Reglstered number: 04214547 Charlty number: 1092754 WARLEY WOODS COMMUNITY TRUST LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee) UNAUDITED TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 WARLEY WOODS COMMUNITY TRUST LIMITED (A company Ilmlted by guarantee) CONTENTS Page Reference and admlnlstratlve detalls of the charlty, Its Trustees and advlser8 Chalrfs statement Trustees. report Independent examlnerfs report Statement of flnanclal actlvlties 4-20 21 Balance Sheet 23 Notes to the flnanclal statements 24-37 WARLEY WOODS COMMUNITY TRUST LIMITED (A company Ilmlted by guarantee) REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Trusteeg Steven Eling, Chair Katherine Slade Alan Reynold8 Elizabeth Coleman Arthur Ward Barbara Platts... Christopher Ashford David Read Patricia Marsh (Resigned 14 October 2023) Michael Talbot Lisa Burrows John Newman Lynda Wagstaff Cllve Heywood Tom Keir Grosvenor (appointed 14 October 2023) Dr Emma Louise Login (appointed 14 October 2023) Company r8glstered number 04214547 Charlty reglsterod number 1092754 Registered offlce The Pavilion Lightwoods Hill Smethwick West Midlands B67 SED Company secretary Michael Talbot Accountants Crowe U.K. LLP Chartered Accountants Black Country House Rounds Green Road Oldbury West Midlands B69 2DG Bankers Unty Trust Bank Bimiingham B12HB Page 1 ## **WARLEY WOODS COMMUNITY TRUST LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)** ## **CHAIR'S STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** ## **The chair presents his statement for the year.** [ **The 2023124 year has been one of overall success for the Trust and Warley Woods. Our membership remains strong at over 1,500 with volunteer support for the park and events involving more than 300 people. All this helps** | | | | | | **to keep Warley Woods looking great, providing the best for its users and being rooted in the community.** | **The year has seen some significant investment to improve conditions and facilities. Many of improvements and renewals have been carried out by our own staff. These included more drainage improvements on the golf** l | | **course greens, renewed litter bins and a new trip rail along the Barclay Road boundary to replace the rotten wooden bollards. Our staff have also had to repair damage including vandalism to the bears in the children's** | i : i l i **playground. Biodiversity in the Wilderness continues to increase. The establishment of the pond since it has been fenced is now attracting ducks with ducklings, newts and diverse insect species; all good for the woods.** > **Planned improvements included renewing the driveway from the Grove Road entran** ; **ce, which was an expensive** | > **job and made possible by two legacies. Patching works were also done to the car park (sadly, the car park is** | **going to need some further repairs).** | : **Golf has continued to be very popular. The course has been busy throughout the year despite the extensive levels of rainfall, especially through the winter. New golfers continue to come to Warley Woods and visiting** i| | **golfers playing against Warley Woods Golf Club in competitions have been very complimentary about the** | nt \| | **course. We have to thank our staff for their dedication to keeping things in the best condition.** i **We ran the full range of events over the year, which were as popular as ever. Many events which require** i | **booking, like guided walks sell out. We have also seen the start of the Artisan Market on the first Sunday of the** : | **month. They began in October and are now a fixture March to December. They certainly seem to be popular** | I **and provide an outlet for local traders and crafts people and are an opportunity for the Trust to raise awareness of what it does.** 1 ' **We reported in the last Annual Report about issues with the Council's grant funding contribution and funding** | **agreement with a proposed review and intention to totally cut funding support within two years. This major problem rumbled on for the whole of 2023/24. At the high point of bad relations in September I formally** | | | **complained to the Commissioners then running the Council about the professional conduct of their officers. The** | I| **relationship has since been on an improving trajectory following a change of council staff. However. the funding agreement was not concluded by the end of the year in time for 2024/25 and there is still a funding reduction for** | | **ce 2024/25 and 2025/26. To give balance, at the time of writing this report, the grant funding agreement has sin** | i i **been concluded. However, other commitments that were given to the Trust about a review and removal of some restrictions in the Trust's lease of the park have not yet been delivered on. We will need to** i **continue to pursue these issues. Hopefully, we can go forward with a positive relationship with the Council again and hopefully never** i | i | | _away_ i | **have a repeat of the frustrating issues that took staff lime and effort from what are the priorities for Warley Woods.** **A major development we have been working on for some time is a new building lo replace the Pavilion. I have** | | | | **written before about the Pavilion being erected as a temporary building in 1957. It really is now existing on borrowed lime. A new building cannot just provide better facilities, but must also be environmentally friendly.** | [i **which the Pavilion certainly isn't. Planning work got underway in earnest during the year with some designs** i | i i ; i | ; | **produced and initial public consultations. A subgroup of the Board is driving the project, which will be a multi-year task of design, approvals and fundraising.** **Page 2** ## **WARLEY WOODS COMMUNITY TRUST LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)** ## **CHAIR'S STATEMENT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** | | **users' feedback. The Board's subgroups of Resources, Site, Communications, Communities, Environment, andThe Board of Trustees continues to meet each month to receive reports from our staff including finance and park** | , | | cf | **New Building meet each month and report to the Board with any recommendations for decisions. The Board has** | Beg **continued to hold its annual planning day in February to set the main priorities for the coming year and run through the budget in detail. In February 2024, the Board reviewed and agreed a new five year Management** i | **Plan, All of this happens behind the scenes, but is essential to the Trust being a well-run and viable organisation, Board membership in the year saw Pat Marsh retire and Emma Login and Tom Grosvenor join. We are pleased** |: **that Pat and her family continue to be strong supporters of the Trust and are seen volunteering at many events. It's important to remember whilst we have paid staff, all the Board and subgroup members, along with many** | | **people doing jobs in the park and at events, are volunteers.** Lf **The work of everyone was recognised again in 2023 with the award of Green Flag status for the 15th year** | **running, We also made the top ten again in the vote for Britain's favourite parks.** | an **Finally, the year involved planning for celebrating 20 years of the Trust running Warley Woods, We are unique** 3 ai Ve **and despite all those who said it wouldn't work, we are stil here. We will be reporting all of that in our** i ie | i | j **forthcoming celebratory book and in next year's annual report.** **Page 3** WARLEY WOODS COMMUNITY TRUST LIMITED (A company Ilmlted by guarantee) TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 The Trustees pre88nt their annual report together with the financial statement8 of the chartty for the year 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024. The Annual report serves the purposes of both a Trustees, report and a directors, report under company law. The Trustees confim that th6 Annual report and financial statements of the charitsble company comply with Ihe current statutory requirements, the requirements of the charitable companls goveming document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts In accordance wrth the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102). Since the company qualifies as sm811 under section 383, the strategic report required of medium 8nd largo companies under The Companies Act 2006 (Strateglc Report and Directorf8 Report) Regulation8 2013 is not required. Objectlves and actlvttles Pollclos and objectlves The charitable objectives of the Trust are a8 follows; To promote the conservation. protection and improvement of the physic81, natural and hlstorlc environment of the area known as Warley Woods. Vlslon The vision of Warley Woods Communty Trust Limited Is: _ To ensure the long-tem) restoration and sustalnability of Warfey Woods Park and to develop its facilities and events as a central focus for the local community, thus encouraging greatef numbers and dlversty of people to enjoy this unique environment. The Trustees have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission'8 general guidance on public beneflt when reviewlng our aims and objectlve3 and In planning our future activities. The rest of this report demonstrates the many works dellveréd by Warley Woods Community Trust for the public benefit. Warley Woods is free to enter. open to all, 24 hour6 a day, every day of the year, In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit, including the guidance 'Public benefit: running charity {P82)'. ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES 11 has been another busy year at Warlay Woods Community Trust. Many of the Trust's activities fall under the responsibility of one of the subgroups, whose reports follow, but there are Som8 things which are 801ety undertaken by the Trust's staff teams and these first reports share some aspects of thi8 work in 202>24. Report from the Trust Manager The office takes care of a lot of the communications and marketing of the Trust. This includes updating and creating material for our website. It is amazing how quickly things become out of date. We added infomation on Wilder Warley and our sustsinabilty work, We lead the charge on promoting the UK'S Favourite Park vote and sending out the nows emails. We look after the official facebook groups and page. We create posters for 811 of our events. activlties and our fundraising initiative8. Page 4 WARLEY WOODS COMMUNITY TRUST LIMITED (A company Ilmlted by guarantee) TRUSTEES, REPORT (CONTINUED) 'FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 We manage the fundraising and memb6rship administration, which thanks to our supporters generosty 15 very time-con8uming. Thank you for keeping us so busy. W6 keep gift aid records and subrnit claims. We Introduce new Ideas for fundraising which last ye8r Involved our first lottery. After yearn ol receiving grants from the Naiional Lottery it 18 qulte interestlng to recelve funds dlrectly from our own involvement In a scheme. It has attracted completely new supporters to us with monthly contribution5. It raised £3,700 from just half of the year. Doug also created his first appeal for funds to buy bluebell8 and thls w8s Incredibty popular. We submlt funding applic8tlons and appeals for support and we write reports to funders on the work that has been achleved with their grants. Many have been supporting us for many years now. We had a fantastic Visit to The Turner Trust in Artey to leam about what they do. They may have grant monies to give Out, but they are also, like u8, a small organi5ation managing a green 8pace involving members and volunteers. We a￿y3 have to appty to all potential supporters on each occasslon. We don't have any guaranteed grant funding year on year other than our support from Sandwell Council, The new year saw a new force in the office~ that of our new Administrator, Mae Eastwood. She 18 a gentle but powerful addition to our teaffl and has had a great impact already. Taking on and learning all of our systems and events, includlng the massive undertaking that is the Picnic, and our many quirks, she was soon finessing and creating in her own right. As just three examples she has significanlly reduced our use of paper, introduced a new way for us to deliver our User Survey (wrthout any charges either) and she has created a whole world of loveliness and potential in the Artisan Market. This started as a trial in the Autumn, but has already established ftseff as a fixture - enabling u8 to give space to local traders, something interestlng in the calendar. a new Income stream and the opportunity for the Trust to mèet park visitors who never stray up to the Pavilion end of the sit8. Just fantastic from every angle and we look foThvard to seeing what she comes up with next. We organise the Volunteer Thank You night each year which was again held at the Pavilion and is. we hope. lovely evening for everyone who chooses to come. We also stepped in to organise the unexpected visit from the BBC to record Gardeners Question fime - you never know wh8t 18 going to come your way. We also co- ordinated the visit of a Deputy Lord Lieutenant who came lo assess us for Kings Award for Volunteering. We mada and maintained new partnershlps, by following up offers of help from community groups and organisations and also indlviduals who want to U88 the park for their own events. These have become Increasingly important to the Twst to increase what is on offer in Wartey Woods without increasing our need to directly create and manage things. They do neod liaison and comms which we are able to do. We support the site staff by dealing with some issues to keep them free to focus on the praclical side of things whenever possible, We look after things such as dealing wth quotes for repairs. orderlng trees and park fumrture, tree inspections, health and safety and waste management issue8. One of the loveliest aspects is being a cog in the wheel of the ¢8lebratory tree adoptions. It only happens once a year, but is very special for everyone involved. Mae also t¢)ok on getting the Padgham Room (meeting room) refreshed. Sometimes you don't a￿aYS. see how shabby something has become and fresh eyes help We do a lot of the background, but essential work. We sort out insurance. refuse, dog bin emptying service level agreements and negot18te energy contracts. We open and manage bank accounts. We started work with a new accounting company, following our long tem Accountant Helen Blundell to a new firm. This has proved a great move already and we have been worf(ing with their VAT specialists on a new approach to VAT whlch could result in a big change and a legrtimate rebate from HMRC. This work will continue into 24-25. We also had a big change moving all of our telephone systems onto digital services. This was greatly helped by a friend of the Trust and while wa have kept our three different phone numbers we are much better able to provide support between teams at busy times and when the office is not staffed. We deal wlth many of the h8alth and safety issues and this year it Involved dealing with a significant accident on 8ite and 5ts aftemiath. Of course it was a great Shock to know someone had been badly hurt In a space we manage and we are very pleased to know that the injured person has been able lo return to the Woods once again. We thank everyone for their klndness, sen5rtively and true partnership through thi8 Srtuation. Page 5 WARLEY WOODS COMMUNITY TRUST LIMITED (A company Ilmlted by guarantee) TRUSTEES, REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 A large task in the Aulumn wa8 creating our next five year Management Plan. The plan is a big document which covers so many aspects of how we manage the site and our organisation and it need a complete rewnte - as well as involving and ctrordinating the contributions of others who are invested in how our operation works and move8 forward. This was agreed by the Board in February 2024 and gives us the basis for our future work but with scope for new innovations as the time goes forward. Another major piece of work for me has been taking on more of a project management role for the new building work. The tirne has come when this needs more staff focus to give it some momentum and to ensure there is a fvndraising plan in place. Sadty, as Steve has mentioned, we continued to have difficulties with the local authority, and this involved the submission of formal complaints but we are starting to rebuild that relationship now. We accepted the recognition of a need for a cut in our grant but were extremely heartened by quickly our amazing supporters helped plug that financial gap, ready for the new financial year. We do not know if we can repeat that In 2>26 when the larger compounded cut takes effect, but it is encouraglng. It was a good year of positive change with a new Administrator, a stable staff team in all areas, new accountants and new Trustees. We continue to love belng the supportive backbone of the day to day world of Warley Wood8 and whatever it needs from us. We did work on planning for our Anniversary celebration8 and we look forward to delivering on those plans. Iriv Cole, Trust Manager Page 6 WARLEY WOODS COMMUNITY TRUST LIMITED (A company Ilmlted by guarantee) TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Golf Reports The golf course is not managed separatety to the rest of the srte and is mentioned throughout the rest of the port, but with the golf course being 8 signifrAnt part of our operation we feel it should have a speclal focus in our annual report. We have asked the Golf Course and Park Manager and the Retail and Golf Development Manager to share some of their last year wrth you. Like all staff, they work on both park and golf aspects of our work, but in thls Section they w511 just cover golf related work in 23-24 If ur A goff course's reputation often re8t8 on the quality of its greens. We carry out major greens maintenance twice a year to remove as much thatch as possible with a tractor mounted scarifier- thatch Is a barrier between the grass and the soil which can stop air and moisture getting to the roots leading to a unlevel playing surface. We over seeded twice; once In the spring and once in the autumn with fescue seed 8S this is cheaper than bent grass seed. The greens wera aerated every 34 weeks which helps to get water and air to the roots - happy roots happy greens. We only fertilise twice a year to give them a kick start In the spring then once the green8 are growing. I keep them healthy with 8eaweed, Iron and then wetting agents to stop the greens from getting dry patches. 40 tons of sand are applied to the greens each year to improve drainage and trueness, Greens are mowed daily during the growing season at 4mm and up to 7mm In wetter conditions. The pin (flag) positions are moved once a week to spread the wear and give golfers variety. At the start of 2024 we installed SO metres of drains to the 7th green. We removed the turf Ihen dug to a depth of 1.5 metres installing 160mm pipe and back filling the drain with 10mm gravel, 20cm of topsoil. We re-laid the turf that was removed at the start of the process. We also Installed drainage sumps to the front left of the 8th green as the rest of the green is very good and most likely not needing the more heavy duty drains that we have installed on the other greens. Bunkers are edged, strimmed and weeded once a month during the growing season. Raked 4 times a week unless rt's raining heavily and stones removed. They are topped up with 10-20 tons of sand each year. The bunkers will often have a lot of p8w print8 in tham from dogs and this continues to be a problem. Falrways are mowed once a week during the growing season at 17mm. We would like to mow them twice week but fuel costs, environment (diesel emissions), and staff time ara all factors. We use a slitter once a year to Improve the drainage, Tees and collars can grow very fast during the growing season as they get overspray from the maintenance of the nearby green. Tees are mowed Iwice a week during the growing season at 12mm - 15mm and are mowed wrth a pedestrian mower during the wetter months as they become too boggy for 8 ride•on mower. Tee markers are painted twice a year and are moved Iwice a week to spread the wear acfOSS the tee, We use a slitter 34 tlmes a year to improve th8 drainage. Page 7 WARLEY WOODS COMMUNITY TRUST LIMITED (A company Ilmlted by guarantee) TRUSTEES, REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Treos We prune the knyer branches so that golfers can play their shots from under them and so that a mower can be manoeuvred around the tree without Causing hann to staff. W8 spray weedkiller around the base of trees once a year. This is a considered decision which helps save a lot of time for staff and does prevent any damage to the bafk from 8trlmming and 88ves fuel arKJ emissions. Fallen trees and branches will be cleared by staff. Every two years trees are surveyed lor safety and any large work is contracted OUL With such a beautifvl tree Ilned site il is inevitable that in the autumn staff are fully occupied blowing and clearing18ave8. Irrlgatlon we have a watering system which 18 primed up In the spring and drained down In the autumn. This used to be done by an outside company but is now done by staff, as are small repairs which are often replacing irrigation heads on the greens. We have bought 36 brand new irrigation heads in the last year (4 per green) and replacing these is ongoing. One part of the P•yStem that is still not worf(ing is the 7th gréèn irrigation which does not come on automaticalty and must be switched on manually which can be a pain on some days. The putting green OLrtside the Pavillon does nol have irrigation heads so this also must be done manually. During a drought we have to go around all the green8 With a h08e pipe and water the dry areas on the greens 88 we don't get 1 OOQA coverage from the Irrigation. Staff l joined Warley Woods in February 2014 and wa5 promoted to the goff course and park manager in January 2015. 1 have over 20 years green keeping experience. Daryl Jones joined the team in December 2019 and w88 promoted lo deputy course manager in 2023 and has over 12 years green keeping 8xperience. Gui8eppe Sannio joined the team in April 2023 and 18 leamlng on the job. Gary Parker joined in January 2024 on a temporary basis whKh we are hoping will become permanent should finance over the next financ￿1 year allow. Alan Merricks, Head Greenkeeper and Parf( Manager th vi During this year golfers have played over 25,000 rounds of golf on the course and after welcoming 1,800 new golfers we currently have in exces8 of 14,000 golfers on our records. Many are regular golfers on the course and as a result the golf club has also seen an Increase in their membership numbers. From 1st April the shop team was strengthened by welcomlng Lynn Richardson and Linda McLeod to the team. along with Don Grlbben, Nicolas Burrows, Nicola Clark and myself we cover the 77 hours a week during the summer. During the annual rewew of the green lees we make every effort to remain competitNe compared to other local courses and offer a range of deals, including Free Birthday Round, Twilight Dlscount afler 4pm and Free Junior with an adult after 12pm on weekends and school holldayB. The popularity of our Annual Season Ticket and Pay Monthly Direct Debit schemes continue to grow with 54 Annual Passes purchased this year and in the summer of 2023 the Pay Monthly peaked at 21 players in July. Highlights through Ihe summer season included an additional bank holiday In May for the King's Coronation. June Saw the annual Warfey Day competition hosted by the golf club and in September the Ryder Cup took place wrth Europe winning and golfers were offer8d a Ryder Cup discount, £1 off their round on Friday 29th September. The golf club held an EGM in November to share detailg of a new club rnenib8rship fomat. Members voted in favour of the change from an annu81 membership to a yearty rolling rnembership meaning players can join the club at any time through the year. Page 8 WARLEY WOODS COMMUNITY TRUST LIMITED (A company Ilrnlted by guarantee) TRUSTEES, REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 In December golfer8 were offered a Santa Special Season Ticket: 14 months for the price of 12 if purchased over the weekend that Santa visited Warley Woods. 13 golfers took advantage of this great deal. Overall a good year for golf with the total income of £193,430 exceeding the target of £175,000. Apart from Golf Hire whlch finished short of tsrget by £137 (£6,400 - £6,253) all other income streams managed by the shop exceeded their targets: Golf Accessories £6000 - £8,904 and Trust Stock £24,000 - £26,501. In addition to the Trust stock we offer a rent a shelf Space for local crafters and income from the commission raised from these sales was £1,041. In March I liaised wrth the officers of the golf club to review and update the Memorandum of Understanding between Warley Woods Communty Trust and Warley Woods Golf Club. The final draft was agreed and signed off and will be reviewed again In March 2026. Popular Warley Woods non golf stock items are our range of open gift cards, Christmas cards 8nd a calendar. The images are captured by local supporters who are always happy support us in our fundraising efforts. We are looking forward to introducing some new limited edition items to celebrate 20th Anniversary in 2024. Sharon Simpson, Retail and Golf Development Manager Page 9 WARLEY WOODS COMMUNITY TRUST LIMITED (A company Ilmlted by guarantee) TRUSTEES, REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Slte Subgroup The Slte Subgroup members are staff, trustees and volunteers: Steve Cemm, Diane Douglas, Clive He￿ood, Alan Merricks, Mick Guy. John Reeves and Arthur Ward (Chair).: It supports the Community Trust in meeting its strategic objectives, one of which is the attalnment ol Green Flag 8tatus, by th8 actNe management of the Trust's physical resources, The subgn)up met monthty on Zoom to discuss the management of the park, woodland and golf course areas. The group supports and plans significant projects together with other sub9roups and the Trust Manager, particularly In the creation of our next five-year Management Plan. The Site Subgroup would like to express their great appreciation to all those who Supported the Community Trust to care for the srte over the last year. 1. Pavilion and Car Park: We continued our incrernental environmentsl improvements to Ihe Pavilion by replaclng more fluorescent light fitting8 With LED afternatives. As fluorescent light fittings are no longer available this process may accelerate in the future. Minor felt roof repairs were undertaken and gutters and UPVC facias cleaned. The Pad9ham room was redecorated. 2. Woodland Management: Fifteen large container grown trees (beech. oak. lime and 8weatoard was installed at the l)ottom of The Wildemess steps. Grass in The Wildemess is belng cut and removéd to impoverish the area ready for wild meadow plants to be introduced. Significant repairs to the boardwalk were undertaken this year. 7. Health and Safety and Staffing: There have been a small number of minor H&S issues this ye8r and one serious incident that W88 reported to RIDDOR and our insurers. The latter was a branch falling and injuring a worker who required hospitalisation. The are8 was immediately reassessed and the location of the group using thi8 space was moved. After an investigats.on no further action was required of us. Two new Members of Ihe ground-staff team joined us this year Pepe and Gary. First aid and refresher courses were undertaken by all ground staff this year. 8. Compound and Equipment: A new covered area and robust work bench were created in the compound this year to provide dry conditions for staff wothing on machinery during seNicing and repairs. The compound has been resurfaced wth ten tons of new gravel. All of the servicing of our machlne fleet is now carried out in house with the exception of mower blade sharpening which requires specialist equipment. 9. Play Area and GyTh Equipment; Significant repairs to the play area fence were undertaken this year 8fter bout of vandalism and rottlng of a number of posts. Corporate volunteers painted the whole fence during the summer. All ground-staff completed a play and gym equipment inspection course this year. A small number of minor repairs were undertaken to the gym equipment as recommended by our annual external inspection. 10. Volunteers: AS in previous years volunteers have been extremely active in helping to care for the srte. We have several regular litter plckers who between them keep thé site largely litter fre8. The well established Sund8y and Monday groups have met regularly and larger corporate groups have offered a significant nurnber of all day sessions throughout the year. We regularly support young people undertaking the Duke of Edinburgh award In their volunteering element who join us on our Sunday sessions. Tasks have been very varied ranging from hedge planting to litter picking, bluebell planting to cutting back overgrown vegetation. to tidying our many entrance8 to the site. We are extremely grateful to all our volunteers young and old who make such a big contribLrtion to the care of Warley Woods. Arthur Ward Pa9e11 WARLEY WOODS COMMUNITY TRUST UMITED . (A company Ilmlted by guarantee) TRUSTEES, REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Communlcatlong Subgroup Members of the group: VN Cole; Katy Holmes, Debra Howls, Sue Maguire, Kate Slade (Chair), Jane Taylor, Sarah Wagstaff. The group remained stable throughout the year but Sarah has now resigned due to work commitments. We'd like to thank her for managing the Trust's Twitter (X) and Instagram accounts for the last 2 years- 80metime8 a thankless task! The ongoing activities of the group include.. Production of the quarterly LEAFlet newsletter Scrutiny of publications: . Webslte, Facebook, Twitter (X), Instagram and notice board management •AGM • Annual Report . Recruitment of Members and Volunteers . Apart from the above activities there were rnaln areas of work which took up much of the group's time this year:. Planning for the 20th Anniversary of the Trust running the site. and preparing the 8ubmi88ion for the Award for Volunteering.f. . The p18n for the Annrversary was agreed and was to focu8 on lour Trust events throughout the year as well as new merchandi86 and 8ddrtional publicty. We decided that the events concemed would b8 the Easter Egg Roll, The Picnic. Volunteer Thankyou night and the launch of 8 new book. Ideas about merch8ndise and special logo were also di5GUS5ed and agreed~ mugs, badge5 and the new history book being the main offerings. • The application for the King's Award was discussed 8nd refined, Sue Maguio did a lot of the work in preparing thi3, and special thanks go to her. The application was Submrtted by Kate Organ. a fomer trustee who ha8 moved away from the area, and letters of support were provided by Sally Taylor from the Bearwood Hub and Stuart Maconie one of our patrons. We will not hear the resutt of this until November 2024. . The bi4nnual User Survey was undertaken in the autumn of 2023. The previous survey questions were reviewed and some changes made. This was an online survey for anyone who uses the 8ite and there were 413 responses. Some of the main findings Included the importance of the site being run by local people., tha top prlorities for funding being the woodland and a new building; and nature, fresh 8ir and trees belng major reasons for visiling the site. We added a question asking rf visitors fell safe on the site so that we could understand if there were particular measures that we needed to take to addre85 $8fety. What surprised us was that half of the respondents had feft unsafe but this was mainly to do with dogs, not other people or ri8ky conditions and was often related to 8 single incident over a considerable period of tlme. The full findings are 8V8ilable on the website User SU￿eY Resufts 20231 Warley Woods Community Trust. In 2018 we applied to be hosts for Gardeners, Question Time on Radio 4 in the year of the bi-centenary of Repton's death, We heard nothing until July 2023 when they contacted us to ask rf we were still interestedl We said we were and tAo programmes were recorded at Abbey Junior School and broadcast towards the end of 2023. Afthough rt is difficult to know the impact of this It did tell another audience about the Trust and Warley Woods. • A recent addltion, coming towards tho end of the year was the establlsh.ment of a monthly Artisan Market on the site, The Trust has had a stall at this and we have been pleased with the number of people interested In the work we do. and still not being aware that the site is rnanaged by the Trust and not the local Council. It has provided a naw openlng to talk lo visitors and encourage them to become members andlor get involved with the Trust activities. Finally, we have produced a new welcome entrance sign at the main gates on Lightwoods Hlll. We hope that thi8 is more infomative and attractive than the previous one,. Kate Slade Page 12 WARLEY WOODS COMMUNITY TRUST LIMITED (A company Ilmlted by guarantee) TRUSTEES, REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Resources Subgroup Members: David Read (Chair). Steve Eling, Mike Talbot, Arthur Ward, Viv Cole. Resources is a subgroup which meets as and when to discuss organisational and financi81 matters. It met nine times during the financial year 202312024. W8 keep a keen eye on our revenue accounts, reporting back and advising the Board so that all trustees are fully aware of the srtuation on a month by month basis with signlficant Variances highlighled to the Board. Throughout the financial year, we have been in discussions with Sandwell MBC regarding both the incorrect report which was commissioned by the lead officer at Sandwell and the proposed grant reduction, Member5 of Resource8 met with the lead officer on several occasions but without progress. At the end of the financial year we were still in discussion with the same officer. but they have now16ft the local authority and the relationship shows sign8 of Smproving. We investigated further revenue streams to both help to cornpensate for the reduction on Council grant but also to fund further the development of Warley Woods 8nd its infrastructure. We considered the introduction of a dog wa8h station and while we believed ft ffl￿ht be of benefit to sorne visitors the financial cost and logistical changes needed would far Outweigh any income so this was not proceeded with. However, we dld instigate the Unty Lottery which is known as 'our lottery, and this 18 proving lo be a good financial move wrth a regular income and different Way of attracting supporters. The new building project was also always wrthin our sight as the New Building Group started to fim-up initial costings for work to be done prior to moving on to raising bids for funding for the next Stages. We also requested the Board for costs related to the submission of planning advice and planning permission. We looked at the Articlos of the Association and noted that we will need to bring some revisions to an AGM to allow u8 to set up a trading company to run the new building. The Park Manager had requested additional labour for the winter months. The reasoning behind this was discussed and following this, a proposal was made to the Board for additional funding to cover a temporary Post. It was noted that our Conservation Manager. Doug, was on 8 temporary contract until 2024 but that he had become a very important member of staff and, following detailed discu88ion, we proposed to the Board that Doug become a permanent member of staff and a full contract be issued. We examined the accounts provided for the Café concession and agreed an increase in rent which was accepted and a new contract agreed, Discussion8 were held around the draft Budget for 202415 and changes incorporated before presenting to the Board at the Annual Pannlng Day. A signrficant increase In costs was the increase in the level of the minimum wage and the knoCk￿n effect for st8ff over this level. The agend8 for Plannlng Day was discussed and agreed. A new Memorandum of Understanding with the Golf Club had been drawn up and we reviewed this and 8greed for thi8 to be submltted to the Golf Club for agreement. Many other smaller it6ms were discussed including preliminary work on Biodiversity Net Gain, were resolved and submitted to the Board over the year with all meetlngs being fully reported to the Board at the next monthly Board Meeting. A revised policy on Safoguarding was worked on and 18 ongoing at accounts dato. Davld J Read Page 13 WARLEY WOODS COMMUNITY TRUST LIMITED (A company Ilmlted by guarantee) TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Communltles Subgroup Communities Subgroup Members.. Kate S18de, Liz Coleman (Chair). Barbara P18tts, Chris Ashford, Pat Marsh, Lynda Wagstaff. We welcomed new Trust Administrator, Mae Eastw(￿d, to the group In April 2023. The key focuses of the group are: 1. Planning and Organising events including vetting extemal requests 2. Schoo18 Liaison 3. Communrty Engagernent The Trust offered a vaned programmè of events throughout 2023-2024. The Trust appointed a new Trust Administrator, Mae Eastwood. in April 2023, following the retirement of Kathy Hodgkinson. Mae has brought her energy, organisational skills and local connection8 to her work wlth the Trust and work8 closely with the Communrties Subgroup, attending subgroup meetlngs as well as planning and coordinating events. Easter Monday saw the fetum of the Easter Egg Roll and Trail which was welkattended, providing a fun activty for families. Colefflan and Doug Barber led a Dawn Chorus Walk on International Dawn Chorus Day 7th May. This was followed by the volunteer-led bnng-and-buy Plant Sale on May 20th. Thanks to the generosity of donors and purchasers this event raised over £2,000 for the Trust. The Trust's flagship event Picnic in the Park took place in July, once again we were blessed with excellent weather, This was Mae Eastwood's first Picnic and she worked brilliantly with the Picnic Group and many Trust volunteers to plan and organlse the evant. Chris Ashford once again booked and compered a t81ented programme of musicians, all of whom gave their time for free. Thousands of visitors experienced live music, range of craft and food stalls, games and children's activrties. Heartbreak Theatre Company retumed in August, staging an excellent open-air theatrè production of Sen8e and Sensibility. Experts from Brum Bats led the ever*opular Bat Walk later in the month. The Communllies Subgroup, Trust staff and volunteers support the planning of these events and staffing on the day. Mae worked wrth local businesses to tnal Warley Woods Artisan Markets. This has now become a regular monthly event wrth local traders offering quality products Including handmade jewellery, grfts, crafts, garden products and a wide range of delicious food. The Artisan Markets are held on the first Sunday of every month March - December. The Trust regularly has a stall at the Artisan Market which helps raise awarene88 of the Trust's role in managing Warley Woods as well 83 gaining new members and supporters. The Trust's Halloween event in 2023 was The Grey Lady Spooky Trail where visitors encountered a host of gruesome and ghoulish characters in the Wood8. Volunteers from Santhell Lions 88 well from the Trust played the roles enthusiasts'cally. This continues to be a popular event with families. St Hilda's Church Hall was the venue for the volunteer-led Fundraising Quiz in November, Both events help to generate income for the Trust, Santa In the Woods was back in December and proved very popu18r wrth families once again. The Christm88 Craft Falr went ahead desprte the rain, but v￿ltor numbers were l¢)wer due to the weather. The weather was colder, but kinder, for the Annual Big Garden Bird Walk in January 2024. 2. Schools Liaison Ongoing liaison has continued with local schools many of which the Trust has close relationships with. Members ol the Communities Subgroup have communicated wth different local schools about events, information and opportunities to be involved in, competitions, Wild Warley infomiation and volunteering. 3. Community Engagement: The Communities Group were pleased to be able to work once again wrth two local music groups this year who generously offered to run fundr8i3ing 9￿5 for the Trust. Bea￿00d Ceilidh Band organlsed a New Yearfs Eve Dance which was a sell-out and much enjoyed. Dynamix, close harmony group, are long-time supporters of the Trust and held a benefit concert for Warley Woods in October. es well as perfomiing at the Santa Event, Page 14 WARLEY WOODS COMMUNITY TRUST LIMITED (A company Ilmltsd by guarantee) TRUSTEES, REPORT (CONTINUED> FOR THE YEAR ENOED 31 MARCH 2024 Wild Warley Project Manager, Doug Barber. has continued to deliver training in wildlife surveying, tree ID and runs regular group practical habit8t management sessions. The Communities Subgroup has worked closely with hlm to provide support and promote furthef community engagernent. Warley Woods continues to benefit from worklng with over 50 other group3 in the community including community and voluntary groups, local businesses, sports and cultural organisations. Envlronment Subgroup Members: Liz Coleman (Chair), Lise Burrows, Alan Reynold8, Kate Slade, Lynda Wagstaff, Emma Login (from April 2023), Clive Heywood, Jo James (from October 2023) and Doug Barber. The Environmental T8sk Group was formed in 2020 to cary out an overview of the Trust's Environmental polici88 and procedures followlng the guidance in the Green Flag Handbook. As a resutt of this the Environmental Policy and Mana9ernent Group has become a subgroup of Warley Woods Cc)mmunlty Trust, ontributing to the Trust's Five Year Management Plan. The Environment Group meets monthly to consider the environmental impact of projects, reducing energy and chemical use and promotin9 good management of waste. Doug Barbar, Conservation Manager attends the monthly meetings and reports on the work he and the Wild Warfey ConseNation Volunteers carried out to maintain and improve the biodiversity of Warley Woods. We also welcomed new mernbers: Emma Login and Jo James durlng 202>2024 who bring their knowledge and experience to the group. In 202>24 the group continued to seek ways to redLJce waste and single-use plastic. This included working with Sharon Simpson, Golf Course and Retail Manager. to reduce plastic packaging in the Trust Shop and to stock sustainable altematives such as wooden golf tees. compostable cups and bamboo products. The Trust staff also committed to reducing p8per-u8age and printing with a move toward8 more online communicatK)n& Members of the group worked closely with the Communities Group to audit current practice at Trust events and to find ways to reduce their enwronmental Impact, Emma. Lynda and Liz carried out a thorough environrnental impact audit for The Picnic. PositNes were the use of solar.powered stage. range of locally produced products and sustainable packaging, 99Vo of the 46 stallholders were local, travelling from within 10 miles. There were some areas for improvement in th8 future identrfied. Although there was a good range ol stalls there were none from environmental organisations. Volunteers had planned to separate waste for ￿CYClIng on site but industrial action by local authority refuse collectors rneant that this was not possible. As with other events, volunieer8 collected waste or encouraged attendees to take 6t home to recycle. 33¥0 Stalls used single-use plastics. including one stall giving away free plastic carrier bags. We also ran a survey to find out how people travalled to The Picnic, but this was a self-identified survey and the number of participants was relatively low (206); 660A of respondents walked, 23.30h came by car, 5.85 by bus and 2.9% cycled. The Environment Group worked with the Trust Manager and Communlcations Group to ensure that the TrLJ8t's Envlronment Policy and key environmental messages were more easily accessible on the Trust's webslte. Doug 'Wild Warley, Barber organised regular walks and talks about the flora and fauna of Wartey Woods, throughout the year: These continue to be popular with locals and people frorn further afield. Management of Warfey Woods for biodiversity and climate change benefits has also been part of the group'8 discussion 8nd planning. It was decided to fence in the pond to reduce disturbance to the eco•5yStem from dogs. The impact of this measure will be seen within the next year. The 'Buy a Bluebell Appeal, was a great success, with more than £2,000 donated. This enabled the Trust to plant 3,000 bluebells and other woodland species including cuckoopint, guekl6r rose and sweet wo¢xlruff. Dead-hedging and signs have been put In place to protect newly￿lanted species. In addition. grass was allowed to grow in areas identified for meadow creation and seeding and natlve flower seeds were sown at Ihe nght lime of year. This has some success and further monitoring and tria18 of this approached are planned for 2024-25. Page 15 WARLEY WOODS COMMUNITY TRUST LIMITED (A Gompany Ilmlted by guarantee) TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 It is important for the Trust to have up-t¢Mlate information on the flora and fauna of Warfey Woods. Volunteers carried out a Breeding Bird Survey March to June. Doug had an8ly8ed the data, noting trends such as the increase in Greenfinches and Parakeets and reduction in nurnbers of Woodpigeons. These trends are In 1Sne with national data. The bat survey confirrned that there were Soprano Pipistrelle8 on 8ite 88 well a8 Common Pipistrelles. Bio-Blit2 Challenge In July and the August moth survey Identrfied several additional invertebrate species including Lattice Heath and Blue Underwing and Orange Sallow moths. This infomiation helps to guide the Tru8t's managernent of the park for nature. Data from the 2023 tree survey indicated that 25% of the tree8 surveyed had sustained visible damage from squirrels. The Trust continues to monitor squirrel damage and seek solutions to this problem. The Environment Subgroup continues to work with other subgroups and staff teams to oversee progress on environmental issues. We are working with the Golf Course and Park Manager on 8UStain8ble practices for golf course Management. Environment Champions in each of the subgroups have been effective in ensuring environmental considerations are a part of contlnued best practice. The Trust is also starting to look at opportunities through 8iodiver5ity Net-Gain with a specialist advisor. Liz Coleman Page 16 WARLEY WOODS COMMUNITY TRUST LIMITED (A company Ilmlted by guarantee) TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 New Bulldlng Group (NBG) Members.. Arthur Ward (Chair), Emma Login. Tom Grosvenor, Ron Williams, Alan Reynolds, John Newman and VN Cole. The NBG is made up of trustees, volunteers, and staff. The group met frequently throughout the year and reported to Board regularly. The Communrty Trust, alrnost from its Inceptlon, has wanted to replace its current premises which were constructed as a temporary replacement for the Abbey which was demolished in 1957. that once wa8 the centre of our historic landscape. The current Pavilion is long past its use by date despite our many attempts to improve its carbon footprint and keep It l¢x>king presentable. It is no longer fit for purpose and is seriously limitin9 the Trust's activity and ability to generate funds to maintain and improve the site. We have become inueasingly aware that our current building simply cannot sustain and support the site into the 2030s. The costs of maintaining and improving the whol8 slte for the Ioc81 community, into the next century requires a building that reflects our deslre to be a Pfoper resource centre for the whole community and significantly increase our ability to generate the sort of income that this beautiful 8ite wlll need into the future, especially when extemal funders become less reliable. The NBG group recommended to Board a little while ago that the Trust neede(I to Invest some of our own money (£33K) In this planning process to demonstrate our seriousness to other possible funder5. We therefore d8cided to fund the whole cost of the project to RIBA stage 2 In the planning process. The plan then would be to use this work and detailed infomiation gained, to 8ubmit funding applirAtions for resources to take us to the next stage for a full planning application or even further. in May 2022 John Newman architect W8s appointed to help us draw up possible building and landscape plans for pre planning application to be formally submitted to SMBC planning department, Over the last year the N8G and John have updated the Board regularly and helped them confirn many deosions 8uch as the exact location of the new building, compound, and car park and how these elements might sit in the landscape adjacent to the Abbey Road gate and next to a newly created play area overlooking the meadow. The Board also approved the essential community consultation exercises th8t took place In September and October 2023 when we offered four events intended to engage and seek the opinions of our major stakeholders, our members, our Golf Club, our staff. our volunteers. and our supporters as well 83 the public. These events were supported by detailed large scale plans showing various options around our proposals and how they would sit in and be part of the landscape. Feedback from thes8 Stakeholder meetings was broadly very positive and we receNed useful feedback about what W88 liked and what was of concem. We will, where possible addres5 Ihese concerns as we move forward. In eady April the NBG produced the first draft for the pre planning application to be Put to SMBC planning department in May 2024. The group also started work on developing a costings and risks profile for the whole project including rewilding of the current srte, biodiversity net gain and ecological considerations such as bat and tree protection. A quantty surveyor has been appointed to help us understand the building and other related costs. These interconnecting is8ues are complex and sensitive and wll require additlonal expert staffing resources such as a project manager to ensure we get this rlght. Work has also started on the changes needed to other aspects of the site for example the layout of the golf course. Recent update: Our pre appllcation submission to SMBC planning department wa8 broadly well received with good feedback and guidance for the submission of a full planning application. We are moving forward Steadily with our plans. Arthur Ward Page 17 WARLEY WOODS COMMUNITY TRUST LIMITED (A Gompany Ilmlted by guarantee), TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Wlld Warley and Conservatlon Work The Wildemess hedgerows are ready to be rn*laid in a process that stimulates the rejuvenation of the hedge ffom th8 base. Preparatory work8 were undertaken In the Winter of 23124, removing ovethanging branches (crown lifting) from the thin band of willow4orninated woodland bordering the hedga line. The Wild Warley Conservation Volunteers also thinned within the woodland strip with the aim to eventually reduce the height of the willows, These will be managed on 8 short rotation to Improve the v￿oUr of the hedge creatlng a more effective barrier around The Wilderness perimeter. This has an additional benefit as it allows extra light into the flower rich grasslands contained within. The annual task of removing bramble and tree scrub from The Wllderness intérior was also carried out. keeping the mosaic of habitats found within open and biologically diverse areas. The back bank which was dominated with brambles wa8 Cut outside of bird nesting se8son wlth an aim to retum this bank to wildflower rlch grassland. In the late summer parts of the established grassland were cut and the material removed reduclng the nutrients In the soil giving more 8pace fof flofal diversity. Woodl nd Thinnin Part of the Wild W8rley Conservation Volunteers Winter programme of works involved thinning out woodland glades which had prevlousty been created in the canopy under advice from Chris Short18. After around 15 years the glades were due thinning and were enveloped in bramble. Brambles were cut b8ck allowing access and volunteers thinned out glades giving preference to future canopy trees 8uch a8 beech and oak and removing non-native or short-lived species such as sycamore and goat willow. The cut materials were used to create dead hedges around the edge of the woodland glade to try and reduce ingress of people into the area. The88 areas were underplanted wrth native broadleaved trees to Increase both the stand age and species dNersity. These areas were also receptor sites for our Buy a Bluebell campaign. a Bluebell The Buy a Bluebell campaign was launched in January 2024 aiming to raise £800 to purchase English bluebells to start the large task of restoring our woodland to their fomier glory. For its inaugural year the campaign surpassed all expectations, raising to date £2,568 (with gift aid). Buy a Bluebell has three facets hoping to maximise the effectiveness of our woodland restoration; Funding. Education and Community Involvement. In truth one of the large8t barriers to success 13 trampling d8m8ga. educating our site users to what we are trying to achieve and how thay can help 13 possibly more important than the money the campaign raised. All donors were invited to a communlty planting day, where they could plant out some of the bluebells they bought. Doug 88rt>er. Conservation and Engagement Manager Page 18 WARLEY WOODS COMMUNITY TRUST LIMITED (A company Ilmlted by guarante6) TRUSTEES, REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Flnanclal revlew Iroserves pollcy The Trustees have undertaken an analysis of future needs, opportunities and contingencies or risks, whlch could not be met out ol incorne when and if they arise. It has also taken account of forecasts for income levels in future years, on the basis of planned activity and the reliability of various income streams. and made forecasts of future expenditure. Accordingty the management committee has developed 8 policy on re88rye8 for the following reasons;. To respond to changes or loss of generated income or grants. To invest in advance In potential new areas of work such as training or other new source8 of Income. • To enable the community trust to honour its contraclual obligations to staff, contractors, suppliers and funders. The Trustees have considered the level of res8N6S that it needs in order to ensure the long temi suslainability of the organisation and the work that It delivers. The Trustees are aware of the large liability of a srte open for public use 24 hours a day and the potential expen88 which might arise through vandalism. It also has many aspirations for future investment. The charitys current reserves are considered 8dequ8te for the Sustainability and operation of the organisation, but the Trust would like to increase these to provide a stronger financial buffer for the organisation. Each year the Trust plans a budget to ensure reserves are not needed for general expenditure and with the hope that with prudent financial management reserve levels can be increased slightly. Reserves are ofily drawn upon to meet 8n emergency, unforeseen need which goes beyond any contingency in the budget. or to make an investment in equipment or facilities for which grant funding could not be secured. In order to plan responsibly for fvture needs. since 2022-23 some of the unrestricted cash reserves 8re now being held in designated funds. beyond the level8 needed to en8ure the general financial viability of the organisation. One fund has been allocated to support the long temi aspiration of the Trust to replace ils aging building and to allow for development work to take those plans forward8. This will be added to and drawn from wilhin a fvdo year timescale. A 8econd fund has been created to allow for the uninsurable risks of property within the site which could be damaged by third partieslnatural disasters and allow for limely replacement without the need for delays through needing to specifically fundraise. This fund also Includes savings towards replacing the fleet of vehicles (mowers, utility vehicles and specialist gall and woodland management equipment) which need replacing on a 44 yearly basis. A third fund has been created to hold any funds left as legacies to the Trust to ensure that they are used. as mentioned by Ihe Tru8t In ils legacy promotlons matenals, towards improvement works on site and kept separately from general expenditure. It is the Trust's intention to Use these as match fvnding, whenever possible. for grant funding bids, to maximise the grfts that have been given. The Trustees feel that the use of these three designated funds is the right course of action for a small chanty with potential heavy liabilitles and a mission to be custodians of Warley Wtjods for the long temi. The current funds stand at £449,068 (2023: £441,662) of which £90 {2023: £7,340) is restricted, £112,901 {2023: 149,102) is designated and £336,077 (2023: £285:220> is general unrestricted funds. Structure, governanco and management Constltutlon Warley Woods Community Trust Limited is registered 88 a charitable company limrted by guarantee and was Set up by a Memorandum of Association. Methods of appolntment or electlon of Trustees The charity was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the object8 and powers ol the charitsble company and is govemed under its Articles of Association. Under those rules, the Board has membership of be￿een 10 and 15. Members are appoinled for a three year term and can restand again at the end of this term. Up to 4 members can be cO￿pted. Page 19 WARLEY WOODS COMMUNITY TRUST LIMITED (A Gompany Ilmlted by guarantee) TRUSTEES, REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Trustees are asked to subrnit a resumé of their interests and abilities in support of their election, and on appointment are supported through induction to help them become fully effective. Trustees are encouragèd to attend seminars and training events to update their skills and knowledge. All Trustees participate in monthly business meetlngs. and an annual plannlng and team bullding day, to agree the strategy and priorities for the forthcoming year. Trustees also tske part in SU￿rOupS described elsewhere in this report, and from time to tlme the board wlll hold additlonal meetings for planning and training. Organlsatlonal structure and declslori-maklng pollcles The role of the Board 15 to give direction and guKlance to paid staff and volunteers and to take 8trateglc and re80urce decision8 to ensure the Trust Is effective. The 808rd takes responsibilty for all strategic management issues and operates through sub-groups who carry out the Implementation of strategy and report back to the Board on progress and make recommendations to inform future decisions. For specrfic projects, including the Picnic in The Park. worf(ing or task groups are convened to manage and monitor the progress of the specified project. At least one member of the Board is Involved in these groups and reports regularty to the full Board. Some Board Members take on particular roles which can give a level of responsibility outside of the subgroup structure. These are the Chair. Vice Chair, Treasurer, Company Secretary, Health and Safety Manager. One Trustee 18 nominated by the Chair 86 the lin8 manager for the Trust Manager. Future Plans The Board of Trustees met in February 2024 to agree the next five year Management Plan and the detall of the year ahead. This gives guidance to staff and to subgroups. Some of the key areas of work planned are: Achieving Green Flag Award A full programme of events Celebrating our 20th Anniversary with publicity. events. speaal products and a new history book. Continuing to progress our plans for a new building and to submit for planning advice and initial fvnding bid8 Celebratory Tree Plantlng Investing in improvements on the golf cx)urse over the winter period including drains for the 3rd green. Continuing our conservation work and making improvements for humans 8nd wildlrfe and developing plans for offering Biodiversity Net Gain credits. Rework and rebrand citizen science initiative as Naturally Curious Forn a historical research group Continue Incremental environmental improvements to events and operations Build on the pilot of the Artisan Market ProactNely Invlte more partners to Ihe Picnic in the Park Pilot Q&A schools vislts 8upplem8nts on history and wldlife Rebuild a positive partnershiprelationship with Sandwell M8C Begin negotiations for changes to our lease Work on all aspects of Income generation to ensure funding to replace council grant Gut is In place Approved by Order of the of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by.. Steven Ellng Chair Date; Iq &L4• Page 20 WARLEY WOODS COMMUNITY TRUST LIMITED (A company Ilmlted by guarantee) INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Independent Examlnerfs Report to the Trustees of Warley Woods Community Trust Llmlted (Ihe charlty.) I report to the charity Trustees on my examinatlon of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024. Responsib511tl8s and Basls of Report As the Trustees of the charity (and its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirement8 of the Companies Act 2006 {'the 2006 AcV>, Havlng satlsfied myself that the accounts of the charty are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligibl8 for indep8ndent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charitys accounts carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act,). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charty Commission under 8ectlon 145{5)(b) of the 2011 Act. Independent Examlner's Statement Since the charitls gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that l am qualified to undertake the examination because l am a member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies. I have completed my examination. I confim that no matters have com8 to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe: accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the 20C6 Act; or the accounts do not accord with those records; or the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'twe and fairf wew which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or the accounts have not been prepared In accordance with the methods and prlnciples of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities [applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicabl8 In the UK and Republi¢ of Ireland (FRS 102)]. I have no concems and have come across no other matters in connection with th8 examination to which attents'on should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Thi8 report is made solely to the chariV8 Trustees, as a body, in accordance wrth Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Report8) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to th8 charitls Trustees those matters l am required to State to them in an Independent examinerfs report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent pennitted by law. I do not accept or assume responsibillty to anyone other than the charity and the chantys Trustees as a body, for my work or for this reporL Signed: Helen Blundell Dated., 23 September 2024 LLB FCA FCIE DChA Crowe U.K. LLP Chartered Accountants Black Country Hou88 Rounds Green Road Oldbury West Midlands 869 2DG Page 21 WARLEY WOODS COMMUNITY TRUST LIMITED (A company Ilmlted by guarantee) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Unrestrlcted funds 2024 Re8trlcted funds 2024 Total funds 2024 Tot81 funds 2023 Noto Income from: Donations and legacies Charitable aclivities Other trading activities Investrnents 204,531 209,598 $4,697 16,854 4,000 208,531 209,598 54,697 16,854 206,256 186,419 44,630 5,298 Total Income 486,680 4,000 489,680 442,603. Expendlture on: Raising fvnds Charitable activities 12,580 458,445 12,580 469,695 21,065 446, 779 11,250 Total expenditure 471,025 11,260 482,276 467,844 Net movement In funds 14,655 {7,250) 7,40S (25, 241) Reconclllatlon of funds: Totsl funds brought foFward Net movement in fvnds 434,322 14,655 441,662 7,405 466,903 (25, 241) (7,250) Total funds carrled forward 448,977 90 449,067 441,662 The Ststement of Financial Activities Indude8 all gains and108se8 recognised in the year. The notes on pages 24 to 37 fonn part of these financial statements. Page 22 WARLEY WOODS COMMUNITY TRUST LIMITED (A company Ilmlted by guarantee) REGISTERED NUMBER: 04214547 BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2024 ' 2024 2023 Note Flxed assets Tangible assets Current assets 35,735 47,338 Stocks Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 10 11 8,621 51,210 392,665 4,209 32,681 386,086 452,496 422, 976 Credrtors: amounts falling due within one year 12 139,163) (28, 652) Net current assets 413,333 394,324 Total net assets 449,068 441.662 Charlty funds Restricted funds Unrestricted fvnd8 13 13 90 448,978 7,340 434.322 Total funds 449,068 441,662 The charity was entitled to exemption from audlt under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of Companies Act 2006. The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting rKords and preparation of financial statements. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the small companies regime. The financial statements were approved and authori8ed for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by-. Steven Ellng Chair Date: ,,f,I The notes on pages 24 to 37 fomi part of th88e financial statements, Page 23 WARLEY WOODS COMMUNITY TRUST LIMITED (A company Ilmlted by guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 General Infomiatlon Warley Woods Community Trust Limited is a charitable company limited by guar8nte8 In England and Wale8. The addre88 of the reglstered office is given in the charity inform8tion on page 1 of these financial statements. The nature of the Charitys operations 18 to restore and 8UStain Warley Woods Park and develop rts facilrties and event8 for the use of tha local communty In the interests of social welfare and to promote education. Accountlng pollcles 2.1 Basls of preparatlon of flnanclal statements The financial statements have been prepared In accordance wrth the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charrties.. Statement of Rec¢xnmended Practice applicable to chariti08 preparing their accounts in accordance wrth the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019), the Flnancial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companles Act 2006. The financial statements are presented in Brrtish pound sterling and rounded to the ne8rest Q Wartey Wood8 Community Trust Limited meets the definition of a public ben6fft entty under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are inrtially recognised at historical cost or transackn'on value unless otherwlse stated in the relevant accounting policy. 2.2 Income All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, It 18 probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably. The recognition of income from legacie5 13 dependent on establishing entitlement, the probabllity of receipt and the ability to estimate wrth sufficient accuracy the amount receivable. Evidence of entitlement to a legacy exists when the charity has sufficient evidence that a gift has been left to them {Ihrough knowledge of the existence of a valid will and the death of the benefactor> and the executor Is satisfied thal the propety in question will not be required to satisfy claims in the estate. Receipt of a legacy must be recognised when it Is probable that it will be received and the fair value of the amount receivable. which will generally be the expected cash amount to be distributed to the charity, can be reliably measured. Grants are included in the Statement of financial activities on a receivable basis. The balance of Income recelved for specific purposes but not expended during the period 18 shown in the relevant funds on the Balance sheet. Where Income is received in advance of entltlernent of receipt, its recognition is delerred and included In credrtors as deferred income. Where entrtlement occurs before income is received, the income is accrued. Gifts tn kind donated for distribution are included at valuation and recognised as income when they a￿ dlstributed to the projects, Grfts donated for resale are included as income when they are 801d. Donated facilities are included at the value to the charity where this can be quantified and a third party is bearing the cost. No amount8 are included in the financial statements for services donated by volunteers. Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment Income is receivable, Pag8 24 WARLEY WOODS COMMUNITY TRUST LIMITED (A company Ilmlted by guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Accounting pollcies (contlnued) 2.3 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 b8 required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. All expenditure is accounted for on an accrual basis. All expenses including support costs and govemance costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure headings. Expenditure on raising funds includes all expenditure incurred by the charity to raise funds for its charitable purpo888 and includes costs of all fundraising activities events and non Deslgnated funds have the following purposes: NEW BUILDING DEVELOPMENT There is a long term aspiration to replace the current aging building. This fund, which is expected to be drawn on over the next two year8, is to allow for development work to be undertaken to take those plans fofward. UNINSURED RISKSI CAPITAL EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT This fund 18 to ensure that uninsured risks of damage to the srte caused by third parties or natural disasters can be rectrfied on a timety ba8is. It 18 also includes funds towards the replacement of major plant and equipment which generally ha8 to be replaced every 44 years. PARK DEVELOPMENT This fund Is to hold legacies left to the Trust to be used towards improvement works on site. The funds will be used, whenever possible, as match funding for grant blds in order to maximise the gifts given. Restricted funds have the following purposes; GOLF Golf camps delivery - none in current year, surplus to be used on small golf project5 in the coming year. COMMUNITY PROJECTS New Building Grant given to be used against the development work to be undertaken on the new building develop.ment. Page 34 WARLEY WOODS COMMUNITY TRUST LIMITED (A company Ilmlted by guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 13.. Statement of funds (contlnued) Statement of funds - prlor year 88lanc8 81 31 March 2023 Balance 81 1 Apnl 2022 Tr8nsfe in/(wt Incvme Expendilure Unre8trlcted funds .Deslgnated funds New building development Uninsured riskslcapital equipment replacement Park development 35,000 (1,898) (7, 000) 26, 102 100, 000 23, 000 (10,000) 90,000 33,000 10,000 158,000 10,000 (1,898) (17,000) 149, 102 General fund8 General Funds 267,431 422,348 (421, 559) 17,000 285,220 Total Unrestricted funds 425,431 432,348 (423, 457) 434,322 Re8trlctod funds Golf Communty project8 Wild Warley Communty developments 90 570 40,812 90 (570) (43,817) 3, 005 7, 250 ,7,250 41.472 10,255 (44,387) 7.340 Total of fund8 466, 903 442, 603 (467,844) 441,662 Page 35 WARLEY WOODS COMMUNITY TRUST UMITED (A Company Ilmlted by guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 14. Summary of funds Summary of funds - current year Balance at 31 March 2024 Balanco at 1 Aprll 2023 Income Expenditure Deslgnated funds General funds Restricted fvnds 149,102 285,220 (36,201) (434,8241 (11,250) 112,901 336,077 90 485,681 4,000 441,662 489,681 (482,275) 449,068 Summary of funds . prlor yèar 88lance 81 31 March 2023 Balance at 1 April 2022 Transfers in/oul Income Exp8nditure Designated funds General funds Restricted fund8 158,000 267,431 41,472 10,000 422,348 10,255 (1,898) (421, 559) (44,387) (17,000) 17,000 149, 102 285, 220 7,340 466. 903 442, 603 (467, 844) 441,662 16. Analys18 of net a8sets bet￿88n funds Analy818 of not assets between fund8- current perfod Unre8trlcted Restrlcted funds funds 2024 2024 Total funds 2024 Tanglble fixed assets Current assets Credrtors due within one year 35,735 452,406 (39,163) 35,735 452,496 (39,163) 90 Total 448,978 90 449,068 Page 36 WARLEY WOODS COMMUNITY TRUST LIMITED {A company Ilmlted by guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 15. Analysis of net assets between funds (contlnued) Analysls of net assets between funds - prlor perlod Unrestricted lunds 20231 Restricted funds 2023 Tot81 funds 2023 Tangible fixed assets Current assets Credrtors due within one year 47,338 415.636 (28, 652) 47,338 422, 976 (28, 652) 7,340 Totsl 434,322 7,340 441, 662 16. Penslon commltments The company operates 8 defined contributions workplace pension scheme through The People's Pension. The assets of the scheme are hekl separately from those of the company in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the company to the fund and amounted to £6,074 (2023: £5,660). Contributions totalling £957 (2023; £957) were payable to the fund at the balance sheet date and are included in credrtors. 17. Related party transactlon8 One Trustee was pald £7,590 (2023: £1.898) for architect services during the year. Page 37