 -
Unrestricted
Funds: 371,899 332,563 198,680 (97,776) 408,006
Total funds: 371,899 437,930 401,823 - 408,006
Reserves and
Designated Funds:
General Reserve 54,000 - - 20,000 74,000
Safety Reserve 50,000 - - - 50,000
Designated funds:
Research
programme: 141,000 - - 55,000 196,000
Education
Programme: 60,000 - - 12,000 72,000
Total 305,000 87,000 392,000
Surplus/Deficit: 66,899 437,930 401,823 (87,000) 16,00 6
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Song thrush

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS SUPPORTED OUR WORK THIS YEAR

Just £5 a month from you can be the lifeline our songbirds desperately need. Your contribution means that we can share practical and expert advice, making sure that at-risk birds get the support they need to thrive.

For those who are able to give a little more and make an even bigger impact, £20 a month can help fund groundbreaking research. Imagine being the force behind studies that unravel the mysteries of how pesticides impact our birds. Your generosity leads us towards solutions that kick pesticides to the curb and let birds soar without the damaging effects.

Are you ready to make a difference and join us in the fight to save our songbirds? Donate here: