Doddington Hall Conservation Charity Annual Report Year Ending 31[st] March 2023
Wilder Doddington
In March 2021 the Doddington Hall Conservation Charity (DHCC) received notification from the National Lottery Heritage Fund that the application for £184,264 to for the Development Phase of a project entitled “Wilder Connections” had been successful.
WILDER CONNECTIONS aims to realise the huge opportunities to build nature-based social and economic benefits on the back of the nature recovery at Doddington Farms LLP’s estate wide nature recovery project: Wilder Doddington. These opportunities arise thanks to Doddington’s location, footfall, reputation, experience and networks with local organisations.
During the rest of the year work progressed to develop the capacity of DHCC, the project strategy, programme of activities and prepare fully worked up and costed bid for funding for a 4 year Delivery phase.
The activity programme developed is summarised in appendix 1 below.
In preparation for the Wilder Connections project, the charity underwent a Governance Review with Forsters LLP in London. Recommendations included revisions to the Powers and Objects, a new Conflict of Interest policy, and recruitment of new trustees. The amendments to Powers and Objects were submitted to the Charity Commission for approval in November 2022.
Wilder Connections will be run by the Doddington Hall Conservation Charity in partnership with Doddington farms LLP. In order to ensure that the charity’s interests (and those of Lottery players and the Lottery Heritage Fund) are protected, Forsters drafted the following agreements:
-
Framework agreement between DHCC and Doddington Farms LLP
-
30 year leases and licences for capital spend and activities on Doddington Farms’ land
The first Development Phase activity involving all partners was a workshop and mentoring with Catalyst Collective to develop an Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging strategy to underpin Wilder Connections.
During the year the charity worked with a large number of consultants, advisors, local community groups, CICs and charities developing and piloting ideas and plans for the Delivery Phase (see appendix 2).
The Delivery Phase budget expanded considerably due to high inflation rates, expanded programme and advice from NLHF about appropriate resourcing for the delivery phase
A skills matrix, role specifications, and recruitment plan for three new trustees was prepared. Recruitment commenced and a shortlist was prepared for interviews in April 2023.
In February the project team presented drafts of the full final application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and hosted a visit from senior team members - feedback was extremely positive.
The full application will be submitted in May.
The expenditure on Development Phase work ran in line with the projected budget.
Tapestries
In January 2023, having taken legal advice about a defective Declaration from 2005, it was agreed that the tapestries hanging in the Holly and Yellow bedrooms at Doddington, have belonged to the Trustees of the Doddington Hall Conservation Charity since 2005. A licence was then signed confirming the loan of the tapestries to Doddington Farms LLP (owner of Doddington Hall) and listing conditions of the loan such as care/conservation, public access and insurance.
Appendix 1
WILDER CONNECTION KEY ACTIVITIES
-
1) Activities that empower the local community through learning and engagement with Wilder Doddington and activities that bring “peoplepower” to Wilder Doddington:
-
Volunteer programme – new volunteers recruited from diverse backgrounds, contributing across all appropriate areas of activity.
-
Programme of school visits with Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust; higher and adult education; and Young Darwin bursaries for less advantaged learners.
-
Partnership with local charity Hill Holt Wood to bring disadvantaged and SEN young learners to gain experience, skills and wellbeing working and learning at Doddington.
-
Partnership with University of Lincoln providing opportunity for HE students and academics to gain field skills and to conduct research projects around Wilder Doddington / Connections activities – environmental, ecological, social, economic.
-
Funded, subsidised Forest School type activities for local disadvantaged families with young children at Wilder Doddington.
-
Implementation of Visitor Engagement Plan providing engaging, inclusive interpretation and activities on site that will help deepen engagement of existing visitor base (250k + visits/year) with Wilder Doddington, and ensure that we attract more diverse audiences.
-
Regular visits to Wilder Doddington by community, mental health and other vulnerable groups.
-
Construction of the ‘Wild House’ a cutting-edge exemplar of sustainable building techniques as a base for Wilder Connections activities.
-
Creation of new trails, with engaging, inclusive interpretation and citizen science activities. These will increase access for diverse groups for naturebased activity, skills development and learning at the same time as enabling zoning to protect fragile habitats.
2) Activities to enhance the Countryside Stewardship-funded Wilder Doddington project and ensure its legacy:
-
‘Wetter Better’ project with the Freshwater Habitat Trust and the River Restoration Centre to enhance Wilder Doddington’s nature recovery by rewetting the previously intensively drained and farmed estate. This is a landscape-scale project which will result in: a regionally important freshwater biodiversity site; increased carbon sequestration and significant (natural) flood- mitigation for Lincoln. Involvement of learners and volunteers throughout programme.
-
Completion and organisation of baselining of the nature recovery and ecosystem services at WD detailed plans and budgets for ongoing monitoring maximising involvement from volunteers, and learners at all levels
-
Investigation of opportunities for species introductions, partnership working with other conservation organisations to maximise outcomes.
3) Activities to ensure that the project inspires similar projects and builds support amongst funders and policy-makers:
-
Public relations and online engagement to maximise WD’s presence, reach and impact; both with specialist audiences in all areas of activity, and with diverse, inclusive general audiences
-
Ensuring that we share our model and learning with our networks and partners and specialist audiences via open access data, case-histories, symposia, conferences, using digital, social media and specialist online channels, press and broadcast coverage
Appendix 2
Consultees worked with on Wilder Connections Development Phase
| Name | Status & organisation | Status & organisation | Role inproject | Relevant experience | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claire Birch |
In kindChair Doddington Hall Conservation Charity |
Lead – | Long experience in heritage management, sustainability, fundraising, project management andmarketing |
||
| David Wright |
EmployeeJointly employed DHCC & DFLLP |
Long career project managing, consulting |
40 years’ consultancy, Project Mgmt, Managing Director & FD roles in rural sector, + ownership & directionof ruralbusinesses |
||
| Andrew Lane & Idina Glyn |
ConsultantForsters (Law practice) |
Legal advice | Top legal frm with long track record of support for charities |
||
| Kate Measures |
Consultant Insider |
Heritage | Activity plan: Strategic advice & mentoring |
NLHF specialist with a long track- record and high success rate in successful project planning, and robustevaluation. |
|
| Carol Tavernier |
Consultant Collective |
Catalyst | EDIB workshops and mentoring for strategy development |
Innovative approaches to EDIB, many years’ experience in facilitating and implementing EDIB reviews and strategies |
|
| Mary Hollis |
Consultant | – freelance | EDIB & Community Engagement lead |
Founder ofGreen Synergy Voluntary sector expertise, project management, strategic / business planning, Bid writing, Participant-led, sustainable community development Therapeutic horticulture, mental health & wellbeing, community gardening |
|
| Carl Hawke |
Consultant– Freelance (but also works for the National Trust) |
Conservation Management Plan lead |
Regional Wildlife & Countryside Adviser at The National Trust for 20 years, previously at RSPB for 6 years |
||
| **Isobel ** | EmployeeDoddington | Oversight& | Former ruralandfarmconsultant, |
| Name | Status & organisation | Status & organisation | Status & organisation | Role inproject | Relevant experience | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wright | Farms LLP – Farm Manager | leadership of all conservation project planning, monitoring and activity on site; pilots, research, activities volunteering |
university lecturer, project manager, 12 years with ADAS as a senior consultant: agronomy, organic farming and diversifcation, seeking sustainable solutions. |
|||
| Dr Abigail Hunt |
Consultant– Lincoln International Business School |
leading experienced team from University of Lincoln on the Evaluationplan |
Associate professor in Heritage & Identity, keen focus on widening participation. |
|||
| Richard Bunting |
Consultant - http://www.richardbunting. com/ |
Lead on Communications strategy |
Over 30 years’ experience of media, communications, public relations, campaigning and journalism. Comms consultant to Rewilding Britain |
|||
| com/ | ||||||
| Ralph Underhill |
Consultant– Matters |
Framing | Contributor to comms strategy and visitor Experience plan especially re Framing |
7 years of experience of working on framing & values, + 10 years working in the charity sector |
||
| Lynsey Woods |
In-Kind- Brand & Communications Manager Doddington Farms LLP |
Coordinating development of comms strategy |
15 years comms experience in heritage and sustainability sectors, excellent graphic design, digital & strategy dvpt.experience |
|||
| Prof. Heather Hughes |
Consultant– Lincoln International Business School |
Lead: Visitor engagement plan & Interpretation plan |
Professor of Cultural Studies especially heritage interpretation Lead on HLHF Funded International Bomber Command Centre interpretation& digitalarchive |
|||
| Jago Moles |
Consultant Ltd |
Wild Futures | Lead: access & trails |
Jago (also a Countryside Manager at National Trust) has wealth of practical experience of routing, management, specifcation & procurement of trails / interpretation / infrastructure for visitoraccess |
||
| Alex Rendall |
Consultant– Steven Dunn Architects |
Architects for Wild House |
Highly experienced local architect with great relationships with planners andlocalcontractors. |
|||
| Kit Knowles |
Subcontractor– Ecospheric |
Sustainable construction of WildHouse |
Highly experienced sustainable building consultants |
|||
| Professor Abigail Woods |
In Kind- University of Lincoln Pro Vice Chancellor, Head of College of Arts, Chair of Doddington University of LincolnSteering group |
Working with Claire Birch on realising opportunities for students and academics |
||||
| Jeremy Biggs |
partner -CEO Freshwater Habitat Trust |
Design of Wetter Better |
Premier Freshwater habitat and conservationorganisation |
| Name | Status & organisation | Role inproject | Relevant experience | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Martin Janes |
Partner- CEO River Restoration Centre |
Design of Wetter Better |
Premier River restoration charity with focus on natural food management and connect ing riverswith their foodplains. |
|
| Steve Donagain |
Consultant–Hill Holt Wood Environmental Social Enterprise |
SEND learning plan |
Key deliverer of learning for SEND/young people at risk of being excludedfromschool |
|
| Dr Carly Butler |
Consultant– University of Derby Nature Connectedness Research Group |
Nature Connectedness across all relevant workstreams |
Leading research group on nature connectedness |
|
| Suzanne Fysh |
In Kind- Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, Senior Community Ofcer (Nextdoor Nature) (along with senior colleagues Matthew Capper and Dave Bromwich) |
Learning and community outreach/engage ment |
Lead on LWT Nextdoor Nature project, previous experience as community development ofcer in Gainsborough |
|
| Lynsey Collinson |
CEO Development Plus Lincoln-based community organisation with several supportgroups |
Worked on community group visits |
interested in visiting Wilder Doddington for wellbeing |
|
| Ghada Mohamm ed |
Muslim Sisters forum, Lincoln |
Visits for Muslim community |
ditto | |
| Michelle Freeman |
CEO Lincoln Trauma Centre |
Visits for mental healthgroup |
||
| Atikur Rheman- Pate |
Lincoln Embracing All Nations |
|||
| Caroline Killeavy |
CEO YMCA Lincoln | Visits for YMCA service users |
THE DODDINGTON HALL CONSERVATION CHARITY
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31st MARCH 2023
THE DODDINGTON HALL CONSERVATION CHARITY
CONTENTS
Page 1 Club Information 2 Examiners Report 3 Accounts Summary
THE DODDINGTON HALL CONSERVATION CHARITY
INFORMATION
Treasurer
Accountants
Claire Van Cleave Brainerd Fulbeck House Fulbeck House NG32 3JR
ASAP Accountants & Business Advisors Ltd Room 206
Mercury House Business & Conference Centre Willoughton Drive Foxby Lane Business Park Gainsborough DN21 1DY
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE DODDINGTON HALL CONSERVATION CHARITY
We report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31st March 2023 which are set out on pages 3 to 4. Respective
responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is our responsibility to:
-
-examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act
-
-follow the procedure laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and -state whether matters have come to my attention
Basis of Independent examiner's report
Our examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission.
An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a "true and fair view" and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with our examination, no matter has come to our attention:
-
1 Which gives us reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements: - to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
-
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or
-
2 to which, in our opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Claire VC Brainerd
Claire VC Brainerd (Nov 2, 2023 14:02 GMT+1)
Nov 2, 2023
ASAP Accountants & Business Advisors Ltd Room 206, Mercury House Business & Conference Centre Willoughton Drive Foxby Lane Business Park Gainsborough DN21 1DY
Claire Van Cleave Brainerd Fulbeck House Fulbeck House NG32 3JR
THE DODDINGTON HALL CONSERVATION CHARITY
Reg No 1114539
Year Ended 31st March 2023
| Surplus brought forward Deficit for the year INCOME Tapestry Rental Donations Grants DFLLP Match Funding EXPENDITURE Surplus carried forward Represented by: Current a/c Deposit a/c Debtors Creditors Legal fees Consultancy Wilder Connections Salaries Equipment |
9,091 (1,768) 9,248 (157) 2023 2022 £ £ £ £ 1,000 1,000 364 643 142,508 - 31,377 175,249 1,643 175,249 1,643 177,017 1,800 7,323 9,091 7,323 9,091 84,990 48 106,002 (183,717) 8,043 48 1,000 - 21,835 112,660 39,827 2,695 1,800 - - |
9,091 (1,768) 9,248 (157) 2023 2022 £ £ £ £ 1,000 1,000 364 643 142,508 - 31,377 175,249 1,643 175,249 1,643 177,017 1,800 7,323 9,091 7,323 9,091 84,990 48 106,002 (183,717) 8,043 48 1,000 - 21,835 112,660 39,827 2,695 1,800 - - |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 9,091 | |||
| 8,043 48 1,000 - |
|||
| 9,091 |
We confirm that we have examined the books, records and infrmation provided We declare that to the best of our knowledge and belief, these accounts give a true and fair view of Doddington Conversation Charity activities for the year ended 31st March 2023.
………………………………………………………………………………
ASAP Accountants & Business Advisors Ltd Date : 16.10.2023
NOTES
The Development phase of Wilder Connections started in May 2022 and was in effect completed in May 2023 when the application for delivery phase was submitted to NLHF. The majority of costs had been incurred by 31 March 2023, but some expenditure and final grant claims carried over into the 2023/24 year. Given the cash position of the charity and the delays in grant processing by NLHF, all initial expenditure to 31 March 2023 was funded by Doddington Farms LLP including project salaries.
The funding of the Development phase – a total of some £225K (application £230K) has been primarily funded on an 80/20 basis by NLHF and Doddington Farms LLP respectively. Rewilding Britian and the Environment Agency also contributed £17K of funding. Post year end there was some further expenditure, particularly salaries and consultancy and a final claim made to NLHF to 30 June 2023 for £51K. The Development phase has in effect broken even with DFLLP making a £42K contribution . Some legal costs relating to governance were ineligible for the project.
At 31 March 2023, DFLLP were providing net funding of £152K being project expenditure of £184K less its 20% contribution of £31K. Now that all the grants have been claimed, the funding debt will be repaid prior to the start of the Delivery phase. DHCC has now registered for VAT which will facilitate regular Vat recovery going forward.
Accounts 31.3.23 Signed 1
Final Audit Report
2023-11-02
Created: 2023-11-02 By: Claire Birch (clairebirch@doddingtonhall.com) Status: Signed Transaction ID: CBJCHBCAABAAbvLS2Xt4HTV2dr2AQTLApMBYVcTpAaTg
"Accounts 31.3.23 Signed 1" History
Document created by Claire Birch (clairebirch@doddingtonhall.com)
2023-11-02 - 12:54:45 PM GMT- IP address: 78.141.52.181
Document emailed to claire@stubtonhall.co.uk for signature
2023-11-02 - 12:56:42 PM GMT
Email viewed by claire@stubtonhall.co.uk
2023-11-02 - 1:02:15 PM GMT- IP address: 193.205.243.11
Signer claire@stubtonhall.co.uk entered name at signing as Claire VC Brainerd 2023-11-02 - 1:02:45 PM GMT- IP address: 193.205.243.11
Document e-signed by Claire VC Brainerd (claire@stubtonhall.co.uk)
Signature Date: 2023-11-02 - 1:02:47 PM GMT - Time Source: server- IP address: 193.205.243.11
Agreement completed.
2023-11-02 - 1:02:47 PM GMT
THE DODDINGTON HALL CONSERVATION CHARITY
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31st MARCH 2023
THE DODDINGTON HALL CONSERVATION CHARITY
CONTENTS
Page 1 Club Information 2 Examiners Report 3 Accounts Summary
THE DODDINGTON HALL CONSERVATION CHARITY
INFORMATION
Treasurer
Accountants
Claire Van Cleave Brainerd Fulbeck House Fulbeck House NG32 3JR
ASAP Accountants & Business Advisors Ltd Room 206
Mercury House Business & Conference Centre Willoughton Drive Foxby Lane Business Park Gainsborough DN21 1DY
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE DODDINGTON HALL CONSERVATION CHARITY
We report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31st March 2023 which are set out on pages 3 to 4. Respective
responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is our responsibility to:
-
-examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act
-
-follow the procedure laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and -state whether matters have come to my attention
Basis of Independent examiner's report
Our examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission.
An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a "true and fair view" and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with our examination, no matter has come to our attention:
-
1 Which gives us reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements: - to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
-
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or
-
2 to which, in our opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Claire VC Brainerd
Claire VC Brainerd (Nov 2, 2023 14:02 GMT+1)
Nov 2, 2023
ASAP Accountants & Business Advisors Ltd Room 206, Mercury House Business & Conference Centre Willoughton Drive Foxby Lane Business Park Gainsborough DN21 1DY
Claire Van Cleave Brainerd Fulbeck House Fulbeck House NG32 3JR
THE DODDINGTON HALL CONSERVATION CHARITY
Reg No 1114539
Year Ended 31st March 2023
| Surplus brought forward Deficit for the year INCOME Tapestry Rental Donations Grants DFLLP Match Funding EXPENDITURE Surplus carried forward Represented by: Current a/c Deposit a/c Debtors Creditors Legal fees Consultancy Wilder Connections Salaries Equipment |
9,091 (1,768) 9,248 (157) 2023 2022 £ £ £ £ 1,000 1,000 364 643 142,508 - 31,377 175,249 1,643 175,249 1,643 177,017 1,800 7,323 9,091 7,323 9,091 84,990 48 106,002 (183,717) 8,043 48 1,000 - 21,835 112,660 39,827 2,695 1,800 - - |
9,091 (1,768) 9,248 (157) 2023 2022 £ £ £ £ 1,000 1,000 364 643 142,508 - 31,377 175,249 1,643 175,249 1,643 177,017 1,800 7,323 9,091 7,323 9,091 84,990 48 106,002 (183,717) 8,043 48 1,000 - 21,835 112,660 39,827 2,695 1,800 - - |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 9,091 | |||
| 8,043 48 1,000 - |
|||
| 9,091 |
We confirm that we have examined the books, records and infrmation provided We declare that to the best of our knowledge and belief, these accounts give a true and fair view of Doddington Conversation Charity activities for the year ended 31st March 2023.
………………………………………………………………………………
ASAP Accountants & Business Advisors Ltd Date : 16.10.2023
NOTES
The Development phase of Wilder Connections started in May 2022 and was in effect completed in May 2023 when the application for delivery phase was submitted to NLHF. The majority of costs had been incurred by 31 March 2023, but some expenditure and final grant claims carried over into the 2023/24 year. Given the cash position of the charity and the delays in grant processing by NLHF, all initial expenditure to 31 March 2023 was funded by Doddington Farms LLP including project salaries.
The funding of the Development phase – a total of some £225K (application £230K) has been primarily funded on an 80/20 basis by NLHF and Doddington Farms LLP respectively. Rewilding Britian and the Environment Agency also contributed £17K of funding. Post year end there was some further expenditure, particularly salaries and consultancy and a final claim made to NLHF to 30 June 2023 for £51K. The Development phase has in effect broken even with DFLLP making a £42K contribution . Some legal costs relating to governance were ineligible for the project.
At 31 March 2023, DFLLP were providing net funding of £152K being project expenditure of £184K less its 20% contribution of £31K. Now that all the grants have been claimed, the funding debt will be repaid prior to the start of the Delivery phase. DHCC has now registered for VAT which will facilitate regular Vat recovery going forward.
Accounts 31.3.23 Signed 1
Final Audit Report
2023-11-02
Created: 2023-11-02 By: Claire Birch (clairebirch@doddingtonhall.com) Status: Signed Transaction ID: CBJCHBCAABAAbvLS2Xt4HTV2dr2AQTLApMBYVcTpAaTg
"Accounts 31.3.23 Signed 1" History
Document created by Claire Birch (clairebirch@doddingtonhall.com)
2023-11-02 - 12:54:45 PM GMT- IP address: 78.141.52.181
Document emailed to claire@stubtonhall.co.uk for signature
2023-11-02 - 12:56:42 PM GMT
Email viewed by claire@stubtonhall.co.uk
2023-11-02 - 1:02:15 PM GMT- IP address: 193.205.243.11
Signer claire@stubtonhall.co.uk entered name at signing as Claire VC Brainerd 2023-11-02 - 1:02:45 PM GMT- IP address: 193.205.243.11
Document e-signed by Claire VC Brainerd (claire@stubtonhall.co.uk)
Signature Date: 2023-11-02 - 1:02:47 PM GMT - Time Source: server- IP address: 193.205.243.11
Agreement completed.
2023-11-02 - 1:02:47 PM GMT