Wlldllfe and Countryslde LINi<• Wildlife and Countryside Link IA company limited by guarantee) Company number.. 03889519 Annual Report 2024 The Trustees submit their report together with the financial statements of Wildlife and Countryside Link for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Contents A Mes538e from Link's Chair Reference and Administralive Details Trustees, Report Objectives and Activities Achievements and Performance Structure, Governance and Management io Financial Review 12 Acknowledgements 13 Members 14 Independent Examiners Report 17 Statement of Financial Activitles 18 Balance Sheet 19 Statement of Cash Flows 20 Notes to the Financial Statements 22
A Message from Link's Chair 2024 was a year of campaigning action for Wildlife aT)d Countryside Link. We brought our first evei judlcial review, challenginB the Goveinment's detision not to consider a revision ol the Environmental Improvement Plan in light ol a damnin8 progress report by the Office for Environmental Protection. The le831 action brought together membeTs large and small io call for Government to honour the intention ol the Environment Act 2021 by strengthening the Plan. We were delighted that the incoming Government agreed to revise Ihe EIP and the proces5 15 already well undeTh¥ay. We hope for a new plan that links ta¥gets with science-based action plans and clear allocation of re5ponsibiliiy for delivery. At the opposite end of the scale, perhaps, we also organised our first mass demonstration. Workin8 Wlth Chris Packham's team and a hu8e array of environmental 8roups, Link led development of Restore Nature Now. The march Wa5 the lar8est march for nature ever in the UK, bringing tO8ether 60,000-1.000 people in Westmsnster in 5VPPOrt of Stronger action for naiure recovery. We are hugely 8ratefvl to everyone who rnade the effort to join u5, loi the heartfelt speeches, the camaraderie and tfrle humour. Surely the message was heard loud and clear. There's no time to lose to restore nature. As the General Electlon appioached, we already had a stron8 shaieo platform for acilon through the Nature 2030 campaign. We put politicians on the 5POt at a National Nature Hustin85. kindly hosted by Chester Zoo. arsd In ¢onSunctlon with The Wildlife Trusts Wild Live event. We were pleased to see Nature 2030 prop05a15 reflected in party manifestos acros5 the political spectrLtm, particularly with renewed commitments to hali the decline of biodiver51ty by 2030. Alon85ide all this. our work on day-to-day pollcy and le8l51atlon coniinued. l am astonished and delighted by the level of collèboralion Jnd expertise shown every day in Link workin8 groups, pres5in8 for bolder and more effective law and policy for nature. These actlons have set a hl8h bar of expectation for the new Boveinment. Sir Keirfs team take office at a time of unprecedented national and international challenBes for envlronmental policy, and finding a way ro honour their environmental promises will be difficult with $0 many obstacles in the way. But that is exactly whai they rnu5t do. Restorin8 nature and sloppin8 climate chan8e, improving animal welfare, and improving the quallty of people, environment is critical to our future. We will be there to challènge and support the new Governrnent in maklng this the Parliament ihat ihe decline of nature was linally rurned around. Martin Spray CBE DSC, Chair. Wildllfe and Countryside Link
Reference and Administrative Details Link Trustees Martin Spray. Chair Dominic Dyer Marcus Gilleard Sandy Luk Nadia Shaikh Allison Ogden-Newiori Jason Reeves Ali Plummer Dr James Cooper Jemima Child-clarke Adam Royle lappointeLI DecembÈr 20181 (appointed December 20181 lappointed Marth 2015 1 resigned 20241 (appointed December 2018 1 resigned 20241 (appointed Oecember 202 1 I re518ned 20241 lappointed December 202 11 lèppointed December 20211 lappointed December 20231 lappointed December 20231 lappointed December 20231 lappoinied December 20241 Company Reglstered Number 03889519 Chorlty Re8lstered Numbèr IJ07460 Prlnclpal Offlce Address NIOIC VDX Studios 1-45 Durham Street London SEII SJH Company Secretary and CEO Dr Richard Benwell Independent Examlner Richard Appleyard FCA Gibbons Mannington & Phipps LLP Chartered Accountants 20 Eveisley Road Be¥hill-on-Se TN40 IHE Bankers The Co-operative Bank PO Box 101 l Balloon Street Manchester M604EP Nètionwlde 5-1 I St George's Street Douglas Isle of Man IM99 IRN Solicltors Ru55ell-Cooke Solicitors 2 Putney Hill London SWIS 6AS
Trustees, Report Objectives and Activities The charitable objects of Wildlife ancj Countryside Link are to promote the conservation and protection of wildlife and countryside for ihe benefit ol the public. Llnk is the largest environment an¢J wildlife coalition in England. We bring together 86 organisations to develop and dvocate proposals for improvements in law and policy for the benefit of wildlife and our environment. Our members campaign to conserve. enhance and access our landscapes. habitats, rivers and sea5 and pioiect our animals and plants. Together we have ihe support of over ei8hi million people in the UK and directly protect over 750,000 hectares of land and 8Crf) miles of coa5tlinÈ. As part ol our current strategy.. We alm to be a policy powerhouse for the sector: keepinB a broad overview, but tar8etin8 a small number of sirate8ic areas where we can Benerate new, det311ed and ambitious policy proposals that will Influence policyrnakers. Our policy groups will for8e pro8ressive consensus.. aimin8 lor Strong, common p051tions that complement indtvidual rnembers, work.. We aim to be an ?mpllflei for our individual voices.. hi8hliKhtin8 great work in our membèrship and lendin8 focu5 and coherence to oui common messa8es in the press and in political advocacy. Our communications will reflect and reinfofce members. communlcatlons.. creatln8 Opportunities for member5 large and small. as well as providing collective identity in the media and in Westminster. We aim to be a strateBic hub and instStutional touchpoint.. providlnB leadership In o8reeln8 cross- sector strale8lc dlrection, supportin8 our Members in Westminsler, and acting a5 a nodal point for working with other 8roups. Our secretariat will lead and See. addln8 value to members. interactions by identifying strate8iC Opportunities, creating alllance5 and providinB prole5si9nal policy insight. With a General Election ahead, we aim to ensure thèt all political parties make clear commitments for nature and animal welfare, capable of improvin8 the lives of anima15, and stopping the derline ol species abundance by the end of the decè¥Je. We want to play our part In bringln8 the huge and varied environmental movement together to express people's love of animals and nature in a way that cuts through the short-terrni5m of politics. We will support the sector in coming together In a mèlor publlc demonsiration, we will team up with or8an15alions with Strong local networks to support Informed doorstep questions and local hustlngs events focused on nature. and we will ensure 1hat all parties are held to account at ftational level for thesr environmental commitments. We will continlse to work with c105e partners in the delivery of ihi5 work, includin8 Green Alliance. the Climate Coalitlon, Sustain, the Nature Friendly Farming Network and others. At the same time, we wlll ensure that the day.to.day delivery of environmental ambltlon is not sloweLI down by politlcal timelines. The year siarts with the Offshore Petroleum Licensin8 Bill, whith we oppose. We will work with Parllamentarians to propose measures to strengthen proteciion for Marine Protected Areas and to prioritTrse space for nature and renewable energy generation 3t seè. rather Ehan e¥pandin8 fossil fuel indLSStrie5. Key anifflal welfare legislation is also movlng forward, wtrth the Animal Welfare (Live Exponsl 8111. which would fulfil lon8-St8nding shared campai8n, and the Hunting Trophy Ilmport Prohibition) Bill early in the year. At the same time, we will press for effective implementation of animal wellare provisions in the Online 5ofety Act, following our successful work on the bill last year. The I rusiee5 of Wilfjlileand Countryside Confirm thai tbe OF8anisa110n lias Ch•riièble Purp05e4 pursuant 10 Ihe Chariiie5 Aci 2011 The Trustees believe lheie afe Ilear an¢ Ideniiliable gublic tsenelit5 aiisint Irutn ihe PLJfSuit ol Lilik's 61rn5 and 0ectiVes. In terms of an enhanted natuial environment, more abundant Wildlile. the health wellbein8 and t<onomit L*nelitS they blini. •t¥J th&i these benefits are freely available lo the
80th offshore and onshofe. straieglc planning will be key io ensure that tlimate change mitigation can go hand-in-hand with nature iecovery. Last year. we added to public debate about the need for a Land Use Framework with a detailed description of what an effective framework would include.. it should be target-driven, carry wei6ht in planning. permittin8 and spending decisons, and it should be transparent and adaptable. This year, we will expand on tliat work with Dur Planning Ahead project, brin8in8 together climate-focused and nature-lu5el4 organi5ations to ensure that the environment movement stands 108ether against harmlul deregulatlon In planning and in support of reforms that tan deliver an integrated climate and nature agenda. Achievements and Performance In 2024, Link was al the forefront Df public policy debate, working closely with other coolitions to guard J8anst environmentally harmful policy proposals and to create new opportunities for improvement. In 2024, Link managed and provided sUPPOrt for 19 groups on the followin8 policy oreas.. A8riculiure.' Chair. Barnaby Coupe IThe Wildlife Trus(sl., Vice Chair. Alice Groom IRSP81 Animal Welfare.. Chair. Claire Bass (Humane Soctety International-UKI. Vice Chair, Arthur Thomas (Four Paws UK) Blueprint for Water.. Chair. Ali Morse IThe Wlldllfe Trusts),. Co Vice Chairs, Te55a Wardley IThe Riveis Trusts) and Ernilv Smith IAn81ing Trust) Bovine T8.. no Chair Bycalch.. no Chair Chemical Taskfortè.. no Chair Circular Economy Iformerly Resource5 & Wastel., Chair. Paula Chin IWWFI Educatlr)n and Learning.. Co-chairs. Suianne Welch IRSP81. Cathriona Hlckey IZSLI, ènd Jenny Dèvis (The Wildllfe Trusts) Equality, OweTSlty & Incluslon.. Chair, Mlrièm BentlÈy-Rose (The Wildlife Trust51. Vice Chair. Meero In8lis IRSPBI Invasive Non-Native Species.. ChaSrs.' David Smith18ugllfel Land Use Plannln8'. Chair. Rebecca Pullin8er (The Wlldiile Trust).. Vice Chalr, Carl Bunnage IRSPBI Legal Strate8y: CchaIrs, Carol Dèy and R05ie Sutherland IRSP81 Local Nature Aecovery Strategies.. no Chair Marlne.. Chai¥, Kirsten Carter IRSP81, Vice Chali, Bernadette Butterfleld IRSPBI Marlne Mammèls.. Chair, Lucy Babev IORCAI, Chair, Sue Fi5hei IAWII Noiure Policy.. no Chalr Nature and Wellbeing.. Co-chairs. Kate Conto IThe Ramblergl and Dom Higglns ITWTI Tree$ and Woodlands.. Chair, Nick PhS11ips Iwoodland Trustl.. Vice Chalr, Andrew Weatherall IRSP81 Wildlife Crime & Trade.. Chalr, Dominic Dyer18orn Freel,. Vice Chair, Crai8 Fellows (Badger Trust) Key achievement5 In 2024 include.. Generol Electlon Hustlngs In lune, Wildlife & Countryside Link or8anlsed the 'BI8 Nature & Climate Debate., which tron5pired to be the only enviionrnental hustin85 in the 2024 General Election. Held at Chester Zoo, covered by Channel 4 and ftlmed by The Wlldlife Trusts. the debate saw spokespeople from En8land'5 largest parties asked to Set out how they would halt the decline in nature and get the country on track to achievin8 net zero. Thls pressure saw the following commitments made t the hustin85'. Toby Perkins pledged that one of the flrsi aciions of a Labour Government would be to ratify the Global Oceans Treaty. s well as reviewin8 the Environmental Impiovement Plan to ensure Environmenl Act targets are met (when Labour entered Governrnent In Jul¥* they announced the EIP fteview securing this e55ential step forward for nature. Pressure has also been exerted by • pioneering le al case led by Ilnkl. Rebecca Pow pledged that the £ I billion extra proposed by the ConseThatives for farming budget would cover funding for Innovative technology designed to reduce chemical use. Adrian Ramsay pledged that Green MPS would give the achievement of the commilment to protect 30% 01 land and Sea for nature by 2030 the sarne atteniion and focus as the achievement DI net iero. Lord Newby pledged thai Liberal Oemocrals would require all large companles to pub115h and Implement pl&ns to make their operations a net positive lor nature. The hustings followed on from ihe handing of the Nature 2030 open letler. 518ned by over 100,000 people. to major parties in alignment with Restore Nature Now asks. adding further pre55vwe for nature commitments.
Leveling up the planning System to SUPPOrt nature's r0Very Recognising planning as a key issue in the general election and for any new Goveirlment, the Land Use Plannlng Group published a report called 'PlJrinin Ahead,. setting out how planning reform could deliver nature recovery alongside housing and energy infrastTUCture. This report helped build consensus within the Link coalition and beyond a bout the relorm5 needed to deliver key infrastructure lo fight Climate change and restore nature. With the aim of influencing the new Government's planning reforms and forthcoming Planning and Infrastrutture Bill, the Gfoup followed up with 3 series of briefings on key topics, including fixing Biodiv solutions, nature-friendl desi n and building standards. improvin8 the Green 8eli for na ur . and on proposals for a Nature Resroration Fund. Towards the end of the year, Link launched the public campaign WiSder b Oesi n, aimed at ensuring that the plannin8 reforms and the forthcoming Bill do not undermine natuTe protections and include the policies needed to recover nature. The 8roup also responded to the Government's tonsultation Environmenial Aucjit Committee's call lor evidence on hou n ihe National Plannin P lic Framework and to the rowth and environmental sustainabilit Blueprlnt lor Water 81ueprinl for WateT published it5 PR24 scorecard 'Achievin Invironmenral Ambitions, in September 2024. which was covered in national press. Several ol the recommendaiions have been taken on-board in Ofwat's Finèl Determination, most notably around transparency, reportln8 01 environmental outcomes. and 8reaier flexibility to allow companies to swap to 8reèn or hybrid soluttons within the AMP. The Water (Speclal Measuresl 8111 has been strenBthened and will deliver more for nature due to Government partially accepting Llnk amendments. Includin h addition of Water Only Companies to pollution incident redLtction plans. requirement on waier companies to report on the Implementation of the plans. and a requirement for water companies to address the use of nature-ba5ed solLttions wlthin dfainage and 5eb¥age managemerst plans. The Government also a8reed to a new duty for Ofwat to have regard to the need to contrSbute to the athievement of Climate ChanBe and Environment Att tar8etS. Llnk was successful In coordlnatln8 early, proactive engagement with the Sir Jon Cunliffe Water COMM$510n, beginning with a letter and briglin in October 2024 which wa5 covered in nation ress. Link wa5 subsequently invited io a ioundtable with Sir Jon lo set out piioritie5 and a5piratlons for the review. and 55 now represented on the CommSssion's panel by Richard 8enwell. Llnk was heavily involvEd in the organlsation of the M rih I lean Waiei (led by Rlver Action), tyin8 ihis into wider advocacy regarding the Water 8111 and the Commission. Llnk was also significantly involved with delivery ol the March on the day. whlch was aiiended by IS,000 people and was extensively covered In national press. Bovlne TB link's Bovine TB Workin8 Group contlnues to provide space lor eNGOs to discuss and build consensus on the issue of bovine TB. and to coordinate 5tron8 joirit outputs. 2024 saw Government take a new policy direction on bTB. in line with Link's longstanding p0511ion that cullin8 must end. Governmes)i announced It would not be takin8 forward 'targeted badger intervention,, 3 policy which Link Siron osed, It also announced a refresh ol the bTB strategy. ond confirmed thal no further cull licences will be issued after January 2026. Thou8h we must be attentive to the risk that bT8 femains a highly tontentlous and politlC15ed issue, this change of direction is è significant win. We have also ie-established relationships with the Delra bTB team, and were able lo meet foi productive dlscussions through a series of roundtables regarding co-desiBn of the new strategy- previously. a lack of trust between eNGOs and Delra offici615 meant that a meeling had not taken place Sn over 2 years. Thls marks a significant change in ways of working on bTB polity,. en8a8ement with Delra and work to influence the bTB strategy refresh will continue to be priorities for the group in 2025.
Egualltyl Diversity and In¢luslon In 2024. Link's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion IEDII Working Group has continued to SUPPOrt the sector in implementing the Route Map, including through delivering t3r8eted 5UPPOrt for sm311 eNGOs via our 'SE & DS, ro ramme. The 'Small eNGO Ethnic Diversity Support. ISEEDSI pro8ramine was developed in partnership with leadership consultancy Full Colour, with funding from Natural England. The 18-month programme includes 1-2-1 advice sessions, training and resources to help enable and equip smaller or8an15ations to break down barriers and progress Dn their ethni¢ diversity journey. Temperature check surveys with the firsi trial cohort, which began in 2024 and will tDntinue ijntil summer 2025, have revealed that the Scheme 15 meeting of exceeding expectations for the vast majority of participants. Work began in 2024, and will continue in 2025, to develop proposa15 for upscaling the programme. The Route Map is now supwrted by over 50 organi5ations, and the EDI Workin8 Group aitended regularly by over 35 organisètions. In july 2024, Link supported delivery ol The RA E S mmit a full-day in.per50n EDI event in London led by SOS-UK and attended by over people. On the Llay, Link led a workshop on en8agin8 senior leadership. This will be an area of ongoing focus in 2025. with plans to deliver a series of CEO roundtables to reaffirm commitment to the Route Map and to build networks ai senior leader level. Invaslve Non-natl¥e Spettes In 2024 the 8TOUP published a report 'Stemming the flood of invasive species, bulldin8 on previous work and exploring how flooding can spread invasive species. We received signilicant media atiention during INNS week. The report was leatured in the Oefra Stakeholder Forum event presentation. Very recently the INNS and Animal Welfare 8roups collobor3ted to submit evidence to the EFRA inquiry on 8iosecurity at the Border and sent a letter to the EAC to ask that they tonduct another revlew or investigation Inro the slow progress ol INNS. A win for the group In 2024 was confirmation thai the Non-Native Species Inspecto¥ate has been made a permanent recourse a lon8Standin8 pr+ority of the group. The 8roup will now focus on Increasing the powers for inspectors to allow them to be able to check for INNS effectively at the border. We Intend this to be the focus of INNS week 2025, as well as a story rnapping recorded INNS in SSSI in En8land. Additional on80in8 work seeks to monitor management ol INNS in freeports. We must maximise the opportunity we have v4iih 8arone55 Hayman of Ullock as Minister for 8iosecurlty as she has an interest in the area and wants to make impfovèment5 to speed up proBres5. Tites and Woodland In 2024 the trees and woodlands 8roup published two briefings outlining our p051tions on wo dland rnana emeni and dl3nd creation. A briefln8 on ancient woodland wlll be published very soon. Two Llnk 81ogs were published by the group in 2024.. M re Ti e5 Pl ase and COP fomises on lorests must b eliv at horne and over s. The Broup are engaged across a varlety of link work streams and are keen to secure a mlnisterial 51te visit. One focus has been on the green skills gap this year, meeiin8 Wlth HMT In autumn, coordinated by Lauren and the education group and meetin8 with Skllls England. There Is also now a quarterly check-in with the Forestry Commission on their uoming 10-year ski155 5trate8y. Link now has a seat in Ihe Forestry Commission Delivery Advisory Group whlch PTÉS attend on our behall. In 2025 the group secured an In.person site vlsit to Broughton Estaie in May to view the rewllding and tree plantlng work and are coordinatin8 Inviting Defra civil 5ervonls to loin. We are hopeful ihai we will be oble to gain a seat in the UK Tree Planting Taskforce this year. S•fe8uardin8 le8al mechanlsms to protect nature The Legal Strategy Group continued to make the case foi the Environi?)enial R lit5 8111 in 2024. This draft piece of le8islation. drafted for Link. ClientEarth, the RSPB and Friends of the Earth by David Wolfe KC and Kate Cook of Matrix Chambers in 2023. would establish in UK law a human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment for everyone. The Bill was Included as a Nature 2030 Llnk campaign ask. and the Liberal Democrats Included the 8111 In their 2024 dat General Election Manifesto. Link produced an uLsLbfU on the Bill during the General Election campaign. As well as this proposition81 work, Link continues to support members ol the group to engage wlth Ihe Aarhus proces5 for ensuing environmental rights. and to work to improve IIK ( oin Iiance with the convention. In December 2024, the group submitted a lull res onse to the Government's consultation on ways to improve Compliance and wr ole io the Government to hi8hli8ht opportunities to advocate for Aarhus prtnciples at the Council ol Europe. The group also submitted a res onse 10 the Government's call for evidence on wsslble ch3nBe5 10 judicial review for planning decisions recommended by rhe Banner Review.
Ta¢klin8 wlldlife crime The Wildlife Crime Woiking Group published its eighth annual Wildlil rime Re on in November 2024. presenting a snapshot of the scale causes of wildlife crime in 2023 and calling for reforms to legislation, policing and sentencin to better tackle these orfence5. The report received media covera8e in the Inde endenr and on LBC news, and an executive summary was distributed at the UK Wildlife Crime Enforcers Conference. The group has followed up these calls with letters proposing ieforms to the Hom Olfice Senieniin il and to the Cfown Prosecution rvice. The group also engaged with the Metropolitan Police, following their decision to scale down their wildlife crime unit, and secured a retained dedicated point of coniact for environmental or8anisation5 wishing to raise wildlife crime concern5 with the Met. Raising the bar for anim•1 welfare standards The first few month5 of 2024 saw the group 5 a legal ban on live exports to finally get over the line. This was achieved in May, when the Animal Welfaie (Livestock Export51 Act 2024 passed into law. Progress has also been made on another long standing welfare and envlronmental ask, for a ban on lead ammunilion LSSe. After year5 of Link input to strengthen recommenLlations, UK REACH Submitted proposals for a lead amrnunltion ban to Defra in December 2024. Link coordlnated leriers to the UK, Scottish and Welsh Governments calling pn them for these recommendatlons to be accepted, with a shorter transltion period than that recommended by REACH. Defra is due lo make a decislon to soon. More broadly. the group has wr*tten to the new Government to sei out how it could deliver further effective welfare reforms. The 8roup has also beèn workln8 to ensure effective implementatlon of the wln it secured in 2023, additions to the Online Safety Acl to require social media companies to prevent animal cruelty content on thelr platforms. Taw have been sent to Olcom to assist them in implementing these reqUreMentS. Ensuring a healthy natural envlronment and acte55 to nature for •ll The Nature and Wellbein8 Strategy Group INWSGI tontinues to advocate for access to nature for all. In 2024, NWSG published a ¥esponse to the Play Commisslon's Call for Evldènce on the value of loutdoorl play for chlldren and a briefift8 on public access In ELM In tollaboraiion with Link's A8ficulture group, NW5G conllnues to take opportunitles forward to build on the commltment in the Government's Envlronmental lrnprovement Plan to ensure all people live withSn a 15. minute walk of a 8reen or blue space. This includes stakeholder 5essi0Tr5 Wlth Defra and Natural England, parliamentary evenis, acte55 to nature statistlcs, and more. The NWSG has also been Involved in online sessions and discussions for green social preSCfibing and continues io influente 8overnment policies to ensu sustained fundSng and pollcy focus on nature-based well-beln8 Inltlaiives. The Nature and Wellbeing Strategy Group developed a stron8 shared position on extending public access rights, accompanied by respon5ibilitie5 and good management lor nature. This positOn has been embedded in Link's advocacy work ahead of the general election, including a mir>i.manilesto on Peo le and NètL&re. Advocat5ng for robust site5 4nd specles protèrtlons Building on the new GovÈrnment'5 commitment to review the Envlronmental Improvement Plan, the Nattsre Pollcy Working Group published a bri on action needed within the fiisl 100 days ol the new Government to meet 2030 specie5 tar8ets. Ink ro The group also published the annual on meeting the target to protect at least 30% of En8land'513nd for nature by 2030 (also known as 30x301. The report secured significant media coverage parliarnentary attention, Link's advocacy on 30x30 conlrlbuted to the Government recognising that protected 51tes in unfavourable and declintnB condition should not count towards the 30% tarBet and the new Government commitment to publish 3 delivery strategv for 30x30 on land in 2025. Link's work advocatlng fof b0051in8 nature in ProtecteLI Landscapes, Includin8 National Paiks and National Landscapes, through the 30x30 report and Se arate briÈlin s, helped secure a commitment by the Governmeni in December 2024 for leBislative reform to help boost nature recovery in these area5. Link also worked alongside EIUK colleagues to advocate for robust domestii implementation of 30x30 an(J other International biodiversity targets, around the international nature conference COP16 in October 2024. Link published an )aated olic i ess li JL kvi on all the Global 8iodiver51ty Framework target5 In England.
Towards a sustainable farmlng future Link continve5 to bring a range ol organisations together to advocate lor nature-friendly fèrming, hostin8 fortnightly agriculture advocacy meetings with Green Alliance, to share Intelligence and plan joinr interventions. A notable intervention took place in December, when Link and over forty other organisations came together to call foi more fundin8 for £nvlronmental Land Management schemes and for Supply chains reforms. securing extensive media ov Link's Agriculture Group has made a series ol complementary policy inteNentions, includin8 lW setting oyi next Steps for ELMS Schemes and a call for reforms to the permitting system for intensive livestock farmin8. Ensuring clean healthy and thrlvln8 seas Our focLJS for the Marine Group In 2024 was largely on marine spatlal plannin8 ond the Impacts of offshore energy infrèSlfUCture. This Saw us effectively oppose the Offshore LicensinB Bill of the previous government as well as secure sustainable development duty In The Crown Estate Bill which will help ensure offshore wind does not damage marine naiuie. We also publlshed 3 malor repon concerning 'PI nnin Ahe ' to help Set the a8enda for protectin8 marine nature in the plannlng system. We also 50U8ht to protect Marine Protected Areas IMPA51 Irom damaging flshln8 and industrial activity. We published our 30x30 Pro fess Re rt notin8 the minimal progress in protectin8 MPAS from botiom.lowed fishing gear and calling for swift action. Thi5 was supponed by responding to a major call for evidence on lishinB in MPA5. Protertlnll marlne rn•mmals Mu¢h of the work of the Marlne Mamma15 Group focused on the meeting ol the Internatlonal Whalin8 Commission IIWCI, IWC69. We provided effective briefin s to Defra. This helped ensure 2024 IWC negotlatlons saw posillve developments compared to recent year5 Wlth an anti-whalln8 re501ution being passed. quorum numbe15 beinB reached, and a pro-conseTration s1?nce bein8 well represented. We also continued to influence the UK Governmènt's approach to whale-huntirsg nallons through letters and o(Ivocacy through Defra. We produced a significant bile11n on the reforms to wlldlife legislatlon needed to protect marine mommals, whith Is being used to influence Defra work on marine mammal piotection as well as parliamentary enBagernent. Clrcular Econornv Link'5 renamed Clrcular Economy Group published a m Radma with three key asks. including establishln8 8 joint Defra/DESNZ Joint Circular Economy Unit. Defra has slnce announced ihe establishment of a cross- department, cros5.industry Circular Economy Taskforce, a direct achievement of advocacy by the Broup. This provides strong opportunity to accelerate pro8ress on tirtular economy policy. We also prepared 3 more specific paper on All regulations for the Collection and Packagsng Reforms arè now in law. We pushed the Government to remain focused on fast, effective implementation of these reforms through Submissions to the Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee and briefings for parliamentarians ahead of debates on the regulations. Our brielin s were used directly in parliamentary debates. We also eoordinated NGO work on the Global PlastlC5 Treaty and successfully advo(ated foi the new Labour Government to lake an ambitlOUS Stance in ne801iations.
StructurL', Goveriiance and Management l.e<idi'rship Link's Board of Trustees, and Its Finance and Resources Sub Committee, each held four meetings durin8 2024. In 2024. Marcus Gilleard served the maximum of three terms on the 6oard of Trustees and stepped dowft in Decèmber 2024. Both Sandy Luk and Nadia Shaikh seThed two term5, and both also stepped down in December 2024. Dominic Dyer served two terms on the 8oard of Trustees anil was re-elected lor a further one year ar Ltnk'$ 2024 AGM. Link welcomecl one new Board member. Adam Royle. The or8anisaiion 15 a charitable company limited by guarantee, Incorporated on 7 December 1999 and registered as a charity on 5 January 2005. Members of the Board of Trustee5 are Directors lor the purpose of Company Law and Trustees for the purpose of Charlty Law. Members who seryed durin8 the year, and up to the date of this report, are set out on Page 3. The company w35 established under a Memorandum ol Association which established the objects and power5 of the charilable company and is governed under Its Articles of Association. In 2007 the Memorandum and Articles of A5SOClation were revlewed, boih to ensure compliance with the Companies Act 12(M)61 and Charities Act 120061. Reco8nising the need to update the Aiticles. a further review was carrled out 2017118 and the Ltpdated Artlcles were agieecl upon by members at a speclal General Meetin8 on 22 May 2020. Under the Articles, the members of the Board of Trustee5 are elected by a postal vote in advance or by secret ballol ai the Annual General Meeting. Member5 of the Board of Trustees must retire Jt the third Annual General Meeting after that at which he or she was first elected, and is eli8ible for re-election for up to a further term ending on the sixth Annual General Meeting after ihelr first election. The Treasurer must retire at the Annual General Meeting every three years but may stand for re-election with no maxlmum term of ofllce. Rlsk Managemeiit Wildlile and Counlry51de Link views the mana8emeni of rlsk as an Integral element of its governance processes. The major risks to whith the charity is exposed. as identified by Link's Oirector and Tiustees, are reviewed annually wlth systems In place to miti8ate those risks. It is recognised that any control system can only provide iea50nable, but not absolute, assurance that major risks have been managed adequatelv. The two rnaln risks And uncertainties that lace the chaiity, as Identi1Sed in the Risk Register, Include risks to income and reputation. Link aims to mitigate these risk5 by 5(rutinisin8 the finances through the Finance and Resources Sub- Commirtee, by diversifyin8 QLtr fundin8 sources, horizon scanning Wlth members. noft-member5 and other stakeholders, and re8ulbrly communicating with our member or8ani5ations to ensure they are updated, enga8ed and benefittin8 from their membership of link. The Link team adheres to protocols and procedures. Wlth the finances bein8 closely monitored to ensuie expendlture is appropriate ènd within reasonable limits, and that adequate resources are in place. Link's Communication5 Manager also works with our Director and Tfustees to reduce potential ii5ks to Link's reputation. Wildlife and Countryside Link has a health and 53feiy policy to provide adequate control of ihe health and safety risks arisinB from our work activities, Each new ioineT 15 given an induction in the most up lo date health & safety policv. io
Ivei'.%it)', I'llll<i lity aiid inclus1011 Link is committed to being an Inclusive workplace and to helping the environmenial sector become more diverse and representative. At the end of year 2024, Link hacl 11 sraff including the CEO and J Board Df 8 members, Six staff are female with a gender ratio 0155% lernale to 45% male, 67% male on SMT Of the I l staff rnernbers, all identified as heteroseMUèI, Of the 8 Board members, 3 are fernale138%1 and 5 males162%1 No Board members have reported disabilities or medl¢al condiilons Two staff members are in theii 40$, three in thelr 305 and six155%1 in their 20s Data on a8es of Board members is not available Data on staff and Board seyual orieniation 15 unavailable PAY Pnlicy fi)r senlor sthff The Trusiees consider that the 8oard of Trustees and the senior management team comprise the key management personnel of the charity in charge of directin8 and controllin8, funning and operètin8 the Charity on a day-to-day basis. Day-to-day operational responsibility is delegated from Trustees to the CEO and senior team. All Trustees give their time Ireely and one Trustee received remuneration for additional consultancy work done for one of Link's working groups Details of Trustees. expenses and related party Iransact5ons are disclosed in Note 6 to the account5. We have reviewed the pay and rewards given to staff to ensure we 8ive fair ierm5 In Ilne wlth other slmllar or8anlsatlons. One mernbei of siaff receNed a total amount of £70.000-80,(K)o. repai'atlon ot the report This report has been prepared iaklng advantage of the small companle5' exemption ol section 415A of the Companie5 Act 2006. Exi'inplloiis friiiii Disc lu%ui-e There are no exemg(ion5 required. Funds held a s ciistodlilll Ti"u%lc'L' l)n behalf of others Llnk does not have a custodian Trustee. li
Firiancial Review Here we summarise financial Information to gtve an overview of the ch?ritY'5 financial performance during 2024, by using selected information from the full annual accounis. The full accounts are Set out at page 19 and thereafter. 2024 INCOME Link's iotal income in 2024 was £909,221 12023 £738,240). Member subscriptions for the year totaled £269,19712023 £258,4691. In¥estment and other income During 2024, a number of restricted grants contributed towards funding the ongoin implementation of link's five-year Strategy 2020-25. , .IIDrestrlrted donatlons •fyd cor• irants 29% Subscription5 29% A number ol restricieé tlonations from both members and the public were received towards the Resiore Nature Now eveni held in June 2024. A couple of restricted grants recelved in 2024 are for project work due to be carried out in 2025. Link's total expendStUfe amounted to £843,406 12023 £603.6001. 2024 EXPENDITURE Governance Total expendilure on staff costs totaled É528.167. As in past years, thls does not take account of the contribution made to Link's collaborative work by staff withln our member or8anisations, who help u5 to athieve so much. 3% These results show that Link has and continues to develop a secure financial model based on member subscriptions with a level of 8rants that allow Link to maximise its effectiveness for its members. Staft Costi 63% Rtrserves Pullcy Link's Reserve policy Trs to maintain free reserves of six month5 operatin8 expendiiure, over a rolling period of three years. This allows Link's Board of Trustees to maximi$e the use of the financial reseNes but demands a plan to achieve the policy. At 31 December 2024. free reserves lin the general lundl amounted to 12.04 rnonihs ol total 2024 expenditure. This level of reserves will allow Link io continue to implement the current interim Strategy. 12
Link secured valuable grant fun(Jing in 2024 to support its work with mÈmbefS for the next couple of yeaTS. Link received the finol payment from the European Climate Foundation towards Nature 2030, and confirmed a second one from them also for Nature 2030. as well as confirmed two grants lowards Impact 2024, one from Green Alliance and one from the Samworth Foundation. The final payment Irom the New to Nature scheme wa5 a150 received. Two new multiyear grants were confirmed. one from the lund Trust and one from The Sigrid Rausing Trust. The firsi pèymerbts for these two 8rants were ieceived In 2024 but will be used for work due to be carried out in 2025. This is In addition to the existlnE core grants funding recelved from E5mèe Fairbairn Foundatlon for 2022 to 2025. the flnal year for Hèlv@Ilyn Foundation and the Treebeard Trust12022 to 20241 This unrestricted core fundlng wlll help 5UPPOrt the salary costs of the core team. includin8 Part of the Link's CEO, Director ol Impact and Operations. Media anLI Campaigns manager, Chemical policy offlcer, Nature 2030 Policy and Engagement officer and Directoi of advocacy, The unrestricted funding also covered the salary costs for a Pollcy and Advocacy advI501. Policy off iceTS and Admin & Finance officer. These unrestricted fund5, in addltion to other unrestritted core income from member subscription5, are essentlal for Link's core policy work that help5 Ihe organisation deliver on Its own objectives on areas SLbch as wildlife crime. marine, the fie5hwater environment. a8ficulture. and nature and wellbeing. some of the restricted grants secured went lo support particular salartes and projects, includin8 part of the CEO'5, Olrecto¥ of Advocacy. Director of Impact and Operations, Chemical policy officer and rhe Media and Campaigns manaBer salaries for thelr work on Nature 2030. Impact 2024 and Chemical policy work. The remaining grant Irom the New to Nature xheme covered the salary cost of a work placement lor a Nature 2030 Policy and Engagement Officer. Acknowledgements We would1Ske to thank all ol those indlviduals and or8anisations that made 2024 such J Breat year foi Link, including our members, partners, funders and colleagues. With their generous SilPPOrt, we will contlnue to work hard in 2025 and beyond to conserve and protect wildlife and the countryside. Preparatlon ofthe report This report has been prepared tskin8 advanta8e of the small compantes, Èxemptlon of settton 415A of the Companles Act 2006. It wès approved, and auihorised for Issue, by the Trustees on 9 June 2025 and signed on its behalf bv: Martln Spray CBE, Chalr of Wildllfe & Counlryslde Link 13
Members ZSL LET'S WORK FOR WILOUF£ yha WWF nsm WWT WildFisfi. DIUMICO WDC{-- Y FOR (JTIES wc)()r)l &lNI) The Wildllfe The Rivers Tru8t Trusts stainability lil",. ACAIIISI 5EI4ACE SEAL SHARK RSPCAE3 *¥STD• RS rewilding L, britain • 114 p(oplo's tiiist lor VRBST rl RAMBLERS Planiiiia species RWL. Il Open Spaces DCEANA -PADDLEUK naturewatch Foundation NRDC N¥t101 Naiioii•l Association OLEAGUE 64 MS7CILfli 5P0•7S MARINE CONSERVATION SOCIET Mammal O¢IETY 14
KEEP BPITAI TIDY ifaw ifm - MUMAWI %0CTY I••TlIATI1)I1Al hare f¥REEfrrp6KE Frl•nds ol the Earth Fre•hwat•r li)u(Ap)Idill Fidra FSC environmental investigation aqencv eIa Iriist earthwatch CHESTER , CHEMfrvsr C.OMPA£SlnN in Mxld famiing f, ClientEarth zoo The countryside charlty rd CET LAW CPRE Butterlly Cons6rvation nloi .1. Bumblebee Conservotion Trust buglife •ITO BHPS BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY BMC FR[ •LUt 'r BEAVER TPUST Badger Trtjst 15
•mpttllbl*n and r•plll• ALERC PiATiOIi4L FORU FOR BK)LOGICAL RECOPDIIG ANGLING TRVST FISH LEGAL waterwise Aninial Weifai-e liistiiute 16
Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees of Wildlife and Countryside Link Independent examlner's report to the trustees of Wildlife and Countryside Link I'the Company'l I report to the charity trustees on rny examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 3151 December 2024. Responslbilltles and basls of report As the charity's trustees of the Cornpany land a150 Its directors for the purposes of company lawl you are responsible foi the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of Ihe Companies Act 2LK161'the 2006 Act'l. Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2CQ6 Aci and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under Section 145 01 the Charities Act 20111'the 2011 Act'l. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 14515llbl of the 20] l Act. Independent examiner's staiement Since your charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a Ilsted body. I can 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 lisled bodies. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connertion with the examlnation 8lving me cause to believe.. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by Section 386 of the 20)6 Act: or the accounts do not accord with those records.. or the accounts do not comply with the accounlin8 requirements of Section 396 of the 2006 Act other than ny requirement that the accotsnts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination,. or the accounts have not been prepared in accoidance with the methods and principle5 of the Statement of Recommended Practice foi accounting and reporting by charities (applicable io charities preparing their ccounts in accordance with the Financial Reportin8 Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 10211. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connertion with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Rlchard Appleyard FCA Gibbons Mannington & Phipps LLP Chartered Accountants 20 Eversley Road Bexhill-on-sea East Sussex TN40 IHE Date o.tloqlLDI 17
WILDLIFE AND COUNTRYSIDE LINK STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 2024 Total fundts 2023 Total lunds Unrestricted fund Restricted funds Notes INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 260,404 149,023 409,427 345,491 Charitable activities Charitable Activities 269,197 221,427 490,624 385, 955 lrnve5tment income Other income 8,931 239 8.931 239 6,349 445 Total 538,771 370,450 909,221 738,240 EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activltles Charitable Activities 486,669 356,737 843,406 603,600 NET INCOME 52,102 13,713 65,815 134,640 RECONCZLIATION OP FUNDS Total funds brought forward 735,225 29,152 764,377 629,737 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARO 787,327 42,865 830,192 764,377 CONTINUING OPERATIONS All Income and expenditure has arisen from continuing actlvlties. The notes form pbrt of these flnanci81 statements Page 18
WILDLIFE AND COVNTRYSJDE LINK BALANCE SHEET 31ST DECEMBER 2024 2024 Total funds 2023 Total lunds Unrestricted fund Restricted funds Notes FIXED AsseTS Tangible assets 12 1,123 1,123 481 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 13 27,569 859,370 27,569 939,252 19,287 778. 703 79,882 886,939 79,882 966,821 797, 990 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 14 (100,737) (37,015) (137,752) (34.094) NET CURRENT ASSETS 786,202 42,867 829,069 763,896 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 787,325 42,867 830,192 764,377 NET ASSETS 787,325 42,867 830,192 764,377 FUNDS Unfestricted funds Restricted funds 16 787,325 42,867 735,225 29,152 TOTAL FUNDS 830,192 764,377 The charitable company Is entitled to exemption from audit uno1er Sectlon 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 3 1st December 2024. The members have not required the company to obtaln an audit of Its financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2024 in èccordance with Section 476 of the Companies Acl 2006. The trustees acknowledge thelr responsibilities for (a) ensuring that the charitable company keeps accountin9 records that comply with Sectlons 386 and 387 of the Companie5 Act 2006 and preparing financial statements which give a true &nd fair view of the state of èffairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deflclt for each fi'nancial year In accordance with the requirement5 of Seciions 394 and 395 and which otherwlse comply with the requlrements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statement5, so far as applicable to the charitable company. Ib) These financial stètement5 have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companie5 5ub}ect to the small companies regime. The financial ta men s were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on nd were signed on its behalf by.. M Spray Trustee The notes form part of these financial statement5 Page 19
WILDLIFE AND COUNTRYSIDE LINK CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 2024 2023 Notes Cash flows from operating act•vities Cash generated from OperatOn5 153,115 129,27S Net cas# provided by operating activities 153,115 129,275 Cash flows from investing octivities Purchase of tar79ible fixed a55ets Interest received (1,497) 8,931 6,349 Net cash provided by investing activitie5 7.434 6,349 Change in cash and cash equlvalents in the reportlng period Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reportlng period 160,549 135,624 778,703 643,079 Cash and cash equlvalent5 at the end of the reportlng period 939.252 778, 703 The notes form part of these flnancial statements Pa9e 20
WILDLIFE AND COUNTRYSIDE LINK NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 2024 2023 Net income for the reporting period (as per the Statement of Financial Activit•e$) Adjustment5 for". Depreciation charges Interest received {Increase)/decrease In debtors Increaselldecreasel In creditors 65,815 134, 640 855 (8,931) {8,282) 103,658 2,369 (6,349) 4,810 (6, 195) Net cash provided by operations 153,115 129,275 ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FIINDS At 111124 Cash flow At 31112124 Net cash Cash at bank and In hand 778,703 160,549 939,252 778,703 160,549 939,252 Total 778,703 160,549 939,252 The notes lorrn part ol these financlal statements Page 21
WILDLIFE AND COUNTRYSIDE LINK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 ACCOUNTING POLICIE5 Basis of preparing the financial $tatements The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance w1th the Charities SORP IFRS 1021 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities,. Slatemenl of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard èpplicable In the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 (effective l Jènuary 20191., Financial Reportii)g Standard 102 'The Financlal Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland. and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historicèl cost convention. Income All Income Is recognised In the Statement of Financi431 Activilies once the Charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amounl can be measured reliably. Subscription Income from full and associate member organisations Is Invoiced on a calendar year ba515 ond is recognised accordingly. Grants are recognised as income in the Staternent of financiol activities in accordance with the term5 attached by the grantor, Income from recharged costs Is accrued when the associated costs are Incurred. Other donations arnd sundry Income are recognised In the Statement of fina,-,cial activities wknen recelved. Expendlture Expenditure +5 accounted for on an accrLtals basis and has been classifiecj under lieading5 that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannoi be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Governance costs are th05e incurred in connection with compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements. Tanglble flxed as••ts Depreciation Is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over it5 estimated useful life. Plant and machinery Fixtures and fittings Computer equipment 4 years 4 years 4 years All assets costing more than £ 1,000 are capitalised. Tax•tlon The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities. Fund a¢counting Unrestrirted funds can be used In accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees. Restricted funds can only be used for partlcular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrlctions ar15e when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund Is Included in the notes to the flnancial statements. Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits The charitable cornpany operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities In the period to which they relate. Page 22 continued...
WILDLIFE AND COUNTRYSIDE LINK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued Operating leases Rentèls under operating leases are chèrged to the Statement of financial activities on a straight line basis over the lease term. Cash at bank and in hand Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the opening of the deposit. Debtors Debtors are recognised at their recoverable amounts to which the charity is entitled. Creditors Creditors are recognised where the charity has a present obligation result5ng from a past event that will probably result In the transfer of fund5 to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligatiori can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditor5 are normally recognised at their settlement value. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES 2024 2023 Donations Grants for core funding 157,024 252,403 23,488 322, 003 409,427 345,491 INVESTMENT XNCOME 2024 2023 Deposit account interest 8,931 6,349 INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES 2024 2023 Activity Charitable Actlvities Charitable Activitles Subscriptions Grants for project work 269,197 221,427 258,469 127,486 490,624 385, 95S CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS Dlrect Costs (see note 6) Support Costs (see note 7) Totals Charitable Activities 813,097 30.309 843,406 Page 23 continued.,.
WILDLIFE AND COUNTRYSIDE UNK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - cont•nued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 DIRECT COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES 2024 2023 Staff CDSt5 Payroll management Insurance Rent, rates & electricity Sundries Publications, research and reports Consultènt fees Subscriptions expense Events Communicatlons IT Technical Support IT software and consumables Travel and sub515tence Office maintenance & repair5 Staff training Depreciation 528,167 1,134 10,059 37,815 533 15,196 128,715 14,071 35,636 12,205 10,386 2,710 6,075 2,550 6,990 855 460,497 753 1,331 34, 840 42 21.790 36,358 2, 382 10,645 9,818 9.137 1,565 4,242 2. 983 2, 380 2,369 813,097 601,132 SUPPORT COSTS Governance costs Charitable Activities 30.309 Support Costs, included in the above, are as follows.. 2024 Charitable Activities 2023 Total activlties Preparation of statutory accounts Independent examination Legal and professionèl fees 8ènk chorges 1,328 1,240 27,731 io 1,240 1.208 20 30,309 2.468 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURt) Net Incomel(expenditurel Is stated after chargingllcredltlng).. 2022 2021 Depreciatlon owned assets 3,330 3,329 Page 24 continued...
WILDLIFE AND COVNTRYSIDE LINK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 TRUSTEES, REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS Consultancy fee5 were paid to Nadia Shaikh of £3,860 during the year <2023 £3,0201 in respect of helping to run the PSN & Raven's working group. Trustees, expenses Expenses were reimbursed to one triistee durin9 the year of £226.2 1 (2022 £3 19). 10. STAFF COSTS 2024 2023 Wages and salarie5 Social security costs Other pension costs 460,350 44,128 23,689 403. 939 36,210 20,348 528,167 460,497 The average monthly number of employees during tlie year wès as follows.. 2024 Staff members 2023 One employee received remuneration of between £70,000 and £80,000 In the year (exclusive of employer pensions and employer National Insurance contributlons). 12024.. One employee was paid between £60,000 and £70,000), The employer pension contributions for thèt rnember of staff amounted to £4.293 In the year. The key management personnel of the Charity comprise all staff members. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel Df the Charity were as d15closed above. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES Unrestricted fund Restricted funds Total f unds INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 322,803 22,688 345,491 Charltable artivities Charitable Activities 258,469 127,486 385,955 Investment income other income 6,349 49 6.349 445 396 Total 587,670 150,570 736,240 EXPENDITURE ON Charltable activities Charitable Activities 414,983 188,617 603,600 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) 172,687 (38,047) 134,640 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brDughi forward 562,537 67,200 629,737 Page 25 continued...
WILDLIFE AND COUNTRYSIDE LINK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued Unrestricted Restricted fund funds Total funds TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 735,224 29,153 764,377 12. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Fixtures and fittings Plant ond machinery Computer equipment Totals COST At 1st January 2024 Additions 5,159 6,000 2,160 1,497 13,319 1,497 At 31st December 2024 5.159 6,000 3,657 14,816 DEPRECIATION At 1st January 2024 Char9e for year 5,098 61 5,697 303 2,043 491 12,838 855 At 31st December 2024 5,159 6,000 2,534 13,693 NET BOOK VALVE At 31st December 2024 1,123 1,123 At 31st December 2023 61 303 117 481 13. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2024 2023 Trade debtor5 Other debtors Prepayments 14,867 7,445 5.257 7. 700 7,445 4,J42 27,569 19,287 14. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2024 2023 Trade creditors Soclal security and other taxes Pensions Graiits In advance Accrued expenses 25,157 11,511 2,441 84,708 13,935 3.455 12.662 2,824 15.153 137,752 34. 094 Page 26 continued...
WILDUFE AND COUNTRYSIDE LINK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 IS. LEASING AGREEMENTS Minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases fall due as follows: 2024 2023 Within one year Between one and five years 6,734 34,865 6, 733 6,734 41,598 16. NOVEMENT IN FUNDS Net movement in fui)ds At 31/12124 At 111124 Vnrestrlcted lunds General fund 735,225 52,100 787,325 Restricted funds Environment Links UK Agricijltijre Blueprint for Water Planning Coalition Wildlife Crlme and Trade Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Local Nature Recovery Strategles Chemical Campaign Raven's Netv4ork (name change(J from Peer Support Network for People of Colour) Restore Nature Now Project EDI Seed's Scheme 1,382 1,079 846 289 (369) (370) 1.013 709 846 289 18 1.689 125 25,517 2,850 125 22,271 (1,161) 3,246 292 179 4.370 7,820 471 4,370 7,820 29,152 13,715 42,867 TOTAL FUNDS 764,377 65,815 830. 192 Page 27 continued...
WILDLIFE AND COUNTRYSIDE LINK NOTES TO THE FXNANCIAL STATEMENTS - contlnued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 16. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued Net movement In funds, Included in the above are as follows.. Incoming resources Resources expended Movement in funds Unrestrirted fund$ General fvnd 538.771 (486,671} 52.100 Restricted funds Environment Link5 LIK Agriculture Equalityi Diversity and Inclusion Chemical Campaign New To Nature Scheme Nature 2030 Raven's Network (name changed from Peer Support Netv4ork for People of Colour) Restore Nature Now Project EDI Seed's Scheme Impact 2024 (369) (370) (2,661) {23,129} (8,477) (65,324) (369) (370) (1.161) 3,246 1,500 26,375 8,477 65,324 2.022 123,902 29,100 113,750 (1,843) {119,532) (21,280) (113,750) 179 4,370 7.820 370,450 {356,735) 13.715 TOTAL FUNDS 909,221 (843,406) 65,815 Comparatlves for movement in fund$ Net movement in funds At 31112/23 At 111123 Unrestrlrted lunds General fund 562,537 172,688 735,225 Restrlrted funds Environment Link5 UK Agriculture Blueprint for Water Planning Coalition Mead of Communicètions Wildlife Crime and Trade Equalityi Diversity and Inclusion Green Recovery Local Nature Recovery Strateoies Peer Support Network for People of Colour Chemical Campaign 1,631 1,079 846 289 12,888 18 {249) 1,382 1,079 846 289 {12,888) IB 2,850 2,850 1174) 174 125 125 150 50,000 142 (27,729) 292 22,271 67,200 {38,048} 29,152 TOTAL FUNDS 629,737 134,640 764,377 Page 28 continued...
WILDLXFE AND COUNTRYSIDE LINK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 16. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - contlnued Comparative net movement In funds, Included in the above are as follows.. Incoming resource5 Resources expended Movement in funds Unrestricted fund$ General fund 587,670 (4 14,9821 172,688 Restricted funds Envlronment Links UK Head of Communications Equality. Diversity and Inclusion Green Recovery Peer Support Network for People of Colour Chemical Campaign New To Nature Scheme Natvre 2030 12491 {12,888) 1250) 1174) { 249) 112,888) 2,850 <1741 3,100 3,388 5,500 13,997 124,585 (3,2461 133,229) {13,997) (124.585) 142 127.729) 150,570 (188,6181 138.048) TOTAL FUNDS 738,240 1603,600) 134,640 Purposes ot materlal restrlcted fund•: He•d of Communlcatlons The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundatlon provlded funding for Link's Head of Communication5 role, particularly to support Link's work In sharing marine conservation policy and messages. This funding has now been spent qu•llty, Dlver•lty and Incluslon Flnal payment has been made to the consultancy Full Colour Ltd for our work together to understand and improve ethnic diversity In the environment sector. The funding was kindly provided by the John Ellerman Foundation, Natural England, the Joseph Rowntree Trust, and the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation. Cheml¢•l Campalgn The Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and the Savitri Trust provlded essential core support for a new chemicals campaign, intended to stren9then the regulation of toxic chemicals in the UK. The campaign particularly focuse5 on river pollution. Most of the funding has been spent commlssioning the Rivers Trust to undertake mapplng and analysis of contaminants Including pesticides, pharmaceuticals and "lorever chemicals" using Environment Agency data. Additional funds have spent to produce a produce shared parliamentary briefings and consultation responses, and to host an event on chemicals with UK Youth For Nature, advocating better monitoring and management of chemical pollution. N•ture 2030 This 15 Link's General Election campaign. consisting of public campaigning, policy and advocacy for the gUlatIon and Investment needed to halt nature's decline by 2030. New to Nature This Is an Inclusion scheme, Fur*ded by Government and facilitated by Groundwork, almed at increasing diversity in the environment sector. These funds contribute to the salary of Link's New to Nature tralnee. Page 29 continued.
WILDLIFE AND COUNTRYSIDE LINK NOTES TO THE FZNANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 16. MOVEMENT IN FiINDS - continued Restore Nature hlow Dedicated member contribsJtion5, Individual donattons, revenue from t-shirt sales and grant funding via the Environmental Funder's Network enabled the delivery of the Aestore Nature Now March in June 2024. This was the largest ever nature and climate gathering in the UK with between 60,000-100,000 participants, and the most collaboratlve piece of work between traditional environmental NGOS and d1rect action groups to date. SEEDS (Small eNGO Ethnic Diverslty Support Scheme) Nalural England provided crucial funding for a trial cohort for the SEEDS scheme and fundin9 to develop a proposal for an enhanced scheme. This has provided tailored SUPPDrt and bespoke 1-2-1 dvice for 9 organisatlOn5 on readyin9 their organisation to Improve ethnic diverslty within their staffin9 and a proposal on upscaling the programme to support a further 50 organisations. Impact 2024 The joint project between Green Alliance, The Climate Coalition, and Link provided a senior sectoral space for Strategic discussion and collaboration wlth Intelligence sharing, political analysis and 5trategyi and influence collaboration. The project was kindly funded by multiple enviroiimental funder5 Wlth Link receiving E33,750 from the projecl towards our Nature 2030 campalgn sector co-ordination. 17. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES Other than as disclosed in note 9 to the accounts, there were no related party transaction5 for the Year ended 3 1st December 2024 or 3 1st December 2023. 18. GUARANTEE BY MEMBERS OF THE COMPANY Every member of the Company agrees to contribute to the Company £ l or any srnaller amount If reouired If'.- {a) The Company Is wound-up while he or she is o member or within a year afterwards,. and {b) The Company has debts and liabilities which It cannot meet out of Its assets. Page ))