Wilderness Foundation UK Registered Company No. 06003527 Registered Charity in England No. 1118493 Registered Charity in Scotland No. SCo41697 WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK Report and Accounts 31 December 2020 www.wildernessfoundation.org.uk WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK CONTENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 Introduction Reference and Administration Information Trustees Annual Report 3-40 Statement of financial activities 41 Balance sheet 42 Notes to the financial statements 43-49 Independent examiner's report 50 WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK INTRODUCTION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 The Directors, who are also the trustees of the charity for the purposes of Charity Law, present their annual report and the independently examined financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2020. The Directors have adopted the provisions of the Staternent of Recommended Practice ISORP) "Accounting and Reporting by Charities" issued in March 2005 in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity. 'The Chief Executive ha5 dispensation from the Charity Commission to serve as Fovnding Director on the board, alongside working as Chief Executive Officer. This report represents the twelve months to 31 December 2020 and describes what the Wildernes5 Fovndation UK achieved, explain5 our ¢on5titution and governance arrangements and outline5 ovr future plans. WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2020 Patrons Sir Hvmphry Wakefield Bt Lord Petre Dr. John Hemming Bruce Little Nicky Rattray Simon Hall Cathy O'Dowd Andrew sheepshanks (Vice Chair) Toby Akyroyd (Vice Chairl Edward Posey OBE Jo Roberts (Founder Director). see page i for information Vance Martin Matt Adams Williams Olivia Shaw (resigned 22 September 20201 Peter Hobson Peter Martin (Chairl Myles Farnbank (resigned 21 September 20201 Andrew Gibbs Murray Souter Perdeep Grewel Gerald Vincent Thompson (appointed 16 November 20201 The trustees are also directors and members of the charity. The Wilderness Foundation UK (formerly the Wilderness Trust) was fovnded in 1976 by Dr. lan Player DMS and Sir Laurens van der Post. Trustees Registered office: Trinity House 2 Whitbreads Business Centre Whitbreads Farm Lane Chatham Green Essex CM3 3FE Registered numbers: Charity England= charity Scotland: Company: Commvnity360 Winsley's House High Street Colchester Essex Coi IUG 1118493 SCo41697 06003527 Reporting accountant: CHAIRMAN'S REPORT The year to the 31 December 2020 must have been one of the most challenging years ever faced by the Wilderness Foundation UK IWFUK) as it was for every charity in the country. The hvge effect of Covid 19 could not have been foreseen and cannot be overestimated. We started the year in a really strong operating and financial position thanks to progress in recent years and a particularly successful year in 2019. We had a good first two months of the year for fundraising and then the pandemic hit Us all in March. The charity had to react with great speed to the new restrictions imposed by government. All services were moved to an online method of working with two new campaigns Wild Time and VitaminN - introduced to help people connect with nature and stay mentally well, The office was closed until June, but we continued to deliver our seNices online and by telephone and in emergencies face to face working. We were able to support our community, particularly young people with therapy, coping strategies and practical help. We were very fortunate to obtain fvnding from a number of sources, for example.. the Essex County Covncil, Reaching Communities and the Essex Community Foundation, particularly to support ovr therapy and emergency response programmes addressing the issues around mental health. We ran a successful campaign in Scotland to grow a new programme called Treun which replaces our Imbewu programme. l am pleased to say that we ended the year in a strong financial position. We also made use of the pandemic hiatus to strengthen our governance and financial systems. More detail in this 15 given in the Trvstees Report on page 6. Whilst wè focused on wellbeing and human social Care, we repurposed ovr education offer (which is usually avai5able to school visits on site), to environmental advocacy and climate change. We worked creatively on a new online climate change education package that is widely available, especially for schools and children that were locked down. In addition, we benefited from working closely with the Essex Climate Action Commission. with a focvs on promoting Green Infrastructure and Land Use to take us closer to a carbon net zero county here in Essex by 2050. We have renewed our efforts to reach everyone to vnderstand the role that regenerative agriculture, biodiversity enhancement and community and individual action can make to this. As a charity we are deeply concerned about the crisis facing nature, species and ecosystems in the UK and globally. l am sure that I speak for all Trustees when I say that I have been extremely impressed by the remarkable way that our excellent CEO Jo Roberts and her team reacted with such speed to the impact of the pandemic. Our programmes had to be redesigned and new therapy programmes developed. New funding had to be secured and our wonderfvl staff and volunteers had to work in entirely different ways - even accepting that they would need to work online and not be fixed on our vsual outdoor face to face experiences. I extend a huge thank you to all of them. This is my last report as Chairman ofthe Wilderness Foundation UK although l am pleased to say that I will remain as a Trustee. l am delighted that Vincent Thompson, the Vice Lord Lieutenant of Essex, has agreed to become our new Chair in 2021 and I know that he will lead the organisation on to greaterachievements in the years to come. The Covid 19 pandemic has compounded the incidence of mental health problems and the demand for our Services whilst the urgency of the climate emergency is increasingly recognised. The unique offering of the Wilderness Foundation UK, outlined in our Objectives on page 5, enables it to address both these priorities in parallel and so provides the basis for our plans for the development of our operations. Peter Martin Chairman WILDERMESS FOUNDATION UK Trustees Annual Report For the year ended 31 December 2020 OUR AIMS AND OBJECTIVES Qur charity's objectives 35 set out in the objects contained in the company's memorandum of association are: To advance the education of the public by increasing knowledge and understanding of wilderness and the conservation thereof, the interrelationship between wilderne5S and the environment generally by the provision of instruction, and of opportunities, for direct experience of wilderness. To initiate and manage social benefit programmes which use wilderness experience to enable vulnerable and disadvantaged people to play a fuller role in society (especially the young). The aims of our charity are to: raise the profile and value of wilderness areas through offering direct experience of wild places through our educational programmes for young people. n deliver social projects that demonstrate how wilderness experience offers a vital key to the wellbeing of society and individuals, particularly the most vulnerable. l.l initiate and support programmes for the continved protection of the last remaining wild land and wilderness areas in Britain and, through our partners, in Europe and Africa. We refer to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aims and objectives and on planning ovr future activities. In partiCLslar, the trvstees consider how planned activities will contribvte to the aims and objectives they have set. In spite of Covid 19, we Continued to review our aims, objectives and activitie5 internally and also externally in conjunction with the universities and internal research, in terms of monitoring and evaluating our work. We once again had the benefit of The University of Cambridge Judge Business School's executive MBA students supporting the Fovndation as part of their MBA training. In 2020 we worked with four students from a range of professional backgrounds and their brief was to further develop previous work in 2019. They completed and wrote up a comprehensive analysis of unique selling points of the charity, strengthening the board, marketing and branding and areas that we could improve the efficiency and impact of the charity in line with our development aspirations. During the year we have focused heavily on governance and advanced our processes in terms of risk analysis, financial procedures. board diversity and management and reviewed our Articles of Association. This IS still work in progress and we have a very committed and thorough Governance Committee. We have also implemented a Finance Committee who meet regularly and. like the Governance Committee, report directly to the 8oard. Even though our work has been restricted through this year, we have WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK Trustees Annual Report For the year ended 31 December 2020 maintained our Learning Ovtside the Classroom accreditation which is an important external measure in terms of compliance and focused on further training and development in First Aid, mentor training, health and salety and safeguarding. We made use of the services of a film maker to prodvce a short documentary on the impact of lockdown on our TvrnAroiJnd Graduates which was shared widely. Our social rnedia and marketing online took a new life. In order to be relevant and look at our impact, we consult all our participants through a strvctured and informal feedback process. This assesses our response to the external need for our programmes, our achievements and the outcomes of work completed in the previov5 12 months. The review looks at key activities and the benefits they have brought to the groups of people we are set up to help. This is further supported by our longitudinal research and analysis by the University of Essex, alongside a5sessrnent of projects such as the Ovt There Academy which fall under our own monitoring processes. We continue to seek ways to remain relevant to current trends for society and the environment and were fortunate for our CEO to be a commissioner on the Essex Climate Change Commission and for vs to develop our own education tools for helping young people respond, advocate and vnderstand the challenges of climate change globally and in the UK. PUBLIC BENEFIT STATEMENT This statement complies with the duty set out in section 4 of the Charities Act 2006 to have due regard to pvblic benefit as published by the Commission. The charity was founded in 1976 by Dr. lan Player DMS and Sir Laurens van der Post with the aim of raising the profile and value of wilderness areas, through offering direct experience of wild places to a wide range of the general pvblic- with a focus on young people in particu5ar. We continue this work today, with our activitie5 focused on three key areas- education and leadership development, Social intetvention and advocacy and awareness. The charity was reconstituted in 2006 and changed its name from The Wildernes5 Trust to The Wilderness Foundation UK. Our aims lully reflect the pvrpose5 that the charity was set vp to further. WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK Trustees Annual Report For the year ended 31 December 2020 Leadership and Education We develop leaders for the future who truly understand the crucial need for a balance between humans and nature in order to ensure a 5UStainable future for all. Whilst protecting the environment, we also know that effective leadership and advocacy is enhanced through direct experience of the natural world facilitated by experts in their field, including team building and developing corporate social responsibility. We now live in a world where the disconnection with nature grows daily and there is urgency to address this as resources and biodiversity diminish. The increase in corporates and organi5ation5 looking to evidence their environmental and social responsibility dovetails into this work. Participants are enabled to experience, learn and discover the spirit of wilderness, alongside growing their understanding of the essential relationships between humanity, nature. personal development and the practice of ecological principles. All programmes inclvde.. bvilding respect for the earth's rich but diminishing biodiversity, the value of simple and low impact experience of the outdoors and benefits of leaving no trace and an undi5turbed environment. We incorporate leadership training across a range of programmes and offer tools and skills to lead and influence around issues related to a healthy planet and healthy people, as well as enhanced sustainability in their own organisations. We also educate the public on matters of sustainable land use, balancing the need5 of farming, nature and communities and the impacts of farming on nature. Social Intervention We work on key social issues in our communities that benefit from therapeutic wilderness programmes - providing experiential programme5 that improve physical and mental wellbeing for the individual and society, often the most disadvantaged and vulnerable. In 2020 research showed a dramatic increase in mental health issues with lockdown affecting a wide range of people. Covid 19 also increased people experiencing isolation and loneliness, grief and financial insecurity alongside fear of being infected, as well as increased a desire to connect to nature. Overall, thi5 added to an already high mental health decline in our teenage population which in 2019 was already reporting almost one in four adolescents in the UK experiencing anxiety or depression. There is continved growth of County Lines and gang involvement across the country, with a 40% increase in domestic violence which has a big impact on children and young people in the hovsehold. Whilst many are WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK Trustees Annual Report For the year ended 31 December 2020 focused on their futures and doing well, there are counterparts who are struggling with a wide range of challenges and setbacks. All these increase the likelihood of yovng people struggling to finish school or find sustainable training or employment, thus significantly affecting their life chances. This insight drives the Foundation's social programmes with an aim to nurture the physical and psychological wellne55 of young people, whilst also developing a sense of belonging in, and care for, wild places with an embedded conservation ethic. Over the past 12 years, we have taken vulnerable youth to wilderness areas and wild spaces and developed ways not only to SLSPPOrt mental health, bvt also include environmental education and address issues of youth vnemployment. Wildernes5 Foundation UK has developed a number of holistic skills and therapy interventions that harness the healing power of natvre, to equip vvlnerable youth to be economically active and environmentally responsible citizens. At the core of these interventions are carefully developed physical and psychological wellness programmes which aim to provide specific support for our participants as they complete their programmes which inclvde: employability, skills development or vocational training aspects. Furthermore, the Foundation has seen just how powerfully young people respond to spending time in wilderness areas. 8ased on a long history of using the healing power of natL*re for personal and social transformation, the Foundation has integrated various levels of Wildernes5 Trail activities into our holistic intervention projects. Through ovr varied programmes, the measvring and monitoring of social and personal change, and improvements in mental health. we are able to share the positive findings that demonstrate the benefit and value that wilderness and wild places offer everyone in our communities, with a focus on those in particular need. This svpports the urgent need to protect our remaining wild and green 5pace5, not just for their biodiversity and landscape valve but also to improve the wellbeing and mental health ofsociety. We share our outcomes widely through a range of papers, conferences, documentaries and the media. Advocacy and Awareness We aim to protect wilderness and wild place5 by influencing policy maker5 and the public by highlighting measurable economic, social and biodiversity benefits of wild nature. We believe that government and business leaders have an inherent responsibility to act as responsible custodians of the environment and for healthy society through best practice. Sv5tained economic growth is seen as a necessary priority. but it will continue to put pressure on the Earth'5 natural resources unless it is carefvlly managed and monitored. WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK Trustees Annual Report For the year ended 31 December 2020 Through 2020 we have focused more heavily on how biodiversity and rewilding can SUPPOrt the mitigation of climate change, but also what actions we all need to be taking to reduce our carbon impact on the planet. We developed our own Climate Change Education Programme and moved almost all edvcation online to make the most of lockdown when this was a medium with a high percentage of followers. Ovr communication has been focused on the impact of climate change, loss of biodiver51ty, increasing population, pressure on housing development and infrastructure on fragile and disappearing green spaces, the positive impact of wilderness and protected green Space in climate mitigation and biodiversity decline. We delivered two far reaching (up to 11,000 views) of social media and website.based nature and wellness education programmes - Wild Time and Vitamin N. General interest in the natural world increased dvring the 2020 lockdown with reports of over 2000% rise in searches for online nature-based activities. (Wildlife Trusts report 2021.1 We are one ofthe partners ofthe World Wilderness Congress which 15 a global gathering once every four years. bringing together a global collection of speakers on a range of subjects including practical conseTvation, community engagement with nature, wellbeing, training and some of the world's greatest voices for conservation, climate change. the spiritual dimension brought about by wilderness immersion. and community. This year in 2020 the Congres5 Was to be held in Jaipur, India, and was forced to C3ncel the month before due to Covid 19. Online conferencing became the best tool to use for this purpose and we made the most of the medium where we could. WILDERNESS FOUMDATION UK Trustees Annual Report For the year ended 31 December 2020 Overview of 2020 We started 2020 With a Business Development Plan which was adopted by the Trustees. Our ambition was to enable and strengthen our finances. marketing and existing programmes - that successfully deliver service to the environment and people - in order to grow and develop our impact, and finally to expand the work of the Fovnd8tion to other parts of the UK where there was a natural fit and a selected partner or individual who could support this. ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Our main charitable activity dvring the year was the delivery of our flagship programmes., TvrnAround Out There Wilderness Academy Chatham Green Project lincluding Down To Earth Allotments) Brave Futvres Treun (replacing Imbewu in Scotland) Online and Face to Face Therapy Wilderness Therapy Training Partnership Support- Australia and South Africa The year included new areas of growth including: Increased work with young people who have Special Edvcational Needs as part of the Chatham Green Project outreach. and also with groups that involved bespoke services designed with the referrer and delivered on site as part of the Out There Academy Working with online and other therapeutic support to a much wider group of beneficiaries Growing our Association of Outdoor Counsellors & Wilderness Therapists Wilderne55 Therapy training and covnsellor professional development io WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK Trustees Annual Report For the year ended 31 December 2020 J Delivery of Wilderness Therapy immersions in Essex and Scotland Judge Business School engagement in reviewing our strategy and purpose J Documentary of young peoples, experiences of Covid 19 and lockdown J Speaking slots and video reflecting the impact and methodology of our work J Increased online communication through social media and improvements to our website I We sUPPOrt partners that share ourvalues and commit re50vrces to protecting the last of the world's wild places together with their native species of flora and fauna. This includes Bush Heritage Australia and their land and indigenous people programmes, and The Wilderness Foundation Africa supporting Forever Wild and Medivet programmes aimed at the protection of species under threat such as the White and Black Rhinoceros FUTURE PLANS Our purpose is to demonstrate, advocate and apply the positive impact ofwilderness and wild places on the wellbeing of the individual and society, within a spectrum from the most vulnerable to those with leadership potential. The main areas of focus and development for the Foundation over the next three years are: To edvcate and inspire people to experience and connect with wild places li WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK Trustees Annual Report For the year ended 310ecember 2020 To provide an integrated service for improving the lives of the most vulnerable in our society, through the positive benefits of wilderness To grow natural leaders of the future through directly experiencing the positive benefits of wild nature To protect and enhance biodiversity and green spaces To continue to promote and support mental health and wellbeing across clients in Scotland and the rest of the UK To promote and practise 501vtions to meet the Climate Change Crisi5 To grow and strengthen our impact for environment and people We will: Introduce people and children to natvre Educate people how to love the natvral world Change people's lives through natvre Practise what we preach in caring for the earth and people The charity will continue to advocate for its vision of a world where the needs of people and nature are balanced. WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK Trustees Annual Report For the year ended 31 December 2020 Review of Individual Programmes TURNAROUND Our TurnAround interyention prograrnme is aimed at vulnerable young people with complex emotional and behaviour81 needs between the ages of 15-21 years. Young people are referred by range of sources including police, social services, colleges and schools and parents. They are selected on the basi5 of a willingness to make positive changes in their lives and are assessed by our professional team through interview and practical day workshops. Each step of the programme from introduction to graduation has a systemic, integrated set of experiences and learning tools embedded in them. For example, the entrance interview develops confidence in job seeking and understanding of the process of a strvctured interview. TurnArovnd has continually achieved excellent resvlts for the most vulnerable young people on the fringes of society, faced with a raft of social issues, family, emotional and behavioural problems. We continue to see an escalation of young people with significant mental health problems and vulnerability to gangs and county lines, and who are dependent on a wide range of services, with negative impacts within families, poor education achievement and lack of personal resilience. We successlully address these issues through a longitudinal programme of regvlar outdoor, personal development workshops, soci31 development evenings, weekly mentoring sessions with trained volunteer mentors and two wilderne5S therapy journeys. We work with two intakes per year of ten young people in each. This enables vs to offer close, personalised attention and direct engagement with our professional team including therapy, employability training, advocacy. personal growth and independence building support. In early 2020 we graduated a cohort just before lockdown in February. They had been part of two major expeditions to Wales and also a final paddling expedition on Loch Lomond, alongside a range of other intervention activities and workshops. We included meals out. inspiring speakers and gerseral social activities as part of the programme. The experiences delivered during the wilderness journey, together with the natural splendour around them. alongside challenges of being away from home and ovt bf their 13 WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK Trustees Annual Report For the year ended 31 December 2020 comfort zones kickstarts the tran5forrnation process. We measure significant improvements in self-e5teem, connectedness to nature, resilience, mindfulness and wellbeing in a very short space of time. In addition, it builds coping skills, social ski115 ar)d practical skills such as cooking. map reading, camping, and self-care. Our research and feedback evidences that these journeys have the longest lasting impact over several year5. We believe this is dve to the relationships built on the jovrney with other participants and the professional staff and volunteers, alongside the sense of achievement This personal development work is reinforced by the second journey and a final challenge where the group step forward to take the lead and use the skills they have learned during the programme. Several step forward in leadership roles and svpport others in new intakes. We train and support a dedicated and regular team of volunteer mentor5 who work one to one with participants on a weekly basis. This is the backbone of the programme, and the strong, supportive relationships that are in place for our participant5 Wlth mentors is critical to the programme. Having a person dedicated to you with values such as reliability, patience, a Sense of humovr. having one's back and talking straight, can be life changing for participants. Safeguarding remains a top priority for the Foundation and all staff, mentors and volunteers are safeguard trained and we follow Safer Recruitment Practices. Celebratiors of participants, achievements take place continually throughout the programme, and we held the graduation for our TAii in February just before lockdown. Thi5 was as always a moving and emotional ending to a close and bonded programme - with the challenge5 and benefits all rolled into one major sense of pride and accomplishment. Once Covid 19 Strvck, we activated our mentors and staff into svpporting a wide range of graduates from acros5 a range of programmes but inclvded applicants to the TA12 programme that was on hold through Covid 19. As soon as we were able to meet in person of smaller groups outside we engaged our TA12 programme which started at the end of August. During lockdown we had also employed an experienced outdoor facilitator to support the programme alongside the programme lead. Not being able to go on trail meant that we had to be extremely creative and flexible, finding other things to do that would give a stretching opportvnity for the individuals and create grovp solidarity. 14 WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK Trustees Annual Report For the year ended 31 December 2020 This included long walks, canoeing, archery. bushcraft, outdoor cooking, tree climbing. Mentors were exceptional glue to the programme and supported through all weathers, moods and moments. The TA12 intake gradLsated in April 2021. We continue to monitor and evaluate the progress of the TurnAround beneficiaries. The evaluation provides strong evidence for fvnders to demonstrate the true value of investing in our yovng people. TV D12 Outcomes 19 young people engaged in the programmes in 2020. On the whole they joined the programme with presenting issues of drug and Icohol dependency, suspected drug dealing and gang engagement, social isolation, anxiety and depression, self-harm, abuse, anti- social behaviovrs and struggles with peer and family relationships. This year saw an increase in those experiencing domestic violence, grief and loss, and loneliness. Research from the last wilderness trail of the TA12 cohort showed the following outcomes.. 5 categories showed an increase in all or over 80% of participants Working / Studying Trust and love Respect for nature Happiness and mood (loo%) Do I like myself In addition. 50% or more ofthe group reported improvements in Family and other relationships How confident I feel How angry I feel Independent living skills Significant barriers to success such as drugsand alcohol use and offending showed lesser but Still significant improvements. WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK Trustees Annual Report For the year ended 31 December 2020 We continue to evidence our long-term outcomes that the mole connected the participant5 feel to nature, the higher their improvements in self-esteem and confidence. The programme is svpported by a Steering Group made up ofspecialists in the field of youth intervention and they meet every quarter. As ever we are grateful to ovr fvnders and wethank our volunteer mentors, guides and referrers, and the young people who place their trust in us. When I came to TurnAround I was too nervous and had to have a special one to one ro build my confidence. I was nervous. anxious. not sociable and didn't have many friends. I was also grieving for a cousin who had passed away. When I look back i can see how far I have come. I now see mysell8s a person with courage. I now don't waste my lile and want to make the most of it. I see il as short and l arn grateful for so many things - svch as being able ro see ancl hear, and to appreciate nature. l am now studying and doing well. I don't think i need regular support any more, but think that I can work through my problems and not collapse. I know the Foundation is there if I need something. VMI8 OUT THERE ACADEMY The Academy serves 60 young people per year who are aged between 13 and 15. Clients generally experience educational, mental health and behavioural problems and are referred by schools and social services. We continued to work weekly with group of young adults and adolescents who have Special Educational Needs from the Community College Initiative in Chelmsford. This programme has been highly successful and once safe to attend the Foundation the group were back in force. They are currently working on building Saxon shelter. making underground furnaces. learning a wide range of bushcraft and social skills. and confidence whilst on 51te. During 2020 we were able to deliver 36 weeks of support for our groups. The programme provides overall outcomes of improvements in school attendance (in 2019, 71% of our graduates reported irnprovements in this). Other outcomes were in social skills, confidence. respect for self, mood and independent living skills amongst others. 16 WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK Trustees Annual Report For the year ended 31 December 2020 The Out There Academy is assessed as a positive environment for managing conflict resolution, reducing stress and anxiety. school avoidance or exclvsion5, and successful in helping young people turn things around to develop positive relationships with each other, family and referrers. whilst also returning or progressing at School. Many come from challenging background5 and engagement with school, relationships. family and others is diff icult. Out There overcomes these barriers to progress. This is because the programme, being totally nature based, offers an alternative way ofeng3ging with young people. with the outdoors creating a less threatening environment and our staff adopting a tough love approach which focuses on group cohesion, values, self- awareness, choice and consequence, cooperation and kindness. Many young people ask to remain in the programme on completion and we seek ways to pathway them through ongoing mentoring or joining TurnAround when they reach 15. Thi5 year. Covid 19 increased the stress of these young people and we have noticed a marked increase in yovng people who are in contact with domestic violence impact, gangs and/or county lines with more noticeable drug issues for such a young age. The team have had to adapt around this and we had to increase our ratio of staff to young people dvring the programme, within guidelines, to ensure we could offer enough personalised attention and also maintain boundaries and safety. Participants are with us one day a week for six weeks and offer follow up svpport as needed. This year we have a school group who have commissioned work for a whole cohort of Out There which was halted due to Covid 19 and is now due to start again in 2021, as well a5 funding from individual referrers. We have also svccessfully raised funds through the Big Give Match Funding campaign and other sources so that we can offer OL*t There to a wide range of young people put forward and continue to offer subsidised service even when groups were smaller than vsval. We could not have done this work without our mentor team who offer role modeling, team support, one to one 5UPPOrt and are just good fvn to be with too. Essential our worki The programme is svpported by Steering Group made vp of specialists in the field of youth intervention and they meet every quarter. Svpport for reviewing the programme and continual performance and outcome analy515 is part of the responsibilities of the group. We thank our funders and referrers for this programme. 17 WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK Trustees Annual Report For the year ended 31 December 2020 Illustrative Outcome HR joined the programme at ￿ and was on the edge of being excluded from school for his risky behaviours, outbursts of anger. and self-harm. He was bright and engaging and hid major issues behind a charming exterior. His mother had abandoned the family boys - when H was only 2. He was raised by his Dad as a single parent who himself was wracked with grief and ovewhelm and his only survival strategy was a military run operative with little warmth. H struggled with trust and deep-set pain around emotional abandonment and longed for maternal care and support. He would attach to female staff members, unsafe relationships with girl$ and had a poor and frightened relationship with his father. Whilst on the Out There programme. he slowly started to share the issues he w35 facing with the team and others. He was able to show his athletic abilities and fitness 8nd lead our long walks, tree climbing and outdoor games. He was also always ready to help others and nurture weaker members in rhe group, eventually sharing openly in group discussions. With the results of positive relationships. feedback, therapy, mentoring and long-term support after the project ended he completed hi5 GCSES, applied for college, won an award for yovng entrepreneurship ideas and plans, supported others in his school who were struggling as a yovng leader on a school holiday programme. The team who supported him worked closely with his father and finally helped him to develop the confidence to let H reconnect with his absent mother and to let that relationship take its natural course. Prior to that his father was fearful that H would leave him too. We still stay in touch with H, giving him support when he needs, giving him well deserved references for jobs and remain as a backstop for whenever he needs a boost or gentle push in the right direction. Endorsement Through our partnership with the Wilderness Foundation. we have developed a progrsmme desi9ned to help students reconnect to society and themselves through outdoor Facilitation, adventures and mentoring. The programme highlights the positive imp3Ct of nature on personal and social wellbeing. The progfamme creaces opportunities to learn more about their relarionship with the natural world and what they can do to protect it. The content of the Wilderness programme aims to equip and enable people to acq(Jiie skills Irom within thernselves to n8Vlgate their fvtures safely and successfully. We are working with the Wilderness Foundation to keep people healthy and our planet wildi KW21 - Teacher at Community College Initiative 18 WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK Trustees Annual Report For the year ended 310ecember 2020 Chatham Green Project 2020 Environmental Education 2020 as we all know was a very different year. 2020 did give many the opportunity to rediscover the outside and reconnect with nature. With schools closed for most of 2020, this meant that we only saw school visits from our Special Educational Need5 groups throvgh 4 Out of 12 months of 2020. We also were not able to go into schools for any outreach project5. This however did not mean work came to a stand-still, in true Wilderness Foundation style we continved Wildtime, VitaminN and Badger Cam The role of our Education Officer took quite an exciting turn. As we all hid inside and only escaped for OVT hovr's exercise, she started work on our social media channels and of course, ovr website. G2%- OF PARENTS SAY Just before we were all put in our makeshift home offices, as a team we created Wildtime, which essentially carried us throughout the lockdowns. An online space with information about nature activities and mental health tips and advice. THIIIRCHILDRBN WHEN THeY ARE OUTSIDE SPENDING TIME IN NATURE Using social media and mailing out to those we knew, we shared our knowledge of mental health and the outdoors for the first time completely through our screens. •VffAMINM 19 WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK Trustees Annual Report For the year ended 31 December 2020 Through Spring, when ovtside was blooming. our social media channels were increasing with people connecting with us and sharing our passion for nature and the outdoors. We were then whisked vp by Green House PR. to join organisations including RSPB, WWF, Mental Health Coalition, National Trust. Nature friendly farming network, and Jordans on a f8nta5tic social media campaign: VitaminN. •y Badger (am From the Easter weekend through to the Summer, we shared content across our social channels. Our Social channels increased in volume as we were connected to organisations with much larger social followings than vs. It was brilliant for our profile. Now my week as Education Officer consisted of scheduling 4/5 Posts a day, from VitaminN, Wildtime, our programmes and without forgetting 'Badger Carn.. Luckily, something we could continue, was filming our on-site Badgers. Creating weekly videos to share with our follower5 but also share with schools and teachers who would show our family of badgers on their virtual screens. Although we missed a lot in 2020, we gained so much throvgh our online presence which will carry us into 2021. Climate Change Programme During 2020 we did spend more time indoors not only working on social media content but also working on a brand-new Climate Change programme. This new outreach programme is currently made up ofthree engaging presentations. The aim is to engage and inform young people abovt the impacts of climate change and then to increase their knowledge abovt what they can do to save the planet and be more sustainable. Green Influencers Towards the er)d of 2020 we were delighted to hear that we had gained funding from The Ernest Cook Trust and were going to be part ofthe Green Influencer5 scheme. The Green Influencers scheme enables a Green Mentor to support groups of young people in their environmental and social action. The scheme enables yOLtng people to make a real difference to their environmer)t. It is incredibly exciting for the Education Officer to be taking the role of Green Mentor and to be going into schools and org8ni5ing groups of young people that want to get involved with positive projects for the environment. 20 WILDERNESS FOUMDATION UK Trustees Annual Report For the year ended 31 December 2020 Wilderness Rangers Camps 2020 got off to a great start with February camps taking in 105 yovng people in just one week. We then all plvmmeted into lockdown part one which meant we missed out on both Easter and May camps. however that didn't stop us in the Summer. With reduced nL)mbers and increased precaution5, we took a total of 224 children over the Svmmer holiday5 and, including October holidays. we took a total of 399 children for 2020. The demand for our eamps has increased and we now have a large mailing list and following of parents putting us in a strong position for 2021. Feedback from parents." '1 just wanted to thank you and your team for giving the boys such a great experience again thi5 5ummerl They have loved their time with you and never fail to come home thrilled by the d8y'5 activities. 'Thank you so much Terrill Max had the best time and will definitely be there again in October., Birthday Parties and External Groups Onsite Due to Covid 19 restrictions, numbers of external grovp visits have been extrernely low but when it was allowed we were able to run two birthday parties in 2020. During the restricted months we were also able to run two zoom sessions for a Beaver group all about Badgers and ovr night vision cameras. The birthday parties have also increased knowledge of the work we do and have resvlted in an increase of bookings for our camps. Feedback from a parent.. '1 just wanted to say from u5 all, thank you so much to you and yo(Jr team for giving the kids (and to be honest mel) the best time. We have had so much positive feedback from kids and parent5 and couldn't have wished for a better party experience. Thank you so much again and looking forward to seeing you again really 500n. Biodiversity Surveys for Biodiversity were vnfortunately on hold for 2020 but throvghovt 2021 we will be working on having more comprehensive surveys on the Chatham Green Site and also at Mann Wood. We aim to work closely with Essex Field Clvb and their expertise to achieve this for 2021 and beyond. These have an ecological rationale to evaluate change across the site over time. WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK Trustees Annual Report For the year ended 31 December 2020 Challenges for Education The challenges of last year go without saying, but with our heads tumed towards the virtual world-, what we gained from 2020 we can take forward into the future. Our challenges in 2020 were centered arovnd Staffing and volunteers but our 2020 volunteer team was strong and we increased ovr staffing levels which enabled vs to continue our work at a high standard and. in time, this will increase our growth. Down To Earth Allotments Ovr Down to Earth Allotments work across six plots and has a distinct variety of growing areas and indeed natural spaces. Apart from the vegetables, fruit and various poly tvnnels, there 15 also a log pile or 'beetle hotel, and a wetland area. This yearwe had a good startto the programme with activity from ovr volunteers in the first qvarter and then Covid struck. We adapted to having small family units do the upkeep on a voluntary basis, during the week and on weekends. This offered families in lockdown a chance to make a difference, collect fresh produce and be together in a positive environment. Once the grovps of up to IS were able to return, we have been running the allotment as normal bvt with much more attention on Covid 19 safety and social distancing as many volvnteers are vulnerable. The allotments are situated in one of the areas of Chelmsford. and indeed in Essex, which has disadvantage and fits within the poverty index regions of deprivation. In addition. we chose this location as it is close to our main centre at Chatham Green, and took over from a covncil wn project in 2008. We are motivated to make growing food more accessible to a wider audience. or for those with less time and financial resource to run their own allotments. It is a150 an additional means to create a connection to nature and through healthy food and activity, also a means to boost mental health and wellbeing. 22 WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK Trustees Annual Report For the year ended 31 December 2020 The Down to Earth Allotment programme is open to a range of commvnity groups and schools. Most of ovr young advlt volunteers are living with mental or physical disability and also use the allotment to engage recovery clients from Open Road (Drugs & Alcohol charity), MENCAP and Columbus School & College, catering for young people with complex and severe learning difficulties. There is also a regular, voluntsry support team of allotment gardeners and New Hall School (DofEI who simply support those who come from the above client groups and offer the Project M3nager, Jonathan Barker, some of the 'heavy lifting, gardening often associated with a site this big. During lockdown, unfortunately, many of the schools, programmes did not run which was disappointing but vnderstandable. Currently the food grown at the allotment is shared amongst those growing it as the best way to learn where ovr food comes from and engage people with the subjects of nutrition and cooking. We also donate food to the Chelmsford Food Bank to support other5 in the community in need. The allotments create a hub for people to feel safe, carry out constructive and tangible work, break cycles of loneliness or social isolation and are an important part of the local community. During last year we ran 50 days of engagement for participant volunteer gardeners and support gardeners, including family hub days. Most clients attend 4 hours minimvm each session. We continue to be grateful to our funders and support given to the project by all involved. Treun - (Imbewu Scotland) During 2020 we made a change to the project. After a review we decided that our outcome5 for our graduates were more along the lines of wellbeing, as well as employability skills, but we were not doing enough for rural skills and rural job5 as the project had originally been designed for. We then launched a fvndrai5ing campaign with the new mission over the period of 2020 which served us very well as we were not in a position to offer trails due to lockdown restrictions. During the year we have raised almost all the funds we needed from a range of generous funders, were able to appoint a new Scotland Manager and to rebuild the programme. The new programme. which mean5 '8rave' in Gaelic, will follow a similar programme to Imbewu as an intergenerational 7-day programme for young people aged 13 -17 years, some of whom are living in urban areas and experiencing disadvantage or poverty of opportunity. Yovng people in areas of high youth unemployment, who display an interest in the environment and are experiencing difficvltie5 Wlth their mental health are targeted to take part. The project provides nature-based experiences that focus on personal development and offer leadership and skills-based learning opportunities within wild, rural areas. 23 WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK Trustees Annual Report For the year ended 31 December 2020 At the heart of the programme there is a thiee-day wilderness journey and wild camping on rural estates, led by wilderness guides and personal development f8cilitators. During the journey, participants explore the area, camp in remote locations and use the time to learn about the landscape and its wildlife and flora, alongside embedding a love for spending time in nature. Throughovt the rest of the week the participants carry out a volLsnteering programme. In the course of the programme, participants earn the John Muir Award and Leave No Trace accreditation. Towards the end of the programme, the grovps deliver a presentation sharing all they have learnt. This is often the part of the week the grovp dread the most, the thought of standing vp in front of people and presenting can be terrifying, however through the design of the programme where the young people are supported each day to take on leadership roles, by the time the presentation happens, they surpass expectation and deliver a presentation that captures what they have learnt, how they have grown as individua15 and their highlights from the experience. Outcomes for Treun Participants gain new skills and access to both life and work experience. Our team offers support and addresses the need for edvcational attainment and self-sufficiency, working with participants to think about and take actions for their fvture and career. Outcomes from the project include.. Improved menta5 health and employability: Develop and improve personal and social skills for life including confidence, overall wellbeing, self-esteem, self-care and self-reflection Improve resilience and mental wellbeing Improve physical and emotional health Develop emotional coping strategies that can be used for life Increased nature connection and tools for helping the environment: Increase their connection to nature. Scott15h Access Code/Leave No Trace Principles Increase their knowledge of Scotland's wildlife and natural heritage Increase their understanding of Scotland's rural heTltage Encovrage and learn about volunteering Learn camp craft and how to access nature and the outdoors Increased employability and leadership pathways: Improve aspiration and confidence to seek work or further studies Learn and apply new commvnication skills WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK Trustees Annual Report For the year ended 31 Oecember 2020 Improve and learn new employability skills For those who show interest and aptitude there will be a leadership development pathway Development of an alvmni group for ongoing mutual support and personal growth Alumni In 2020 we have maintained contact with our alumni mainly through social media. We had planned to have a celebration event this year to launch the new focus of Treun. invite alumni to attend as well as referrers and funders but this had to be postponed. We aim to engage them more and to have their input as we grow and develop the Treun programme with its new emphasis. Partnerships We continued in 2020 to build and maintain partnerships with a range of people in Scotland including: Scottish Land and Estates The Glenlivet Estate The Douglas and Angus Estate Denny High School Biggar High School Pitlochry High School Crieff High School Jedburgh Grammar Greenfaulds High School Edinburgh University (Outdoor Learning Department) Volunteers - Scotland Alongside our other programmes, we have an established grovp of volunteers in Scotland. who support both on and off our programs. With experience in counselling. therapy, the outdoors and facilitation we wouldn't be able to operate withovt them. In 2019 ovr volunteers pvt in over 350 hours, helping to ensure our programmes could run. Additionally, they spent several days renovating our base in Lanarkshire transforming ovr cottage to a welcome haven for when we next return. This was not possible in 2020 but we hope to renew this work in 2021/22 Wlth continual volunteer engagement through soci31 media and the website in the meanwhile. 25 WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK Trustees Annual Report For the year ended 31 December 2020 Wilderness Therapy During 2020, the Fovndation reali5ed that we needed to take on a different stance to our support and therapy - it was not possible to serve enough people face-to-face during the pandemic, or indeed at times to do this safely even though we are outdoors. We therefore moved to offer online or telephone coun5elling across Essex to families, parents and children and yovng people. We were commissioned to offeraround 630 hours of counselling which by August we had almost reached our capacity due to demand. This was funded by The Farni5y Innovation Fund at Essex County Council. In addition, we applied for face-to-face therapy funding (for those who eovld not meet online and received further donations including Sport England to offer this service. During the year other small grantsto support this were reached. We have been running consistent outdoor therapy throughout the year depending on the safety, current regulations, weather and client vptake. This has been very rewarding in 2020 where we all know we are making a real difference in people's lives and that we can respond relatively qvickly to their needs. Ages were between 5 and 60 and we reached in total during the year clients. 62 client5 FIF-Xtra 18 clients for Local Services Fund 40 clients for Sports England 12 clients for Bespoke 12 clients for Employability We were able to make use of our team of associate therapists, grow this grovp through training and outreach and offer as much of an outside/inside theme by offering tips and ideas to find connection with nature either dvring or in between sessions. Some therapists conducted their sessions with clients physically outside bvt on their phones. All therapists receive informal supervision on a regular basis and we have meetings to svpport the team with new ideas and thinking and group svpervision. B thinks very highly of his counsellor. I, too, carjnot thankyour counsellor enough for the lift he has given to my son and for the work and cornpa55ion he ha5 shown. It has really helped and made a difference. Num ofyear 8 boy 26 WILDERMESS FOUNDATION UK Trustees Annual Report For the year ended 31 December 2020 We have been receiving such positive feedback from our familie5 about the service they have received from the Wilderness Foundation. We have found it incredibly efficient and easy to work with the Foundation, which is why we have continued to access therapy for our students through you. SENCO of Primary School in Harlow Therapy Camps All our scheduled programmes were cancelled in 2020 dve to Covid 19 and the restrictions on overnight programmes. Therapy Expeditions Dvring Augvst when there was a break in restrictions we were able to run one therapy expedition to Scotland, and to conduct one to one support fora client. This included Sea kayaking jovrney on the West Coast of Scotland for seven days, weekend camping in E55ex and online and face to face therapy and individual support. The programme was self-funded. Brave Futures Thi5 programme was funded by Reaching Communities as part of their emergency funding, to offer eight weeks of mental health support to two separate groups of adults and 8 group ofadolescents during lockdown. We were able to support smaller groups of up to 15 in the outdoors. 27 WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK Trustees Annual Report For the year ended 31 Oecember 2020 Each grovp had a therapist and outdoor facilitator and weeks focused on a range of presenting issues within the group and individuals and the therapists were able to offer regvlar, long 5e5sions to support their coping unburdening themselves of past trauma and issues, whilst building their resilience. Both prograrnmes reported excellent outcomes relating to mood, calm, self efficacy and awareness and coping strate9ie5 were reported, as well as a connection to nature. Association of Outdoor Counsellors and Therapists We continue to consolidate and support ovr team of30 Associate Outdoor Ther8PlSts who have a focLSS on outdoor work but also deliver our work online and by telephone. They are all recruited throvgh Safer Recruitment Practice, safeguarding trained and DBS vetted to work with younger clients and vvlnerable adults. The aim, to make sure we have regular Continuing Professional Development opportunities, form part of a vibrant team of outdoor specialists and are able to share resources, support and learning with each other. This service is offered across England, Scotland and Wales. We collectively support over 200 clients either in groups or invididually, familie5 or couples. 28 WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK Trustees Annual Report For the year ended 31 December 2020 Wilderness Therapy and Mentor Training In 2020 we were able to offer one therapy training programme which had nine attendees and it was run in our beautiful loo acre wood in Essex. The camp ran for three days and two nights and attracted a wide diversity of specialists interested in extending their knowledge in terms of ovtdoor working. Unfortunately, due to Covid 19, we were notable to offer more than this. We delivered online training for Palacky University in the Czech Repvblic who ran a summer programme online where Wilderness Therapy was one of the offers. Ovr previous work with delivering our Wilderness Therapy training in conjunction with Evropean vniversities has been affected by Brexit, as the Erasmvs scheme which funded mvch of our joint work has been suspended. We will continve to seek ways to maintain these prograrnmes and the exchange of students who spend vp to six months a year with us to train. They cannot afford this work experience without the Erasmus grants that were available but we believe we can try to fundraise for this exchange of learning when the time is right and Covid 19 is settled enovgh to travel comfortably and safely again. Referral Professionals During the break in lockdown, we offered team building and training for a group of referrers from Family Solutions who are key to putting young people through our welSbeing prograrnmes. This was a brilliant day and enabled staff to have a beneficial day outside for themselves. but also to understand more directly how we work and what we offer to their clients. This, in turn, will improve the referral process. Mentor Training During lockdown. we made use of re-designing some of our training and moving it online and we have now found a mentor training which has been tailor made for the Foundation. This has meant that we can train mentors as soon as they are vetted and they don't have to wait for a group with a minimum size to make the training viable. We are very reliant on the high calibre of our mentors and have a sUPPOrt network, CPD engagement and group support online and when p055ible, in person. ?9 WILDERNESS FOUMDATIOM UK Trustees Annual Report For the year ended 31 December 2020 Mentors will serve yovng people on our Treun Programme in Scotland, TurnAround, Out There. Brave Futures and some climate change work as well, so are key to our organisation. Other volunteers support our administrative side of the Foundation. WILDERNESS LEADERSHIP JOURNEYS In 2020 we had a range of Wilderness Leadership Trails in place but due to Covid 19 and restrictions on travel these were all cancelled. We have been in regular contact with our schools and partners to see how best we can serve their students and have been developing Scotland based programmes to launch in 2021 in response. The Wilderness Foundation UK has been organising wilderness expeditions in South Africa loryoung people since 1976. Grovps ofyovng people fundraise for their programme over a period of two years to eighteen months. The programme inclvdes a primitive wilderness journey on foot in Big Five territory. carrying all food, personal clothing, and communal equipment. Sleeping wild without tents inclvdes night watch which, for many, is a life changing experience in terms of being responsible for the grovp Safety and meeting our own fears of wild animals and the dark. Walking during the day offers direct experience with a range of wildlife and, in particvlar both Black and White Rhino. This enables us to teach and develop understanding of the tragedy of rhino poaching and the threats to these iconic animals and developing our young people to become advocates for their protection, and to value wilderness for the wellbeing of all species. We take tremendovs care to ensure that each participant enjoys the maximvm benefit and derives the maximvm value from our wilderne55 journey5, experiences that often prove to be life changing. Through ovr prograrnrnes, participants are able to embrace the spirit of wilderness. Importance 15 placed on personal development, respect of diversity, togetherness, simplicity of experience and learning about the richne55 of an undisturbed natvral environment. 50 WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK Trustees Annual Report For the year ended 31 December 2020 Participant safety is our top priority in all that we do. Our reputation as a leading provider of environmental and educational visits has been bvilt on our attention to detail and ensvring that the needs of all our travellers are not only met - but exceeded. Trails are transformative and knowledge is the key to transformation. A trail is not an endurance performance or a lesson in the Latin name of the apex predator or its prey. It is a time to exist for that period in a wild place- that itself opens vp a vista of opportunity for knowledge and recognition of our primoidial past and our DNA and that we actually belong in nature. Time and time again. we see the change in people occvrring over the period of time in the wilderness, so it comes as no surprise that trailists are relvctant to leave. It requires some adjustment to return to the 'normal' world but the lessons of the wild remain and are transferred to life in leadership decision making, interpersonal behaviovrs, responsible environmental advocacy, team building and respect for all living organisms. That almost all trailists become ambassadors for a natural experience is embellished in the trail journals that each traili5t is encouraged to keep and the communication that we receive regularly from people who went on trail decades ago and who today recognise this as a turning point in their lives. 'In an age where technology dominates everything, being at one with nature, and being able to resort to just being human again was a priceless experience., Nihal, Haberdashers, Schools 2019 '1 have a greater appreciation of conservation efforts. I feel renewed and have 8 new appreciation for the thAngs I have. It has given me more of a focus on what I want to do in conservation and how l am going to go about doing it. It helped me to stop living in the past and future and start living in the present.. Eton College Students, 2019 'Wilderness is an incredible space, and it can never be replaced with anything more amazing so making sure that it is protected is very important. Also, fft can provide a safe space for so many creatures that it Is almost unthinkable that we could take it away., Brentwood School, 2019 31 WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK Trustees Annual Report For the year ended 31 December 2020 OTHER ACTIVITY IN 2020 Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment Dvring the year, we have placed much focvs on climate change. Jo Roberts, CEO, has been appointed a Commissioner with the Essex Climate Action Commission. Jo served on the CommLsnications and Land Use and Green Infrastrvctvre Special Interest Groups amidst highly respected academics, practitioners, farmers. County Council officers and other organisations. The Fovndation has valued this engagement as it has helped ensure we stay on track with climate issues being at the forefront of ovr environmental advocacy, particvlarly around where wilderness, green space and biodiversity can make a significant contribvtion to mitigations and reach a carbon net zero world by 2050. The Education Team, in parallel to the higher-level work. have developed and grown a climate change outreach education programme to deliver to local schools in practice or online. This also opens up the scope to offer the programme online to anywhere else in the Brit15h Isles, Europe or globally. This is anticipated to launch in 2021. The Education Team have also launched a successful WildTime campaign and contributed to a wider national campaign called VitaminN which helped people during lockdown engage with nature, sUPPOrt biodiversity and boost their own wellbeing by getting outside. Part of the campaign has been the regular Badger Cam posts on YouTube of our badger community on site. This has proved very popular with our children and other visitors. It also serves to support our goal to connect people to nature, even if only through the media during the lockdowns we experienced. 32 WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK Trustees Annual Report For the year ended 31 December 2020 Domestic Violence Recovery for Adults and Adolescents Two programmes. ten weeks duration for each one, were funded in 2020 but were scheduled for delivery in 2021 once lockdown was eased. This was funded by the Essex Fire and Police Crime Comrnissioner. During 2020 however, in partnership with our research partner the University of Essex, we conducted a co-creative group of svrvivors of domestic violence who helped us develop and design the delivery content and process. This included alumni from ovr TurnAround programme. There were regular meetings throughout the second half of 2020. A proposal document including this feedback was created and form5 the basis for the later delivery. The intention is to develop a handbook for providers who wish to take this key work for survivors outdoors, as most work is still traditionally indoor work. We also put in a large joint working bid with Open Road to the Green Recovery Fund to continue our work from 2018 and 2019 With drug and alcohol recovery/probation clients, but were unsuccessful. Leave No Trace We continue to promote Leave No Trace value5 throughout our programmes and several staff are accredited as Leave No Trace Awareness instructors. Throvgh our outreach over the years, we have delivered LNT Awarenes5 training for hundreds of children and adults. This teaches the values and ethics of respecting nature and the outdoors, managing your persorTral impact on the earth and learning not to leave litter or traces of ourselves wherever we travel outdoors. 33 WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK Trustees Annual Report For the year ended 310ecember 2020 Media During lockdown we were offered a free docvmentary to be made by a filmmaker to understand the implications of lockdown in young people. A brilliant film was made with the help of five of our TurnAround graduates and this w35 shown widely on our social media and other networks. It continves to be available on our website for viewing and is 8 sober yet inspiring watch. We also took part in the summer school education training with Palacky University in the Czech Republic and presented at the European Wilderness Society online conference during the year. Radio and other interviews were also conducted through the year to grow awareness of our work. Events and Fundraising Due to Covid 19, all our fundraising events were cancelled. However, we have made good use of online appeals where possible. boosted social media, our Friends, subscription appeal and donor appeals. During the year we followed the advice of Judge Bvsiness School and doubled our fundraising capacity to two days a week with three days of marketing support. We appointed a fvll-time staff member to take on this work in October and her work has been to boost all aspects of fundraising and marketing outreach. We have madé fvll use of the emergency support for Covid 19 this year in terms of maintaining the Foundation's outreach and fundraising remains a very high priority as each year we have to maintain seryices, whilst also increasing our income and growing the organisation and its impact. 34 WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK Trustees Annual Report For the year ellded 31 December 2020 GOVERNANCE Status and Objects The charity is a company limited by guarantee. Our governing docvment is a Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 20 November 2006 with an update to objects in 2010. Ovr formal objects are set out below: To advance the education of the Public by increasing knowledge and vnderstanding of wilderness and the conservation thereof and the interrelationship between wilderness and the environment generally by the provision of instruction and of opportvnities for direct experience of wilderness; To initiate and manage social benefit programmes which use wilderness experience to enable vulnerable and disadvantaged people to play a fuller role in society (especially the young). Governing Body and Structure Ovr governing body is a Board of Directors of the charity and has an active Governance Committee made up of the CEO and four trustees inclvding the Chairman. As at 31 December 2020 there were ten trustees, whose names appear on page 2. Peter Martin served as Chairman in 2020 With Andrew Sheepshanks and Toby Aykroyd as deputy Chairs. Three trustees resigned in 2020. Jo Roberts CEO resigned her post on the advice of the Governance Committee to maintain separation of CEO operational and board fvnction5. Resignations were for personal or professional reasons. The Board of Directors is responsible for providing overall clarity for the vision, mission and Strategic focvs of the organisation. It also holds the Chief Executive to account against planned objectives. The Board meets fovr times over the course of the year and Directors are involved in other operational matters as needs dictate. Several committees are now established to offer more support to the overall governance and finance report back to the main Board. 35 WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK Trustees Annual Report For the year ended 31 December 2020 The Wilderness Foundation UK forms part of the "Wilderness Foundation Global" consortium of forward-thinking, like-minded independent organisations with different skill set5 but all shafing a common past leach founded and/or inspired by Dr. lan Player, South Africa game ranger and international conservationist and hi5 Zulu mentor and 'brother" the late Magqubu Ntombelal. The other members of the Wilderness Foundation Global are The WILD Foundation (USA) and the Wilderness Leadership School and Wildernes5 Foundation Africa. Senior staff meet annually to set shared objectives, agree ethics and working partnerships and projects. All members of the networkare completely independent ofeach other but share a Common past. They have no financial ties or obligations beyond goods or services provided (predominantly by the Wilderness Leadership School which facilitates wilderness trails in South Africa for UK beneficiaries and client groups) and these are charged at the time the liability is incurred. Decision Making Responsibility for the day-to-day management of the organisation is delegated to the Chief Executive and the Senior Management Team. The Board of Directors focuses its attention on matters of policy and general strategy, the approval of plans, the monitoring of progress with projects and financial control. New Directors are appointed by the Board based upon nominations and a recruitment process set up by the Governance committee and endorsed by the 803rd. Candidate5 are assessed as to their suitability and the benefits that their appointment wovld bring to the Fovndation, in terms of additional skills, experience and opportunities for promotion of the Foundation5 aims and objectives. Enquiries may be made to verify svitability and then appointment would be Subject to agreement by a quowm of Directors. A full indvction programme is carried out covering all aspects of the work of the charity, the governance, the memorandum and articles of association and a review of the latest accounts. On occasion, the Board may extend invitstions to individuals to attend meetings in an advisory or obseNational capacity, where it is felt that the individval concerned can bring particular insight to an issue or matter under review. An Ambassador programme invites people who can bring a benefit to the Foundation through their networks and are equally passionate about its objectives. They have no official role but abide by a set of principles and a formal agreement. 36 WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK Trustees Annual Report For the year ended 31 December 2020 Risk Management The Foundation is exposed to financial as well as participatory risks and through the valuable experience and knowledge of its Board, it proactively manages these through robust corporate governance and encouraging expert field-based awareness in all its endeavours. Risk management continues to be reviewed every six months for operational matters and a new risk register has been created in 2020, which is reviewed at each Board meeting. We continue to work with the requirements and adjustments to be GDPR compliant. We have a robust child protection policy and safeguarding procedure to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all the yovng people, staff and volunteers we work with, as well as registration of others such as site health and safety for example. We maintain a register to ensvre that all essential training is up to date and two Senior Safeguarding Officers were trained and appointed to support our CEO, who is the Senior Safeguarding Officer. Scotland For reporting pvrpose5 to the Offices of the Scottish Charity Regulator IOSCRI we are required to make a separate statement of ovr work in Scotland. We refer to page 24 of this document which outline5 our achievements in the delivery of the Treun Programme. This work provides public benefit for the people of Scotland and both the direct and indirect beneficiaries reside in Scotland. The programme includes employment for our Wilderness Fovndation Scotland Manager, who resides in Scotland, as well as freelance guides and other members of the team, including volunteers. We work in partnership with Scottish Land & Estates and have benefitted from the kindness of a number of landowners who have given access to their land, including Atholl Estates, 57 WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK Trustees Annual Report For the year ended 31 December 2020 Angus and Douglas Estates and the Glenlivet Estate. Our participants have been involved in conservation volunteering at each of these locations. The property on Douglas and Angu5 Estate that we have previously used for trails, is now in too great a state of disrepair but we are keen to continue to work on the Estate and our Manager is in touch with the team- albeit meetings have been held back by Covid 19. The Foundation continues to work with the John Muir Trust, Institute of Outdoor Learning, Learning Outside the Classroom, Institute of Outdoor Learning, X-Adventures amongst other key partner5 and delivers the John Muir Award within programmes in both Scotland and England. Financial Review Charitable Expenditure Following a strong year in 2019, we started the year with reserves of £126,446 up from £63,781 the previous year. This was followed by a successful first two months. Thereafter, inevitably, the financial performance in 2020 was heavily impacted by the C'ovid pandemic with total income down from £1435,339 to £359,335 dve to a drop in income from charitable activities from £152,680 to £53,373. However, income from donations and legacies was strong rising from £270.544 to £305,891 partly thanks to Significant support from Essex Country Council, Reaching Communities and the Essex Community Foundation referred to in the Chairman's Report. Expenses were carefvlly managed reducing from a total of £372,674 to £258,150 largely due to a redvction in Charitable activities from £350,529 to £244,172. We did not furlough staff dvring the main part of the year and only took some relief in December. As a result, we were able to increase our reserves from £120,446 to £277,630 of which £90,481 were Unrestricted and £￿7,149 Restricted. We have made a promising start to the current year and hence are confident that, notwithstanding the continuing difficulties arising from the pandemic, our progres5 will continue through the year. Income and Fundraising Cost of Generating Voluntary Income In analysing resources expended, the trustee5 recognise the Cost of Generating Voluntary Income. Expenditure attributed to this category includes the operating costs of the charity where the costs incurred are not directly in support of a specific charitable activity, but are beneficial or contributory to the mission of the charity as a whole. Thi5 will include salary costs of financial and general administrative staff. rental of office premises, utilities, 38 WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK Trustees Annual Report For the year ended 31 December 2020 telecommunications, travel costs, repairs and maintenance plus general administration expenses. A portion of these costs will also relate to fundraising and publicity work undertaken by the charity, including communications with supporters through advertising, printed materials and our online presence. Resources expended on fundraising and pvblicity for the year totaled £13,978. Reserves The Wilderness Fovndation UK needs cash reserves to: Meet liabilities shovld the organisation have to close. This includes redundancy pay, amounts dve to creditors and commitments under rental lease. ri To meet vnexpected costs such as the breakdown of essential office eqvipment, staff cover in case of illness. maternity or parental leave and legal costs, To provide working capital when fvnding is paid in arrears. The Directors believe that in order to cover these eventualitie5, the charity should have vnrestricted cash reserves equivalent to six months of core expenditure. The organisation will strive to build and maintain this level of reserves by fundraising unrestricted income. At year end free reserves stood at £90.481. Guarantors Every member promises, if the Charity is dissolved while he or she is a member or within twelve months after he or she ceases to be a member. to contribute such svm (not exceeding £10) as may be demanded of him or her towards the payment of the debts and liabilities of the Charity incurred before he or she ceases to be a member and of the costs and ch8rges and expenses of winding vp and the adjustment of the rights of the contributories among themselves. TRUSTEES. RESPONSIBILITIES The trustees (who are also directors of Wilderness Foundation UK for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trvstees, Annual Report and the Financial Statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards Iunited Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). 39 WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK Trustees Annual Report For the year ended 310ecember 2020 Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view ofthe stste of affairs ofthe charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure. of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently., observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP: make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent., state whether applicable UK Accovnting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departLsres disclosed and explained in the financial statements., prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presvme that the charitable company will continue in operation. The trustees are responsible for keeping adeqvate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotlandl Regulations 2006 (as amended). They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Approved on behalf of the Directors: Mrs Joanne Roberts Chief Executive Officer Mr Peter Martin Chairman 40 WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 Notes Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2020 2020 Total Funds 2020 Total Funds 2019 I.NCQMtN.G.RES.QU.RQES Incoming resources from generated fvnds: Donations & Legacies Other income from trading activities Investment income In¢oming resovrce5 from charitable activities: Resources from charitable activities 178,233 127,658 305,891 270,544 11,808 306 70 70 2.613 50,760 53,373 152,680 TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 180,916 178,418 359,334 435,338 RESOURCES EXPENDED Cost of raising fvnds Charitable activities TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 10,378 139,369 149,747 3,600 104,803 108,403 13,978 244,172 258,150 22,145 350,529 372,074 Exceptional Expenditure Net (outgoing)/incoming resources before transfers 31,169 70,015 101,184 62,664 Transfers between funds Net (outgoing)/in¢oming resources before other gains and losses 31,109 70.015 101,184 62,664 alance5 brought forward As at i January 2020 59.312 67.134 126,446 63,781 Balances carried forward As at 31 December 2020 90,481 137,149 227,630 126,445 The notes on pages 43 - 49 form part of these financial statement5 41 WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2020 2020 Total Funds 2019 Total Funds Note FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets io CURRENT ASSETS Stocks and trademarks Debtors Cash at bank and in hand li 1,640 29,052 297,234 1,640 11,541 200,749 12 327,926 213,930 LIABILITIES Creditors.. amounts falling due within one year 100,296 87,484 NET CURRENT ASSETS 227,630 126,446 TOTAL NET ASSETS 227,630 126,446 FUNDS Unrestricted funds Restricted Fund5 90.481 137,149 59,312 67,134 227,630 126,446 227,630 126,446 For the year ended 31 December 2020 the Company was entitled to exemption from Audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006. The Members have not required the Company to obtain an Audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. The Directors acknowledge their responsibility for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and for the preparation of accounts. These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to Companies subject to small Companies regime. The directors declare that they have approved the accovnts above. Signed by J Roberts Date 29th Jul 2021 Signed by P Martin Date WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 i. Accounting policies The principal accovnting policies are summarised below. The accounting policies have been applied consistently throughout the year and in the proceeding year. 1.1 Basis of preparation The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by charities Statement on Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 102) (effective i January 20151- (Charities SORP (FR5 10211, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 1021 and the Companies Act 2006. Wilderness Foundation UK meets the definition of a pvblic benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes. Company Status Wilderne$5 Foundation UK is a Company limited by guarantee. In the event of the Charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the gvarantee is limited to £1 per member of the Charity. Cash Flow The financial statements do not inclvde a cash flow statement becavse the charity, a5 a small reporting entity, is exempt from the reqvirement to prepare such a statement under Financial Reporting Standard i "Cash flow statements" 1.2 Fund accounting General funds are unrestricted funds which are avaliable for v5e at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objects of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trv5tees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial Statements. Restricted funds are funds that are to be vsed in accordance with specific restriction5 imposed by donors which have been raised by the Charity for particular purposes. The cost of administering such funds are charges against each specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statement5. Statutory grants which are given as contricutions towards the Charity's core services are treated as unrestricted. 1.3 Incoming resovr¢es All incorning resovrcecs are included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the Charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. Income tax recoverable in relation to invetment income or Gift Aid donations is recognised at the time the relevant income is receivable. WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 1.4 Expenditure All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been included under expenses categories that aggregate all costs for 3llocation to activities. Support cost5, which cannot be directly attributed to particular activities, have been proportioned proportionately to the direct staff costs allocated to activities. Governance costs include the costs of servicing Trustees, meetings. audit and strategic planning. 1.5 Debtors Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount dve after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amovnt prepaid net of any trade discounts due. Accrued income and tax recoverable is included at the best estimate of the amovnts receivable at the balance sheet date. 1.6 Creditors Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or ¢onstrv¢tive obligation cornmiting the charity to pay out resources. 1.7 Financial instruments The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilitie5 of a kind that qvality as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recogni5ed at transaction value and subsequently measured at their Settlement valve with the exception of bank loans which re subsequently measured at amorti5ed cost using the effective interest method. Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement valve before any trade discounts are due. Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short term highly liqvid investments with 8 short maturity of three months or les5 from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar accovnt. Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provision5 are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any tiade discounts. 1.8 Cash at bank and in hand Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short term highly lilquid investments with a maturity of three months of less from the date of acqvisition or opening of the deposit or similar account. 1.9 Depreciation Depreciation is provided on fixed assets at the following rates based on the estimated vseful life of such assets Office and Project Equipment. Fixtures and Fittings 20% per annvm straight line basis Motor Vehicles 20% per annvm straight line basis WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 2 VOLUNTARY INCOME Unre5tri¢ted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds 2020 Total Funds 2019 Donations Grant5 Legacy Retention Scheme Grants other voluntary income 64,375 111,087 9,863 117,795 74,238 228,882 97,571 172,973 2.771 2,771 178.233 127,658 305.891 270,544 3 ACTIVITES FOR GENERATING FUNDS Unrestricted Fvnds Restricted Funds Total Fvnds 2020 Total Funds 2019 Events Other 11,808 11,808 4 INCOMING RESOURCES FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Unrestricted Funds Restricted Fvnds Total Fvnds 2020 Total Funds 2019 Trails Income Therapeutic Services Other 71,803 9,039 71,839 152,080 18,984 31,776 50,760 18,984 J4,388 53,373 2,612 2.613 5 GOVERNANCE COSTS Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds 2020 Total Funds 2019 Trustee expenses Accountant's fees 800 800 800 800 800 800 WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 6 RESOURCES EXPENDED Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds 2020 Total Funds 2019 Charitable expenditure Costs of generating fund5 Support costs (see note 7) 93.501 10,378 45,868 149,747 100,198 3,600 4,605 108,403 193,699 13,978 50,473 258,150 287,780 22,145 62,748 372,674 7 SUPPORT COSTS Total 2020 Total 2019 Travel & Subsistence Marketing Depreciation office expenses Finance & Professional fee5 Premises Communications and other Insurance Bank charges Sundry Expenses Governance (see note 5) 3,625 4,244 7,632 8,901 724 S,038 0,155 27,111 2,566 2,316 718 788 800 6,360 5,821 25,082 717 1,604 483 1,677 800 50,473 62,748 8 STAFF NUMBERS AND COSTS Total 2020 Total 2019 Wages and salaries Social security Costs Sessional instructors and consultants Training costs Recruitment 122,180 91,591 10,515 60,205 734 40.865 163,045 163,045 Key Management Personnel There were a total of two key management personnel during the whole financial period and two for part of the year. Their salaries totalled £75,426.25 (2019 £64,041.67) for the whole period. No staff received more than £60,000 per annum. 46 WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 9 TRUSTEES During the year 2019, Trustees received no remuneration. Trustees expenses for attending board meetings were reimbvr5ed £137 (£Nil). io TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Computer Equipment Project Equipment Office Equipment Total Cost At i January 2020 Additions At 31 December 2020 3,998 25,503 6,220 35,721 3,998 25,503 6,220 35,721 Depreciation At i January 2020 Charge for the year At 31 December 2020 3,998 25,503 6,220 35,721 3,998 25,503 6,220 35,721 Net book values At 31 December 2020 At 31 December 2019 11 STOCKS AND TRADEMARKS Total 2020 Total 2019 Marketing Stock 1,640 1,640 1,640 1,640 12 DEBTORS: DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Total 2020 Total 2019 Trade debtor5 Prepayments Other debtors 5,920 1,596 3,266 1,132 7,142 11,541 29,053 47 WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 CREDITORS: DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Total 2020 Total 2019 Creditors Grant5 received in advance Other creditors Accruals 13,849 81,429 4,218 800 21,926 41,418 397 100,296 63,745 STATEMENT OF FUNDS Brought Forward Incoming Resources Resources Expended Trsnsfers C8rried Forward UNRESTRICTED FUNDS ￿￿12 180 916 (149 747) RESTRICTED FUNDS CGP Local Food (D2EI TREUN TurnAround Essex Out There Academy Therapy 23,393 1,566 35,002 7.173 23,353 ,&oo 44,850 22.451 73,363 ts2,334) 14.961) (23,9201 19,7821 ts7,4051 14,412 11,005 55,932 19,842 35,958 Subtotal 67,134 178,417 (108,402) 137,149 Brought Forward Incoming Resources Resources Expended Transfers Carried Forward SUMMARY OF FUNDS Restricted Funds General Fvnds 67,134 178,417 180 916 (108,402) (149 7471 137,149 90.480 Purposes of Restricted Funds TREUN - This fund 15 for the delivery of a youth training programme in Scotland. Chatham Green Project - An edvcation initiative being delivered in partnership with Strutt and Parker (Farms) at Chatham Green in Essex. Out There - A programme for young people facing difficulties in school and home live5. Runs during terrn time offering a personal development curriculum for children aged 13 to IS years. 48 WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 •TurnAround - Launched by the Wilderness Foundation UK in October 2007. It is a multi- faceted, nature based programme enabling vvlneiable young people to make positive changes to their lives. This is achieved by linking community mentors, wilderness therapy, ski115 workshop5 and support for employment and further education irb 6 to 9 month cycles. Wildernes5 and Nature Therapy - This is a range of different programmes offering online, or face to face therapy services. We work with individuals. families, couples and groups. The programme addresses the need5 of children. adolescents and advlts. 15 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS General Unrestricted Restricted Fvnds Funds Total Fund5 Tangible fixed assets Net current assets 90,481 90,481 137 149 137,149 227 630 227.630 16 AFFLIATE FUNDS Brought Forward Incoming Resources Resources Expended Carried Forward Bush Heritage Australia IAPF WF Africa WF Global 27,634 5,000 105.207 515 138 356 68,548 (73,5931 {1,1761 1177,8771 22,589 3,824 48,137 120,807 18 (252 646) The funds above are held by Wilderness Foundation UK on behalf of the affliates above in designated bank accounts. These funds are not Wilderness Foundation UK monies, therefore the income and expenditure is not included in the accounts. Wilderness Foundation UK charges a management fee for handing these funds. which is included in these account5. 49 WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 I report on the accounts ol Wilderness Foundation UK for the year ended 31 DeceTnber 2020 which are set out on pages 41 - 49. Respective responsibilities of trustees and exarniner The Charity's Trustees are responsible for the preparat40n of the accoijnts. The Charity'5 Trustees consider that an audit is not required for thi5 year (under section 144121 of the Charities Act 20LI (The Act) but that an independent examination is needed. The ch3rities gross income exceeded £250,000 and l arn qualified to vndertake the examination by being a qualified member of Association of Accounting Technicians. It is my responsibility to.. Examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act. To follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions gsven by the Charity Cornmissioners (under section 1451511bl of the Charities Act, and To State whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent examiner's Statement My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Difections given by the Charity Commissioner5. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Charity and a cornparison ol the accounts presented with those records. It also includes considerations 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 I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts. Independent examiner's statement In the course ol my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect.. the accounting record5 weie not kept in accordance with section 130 ol the Charities Act; or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records., or the 3ccounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content ol the accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any reqvirement that the accounts give a true and lair. view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have come across no other matters in conncetion 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. Shelley-marie Rudling FMAAT AATQB for and on behalf of.. Commvnity360 Winsley's House, High Street, Colchester, Essex Date 7 JS201 50 You were not born a statue Nor rooted like a tree You were born a wild one A spirit pure and free No cage should hold you captive No title should define You're flexible and fluid So can change at any time With nothing set in stone And so much to explore Wander down a million paths And rattle every door Never stop adventuring Embrace your inner child Stay fearless & stay cvriovs stay positive, Stay wild WILDERNESS FOUNDATION UK Trinity House12 Whitbreads Business Centre I chatham Green Chelmsford l Essex CM3 3FE 10300 123 30731 info@wildernessfoundation.org.uk Wildernes51oundation.org.uk WildernessUK wildernessfoundationuk