## **BRISTOL NATURAL HISTORY CONSORTIUM** ## **(A company limited by guarantee)** ## **REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022** **Company registration number: 06472186 Registered charity number: 1123432** ## **BRISTOL NATURAL HISTORY CONSORTIUM** ## **REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022** |CONTENTS
Highlight report
Trustees notes
Independent Examiner’s report
Statement of financial activities
Balance sheet
Notes to the financial statements|Page
3
12
14
15
19
20| |---|---| ## **The Natural History Consortium** Annual Report 2022 We're so pleased to share this year's Annual Report for you to share with colleagues and internal and external stakeholders. The charity continues to grow, in both the range of cocreated programmes being delivered and the wider impact with audiences. It has been wonderful to welcome partners to slowly return to face to face meetings and events during the year alongside a thriving calendar of online collaboration. For the nineteenth year running, partners have come together to co-deliver events for regional and national public and stakeholder audiences over a full calendar year. As we approach the 20th anniversary year of this vibrant and unique partnership, we've decided to include a number of photographs in this year's summary so you can see the programmes in action. **The Natural History Consortium: Our Shared Objectives** _**Fou**_ Objective 1: To deliver entertaining and informative events and activities that inspire greater public interest, volunteering and action for nature. Objective 2: To facilitate, develop, and disseminate novel communication techniques that engage the widest possible audience. Objective 3: To build, support and pilot effective partnerships that bring together diverse organisations that face similar challenges and issues, and to help organisations learn from each other. The Natural History Consortium is a charitable partnership between 14 organisations engaging people with the natural world through collaborative action **Headlines and Context** Ambitious outcomes and a return to live events Increased leverage of partner contributions After another year of growth, we reflect on four headlines from our Innovation and testing in live spaces partnership working this year Participatory Research - learning together _**Fou**_ In February 2022 we were pleased the Consortium was awarded 'Top Innovator' status by the World Economic Forum's Uplink programme following an international challenge focused on biodiversity in cities. The Natural History Consortium is a charitable partnership between 14 organisations engaging people with the natural world through collaborative action ## **Headlines and Context** Ambitious outcomes and a return to live events In 2022 we focused on exploring opportunities for fusing the most effective elements of online meetings and events alongside face to face engagement. Our 19th Festival of Nature was based around 95 smaller events that took place over 10 days, building capacity through our volunteering programme and supporting our Consortium members to host, attend and facilitate events to connect audiences and nature. Our 2022 events secured positive feedback from the press, partners and audiences, and provided an ideal 'stepping stone' to a full combined (live / digital) programme for our 20th anniversary in 2023 when we will explore themes around 'green and blue'. Family Nature Party at Festival of Nature. Photo by Paul Blakemore. Our flagship sector-facing programme, Communicate, expanded yet again, with events in January, before the traditional two day Autumn conference. Our main November event expanded to London for the first time, alongside an event in Bristol, a full two day online event and a series of specialist masterclasses. Overall, the editorial programme, co-created by the Natural History Consortium representatives on the conference committee, supported 809 delegates from 235 organisations (and a growing contingent of freelancers). Our largest event to date, with significant momentum for 2023 activities. Alongside our events programmes, we are exploring a book project and restructure of the conference archive to consolidate, celebrate, and share learning. Communicate conference 2022 illustrated by Sam Church The Natural History Consortium is a charitable partnership between 14 organisations engaging people with the natural world through collaborative action **Headlines and Context** ## Innovation and testing in live spaces We were pleased to win the contract for the first headline commission from Bristol City Council's City Centre and High Streets Recovery and Renewal programme. The funding provided an opportunity for a live public intervention in the city's retail centre. Our proposal sought to explore themes around urban tree cover through innovative means - working in partnership with artists and the charity's first major art commission in the public realm. Overstory brought together 25 organisations to deliver a nature based engagement programme in an urban setting. The programme reached thousands of local people, with over 25% of the audience from ethnic minority backgrounds, to discuss trees in our cities and lives. Natural History Consortium partners co-wrote the commission pitch and worked directly with NHC staff and volunteers to deliver live engagement activities. We will be building on the learning with a follow-up live art programme - building on the themes of trees and woodlands - at Festival of Nature 2023 during our 20th anniversary celebrations. Overstory artwork and engagement activities. Photo by Paul Blakemore. The Natural History Consortium is a charitable partnership between 14 organisations engaging people with the natural world through collaborative action ## **Headlines and Context** ## Increased leverage of partner contributions Participatory Research - learning together Behind the scenes, NHC partners worked together on a six month participatory research exploratory programme, funded by University of Bath. The project included desk research by NHC, discussions at Steering Group meetings, and one-to-one discussions with Steering Group members. The programme started as a review of how higher education and other partners in the Consortium could work more closely together, but quickly became a larger exploration of new mechanisms and opportunities for all 14 partners to work together. The five pillars that emerged from the process are now being implemented into planning 2023 activities. Illustration commissioned during the Participatory Research programme. Credit Hana Ayoob. In April 2022 we launched a new website for the charity, and continued to build our relationships with public and sector audiences. Natural History Consortium website new look 2022 The Natural History Consortium is a charitable partnership between 14 organisations engaging people with the natural world through collaborative action **Public Programmes** Our public programmes bring partners together to deliver on Objective 1: To deliver entertaining and informative events and activities that inspire greater public interest, volunteering and action for nature. ## **City Nature Challenge** 29th April - 2nd May 2022 ## Bristol & Bath City Region Recorded 1,290 different species, making 1st place in the UK leaderboard **1290** Recorded 7,989 observations, making 2nd place in the UK leaderboard **7989** Ran 11 West of England hubs in parks and green spaces, engaging 648 people with nature recording **648** ## National Supported 14 UK cities in using iNaturalist to make a total of **57,077** 57,077 wildlife observations **Festival of Nature** 10th - 18th June 2022 ## West of England and Online 76% of attendees said going to a FON event inspired them to take action for nature **76%** 95 events took place including 25 NHC staff led and 70 partner led sessions **95** 100+ delivery partners involved in this year's festival **100+** Green Social Prescribing 30% of events in this year's festival focused on Green Social Prescribing (27 sessions) **30%** The Natural History Consortium is a charitable partnership between 14 organisations engaging people with the natural world through collaborative action **Communicate** Our Communicate programmes bring partners together to deliver on Objective 3: To build, support and pilot effective partnerships that bring together diverse organisations that face similar challenges and issues, and to help organisations learn from each other. ## **Beyond COP26: The Conversations** ## 19th January 2022 This unique event brought together communication professionals from across the UK to discuss and share how the environmental communication community will translate international declarations into local action and national programmes following COP26. 61 organisations took part in 6 themed roundtable sessions **61** An output report highlighted the priorities for the sector in the year ahead ## **Communicate: Amplifying Awareness, Focusing Action** ## 15-16th November 2022 This year's Communicate saw a return to live events and a packed two day digital programme. The main conference took place online with 617 delegates attending. Inperson workshop days were held alongside the main conference for 74 (London) and 118 (Bristol) delegates. Expanding to London, the Consortium was able to reach new audiences and perspectives. 809 individuals attended Communicate conference 2022, including 17 freelancers and representatives from 235 organisations. **809** **14** 14 different sectors were represented across the event The 2022 programme offered 53 unique sessions with 90 speakers and chairs **90** The Natural History Consortium is a charitable partnership between 14 organisations engaging people with the natural world through collaborative action ## **Research, Evaluation & Innovation** Each year the charity delivers a number of pilot activities and the evaluation of our programmes, as well as seeking research opportunities. A growing area of the charity's work, these initiatives bring partners together around Objective 2: To facilitate, develop, and disseminate novel communication techniques that engage the widest possible audience. ## **Bristol's Ecological Emergency Strategy** Water project meetings - The Consortium held a series of Bristol-based water meetings to connect and map projects across the city region - two meetings in person and one online in October. 36 individuals took part representing 25 different organisations and/or groups. The meetings were linked to one of the key goals in the Bristol Ecological Emergency Strategy: for 100% of Bristol's waterways to have water quality that supports healthy wildlife by 2030. - Continuing Ecological Emergency Strategy communications - In Spring 2022 we started producing a monthly newsletter with Ecological Emergency Strategy updates to stakeholders and interested parties. ## **Overstory - Broadmead's Canopy** 19th - 30th August 2022 - Overstory consisted of 12 days of public artwork, including 7 days of on-the-ground engagement activities, highlighting the value of trees, forests and woodlands. - 200,000 people passed under the Overstory artwork in Broadmead Shopping Quarter. - 5000+ people engaged with activities on the high street and inside the shopping centre. 25 different organisations and groups were involved in the project. The Natural History Consortium is a charitable partnership between 14 organisations engaging people with the natural world through collaborative action ## **Looking Ahead** Draft partner plan for 2023 programmes This diagram shows the range of projects under discussion at the end of 2022. While all events are still a work in progress, the outline provides a starting point for development between partners. A final programme for the year will be released internally and externally in January 2023. ## **Volunteer programme** In 2022, the Consortium and NHC team was joined by 50 volunteers, supporting the activities of a range of expanding public programmes. Many volunteers were involved in multiple events, developing their skills and valuable connections further. Our experienced team supports the Consortium partnership and delivers our suite of programmes: Savita Willmott (CEO), Stuart Payton (Senior Programmes Manager), Ellie Turner-Wallace (Senior Programmes Manager), Izzy Pulletz (Communications Officer), Loz Emerson (Actions for Nature Officer), Abby Charlesworth (Programmes Officer) The Natural History Consortium is a charitable partnership between 14 organisations engaging people with the natural world through collaborative action ## **BRISTOL NATURAL HISTORY CONSORTIUM** **TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022** ## **Reference and administrative details** Company number: 06472186 Charity number: 1123432 Registered office: 1 Little King Street Bristol BS1 4HW Bankers: CAF Bank Limited 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling, Kent ME19 4JQ Independent Examiners: Linden Accountants ## **Key management personnel** Trustees: Justin Morris – Bristol Zoo Ian Barrett – Avon Wildlife Trust Peter Ball – Independent Trustee Martin Brasher – Independent Trustee Rosa Robinson - Independent Trustee Principal Staff: Savita Willmott (Chief Executive) Company Secretary: Savita Willmott ## _**Governing Document**_ The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 14th January 2008 and registered as a charity on 3 April 2008. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association, which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1. The Consortium has 14 partners, which work together in the following way: ## _Members_ : Bristol Zoo Gardens and Avon Wildlife Trust are members of the organisation. In accordance with the Memorandum and Articles of Association, each member has the right to appoint one representative to the Board of Trustees. The members also each have the right to appoint one representative to the Steering Group. ## _Associate members (Consortium members):_ Bath & North East Somerset Council, BBC, Bristol City Council, Forestry England, Natural England, University of Bristol, University of the West of England, University of Bath, National Trust, Wildfowl Wetlands Trust, and The Woodland Trust are associate members (Consortium members). In accordance with the Memorandum & Articles they have the right to appoint one representative to the Steering Group. ## _Associate members (Supporter members)_ : Defra are associate members (Supporter members). In accordance with the Memorandum & Articles they have the right to send one representative to steering group meetings. ## _**Organisational structure**_ The Consortium undertakes a range of activities that are managed in the following way: Trustees- The Trustees undertake financial responsibilty for the organis3lion in accordance with charity law. The Trustees meet on a quarterly basis. The Trustees are recruited and appointed from each of the Consortium's legal members, one from each. as well as independent Twstees as co-opted by The Board. Members of the board operate a"rollin9 chairf, to lead each meeting. Ste¢ring Group - The Steering Group undertake responsibilty for all strategic planning and development for the organisalion. The Steering Group meets every two months. Risk Managgment The steering group and the Trustees have considered the key risks facing the Consortium and have tsken steps to mitigate them. Trustees, responsibllltles In relatlon to the flnaneial statements Company law requires the Trustee Board lo prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the slate of affairs of the ¢harilable company as at the balance Sheet and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including income and expenditure, for the financial year. In preparing those financial slatemenls, the Trustee Board should follow best practice and.. Select suitable accounting policies and 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 accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial slatemenls., Prepare financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropTkgle to assume that the charity will continue in business. The Trustee Board is responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose, with reasonable awuracy at any lime, the financial position of the charitable company and to enable them lo ensure that the financial stslements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are a150 responsible for safeguarding the a$5ets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and olhef irregularities. The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and financial it)formation included on the charity's website in a¢¢ordance wth legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements. Members of the Trustee Board, who are directors for the purpose of company law and Tiuslees for the purpose of charity law. who served during the year and up lo the dale of this report are set out on page 14. In accordance with company law, as the charty's Trustees, we Certify that.. So far as we are aware. there is no relevant audit information of which the charity's Independent Examiner is unaware,. and As the Trustees of the charity we have taken all steps that ought lo have been taken in order lo make ourselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the charity's Independent Examiner is aware of that information. ved by the Trustee Board on and si9ned on its behalf by.. Peter Ball jon behalf of Trustees) Date INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF BRISTOL NATURAL HISTORY CONSORTIUM I report lo the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Bristol Natural History Consortium for the year ended 31st December 2022. Responsibility and basis of report As the charity's trustees are also its directors for the purposes of Company law, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance wrth the Companies A¢t 20C£ I'lhe 2006 Act'l Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 {'Ihe 2011 Act'l. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515llb} of the 2011 Act. Indepgndont examiners statement I have completed my examinalw)n. I confi'm that no matters have come to my attents'on in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe.. Accounting records were not kept in respect of the company as required under section 386 of the 2006 Act.. or The accounts do not accord with those r￿rdS., or The aeeounls do not comply with the accounting requirements under section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give 8 true and fair view which is not a matter conshyered as part of my independent examinatson.. or The accounts have not been prepared in a￿rdan￿ with the methods and principle$ of the Stalernenl of Recommend Practi￿ for accounting and ieporting by charib'es applicable to charitle5 preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Stsndard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021. I have no concems and have come across no other matters in Connection with the examination lo which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the ae¢ounts lo be reached. Signed: Name: Michael Grant ACPA Address: Linden Accounlanls Limited, Scrapslore House. 21 Sevier Street, Sl Werburghs, Bristol. BS2 9LB ## **BRISTOL NATURAL HISTORY CONSORTIUM** ## **TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022** The Trustees are pleased to present their annual directors’ report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ending 31 December 2022 which are also prepared to meet the requirements for a directors’ report and accounts for Companies Act purposes. The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum & Articles of Association, and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015). The company has taken advantage of the exemption to not have to prepare a strategic report in accordance with “The Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors’ Report) Regulations 2013”. The charity’s legal name remains Bristol Natural History Consortium, however the operating and public name for the partnership is The Natural History Consortium (NHC) ## **1. OUR PURPOSES AND ACTIVITIES** The mission statement and objectives are regularly reviewed on an annual basis by Consortium members. ## **1.1 Our mission statement:** The Natural History Consortium - Engaging people with the natural world through collaborative action ## **1.2 Our objectives:** The company’s charitable objects are to advance the public understanding of wildlife and the natural environment and their conservation. It achieves this by: - Delivering entertaining and informative events and activities that inspire greater public interest, volunteering and action for nature - Facilitating, developing, and disseminating novel communication techniques that engage the widest possible audience - Building, supporting and piloting effective partnerships that bring together diverse organisations that face similar challenges and issues, and help organisations learn from each other ## **1.3 Ensuring our work delivers our objectives** The Consortium’s Trustees and Steering Group review progress of the partnership and activities through regular Trustees’ meetings and bi-monthly Steering Group meetings. We have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aim and objectives and in planning our future activities. In particular, the Trustees consider how our activities will contribute to and deliver our mission statement. ## **1.4 Our activities** We carry out these objectives through a range of activities, guided by our mission statement: - Festival of Nature – an annual public festival and associated public facing activities - Communicate – an annual conference and an online community supported by research and resources. - BioBlitz – a range of public activity and community of practice supporting public participation in biological recording - • Volunteers programme – supporting skills development and volunteer activity through our programmes - Research and development – a strand of piloting, evaluation and learning activity using - Governance and management. ## **1.5 How our activities deliver public benefit** The relationship of our activities to the target beneficiaries are described below. All of our charitable activities focus on environmental communication. |**ACTIVITY**|**OUTPUTS**|**IMPACT**| |---|---|---| |FESTIVAL OF NATURE
Bringing together content from across the
partnership under a common framework for
engagement, Festival of Nature is the UK’s
largest free celebration of the natural world
delivering an exciting new programme
across the West of England each year since
2003.|A cohesive, inspiring, engaging, ambitious
programme of activity that delivers against
seven strategic priorities:
- Partner interest
- Fundability
- User experience
- Impact (action for nature)
- Inclusivity
- Covid regulations
- Innovation & shared learning|Audiences in the West of England are more
aware of environmental issues, more
connected with nature and empowered to
take new, sustained, positive action for
nature.| |COMMUNICATE
Started in 2004, Communicate is an annual
environmental communication conference
bringing together a diverse group of
delegates each year to develop their skills,
share best practice and debate latest issues
in science communication, nature
conservation and engaging people with the
natural world.|Convening the UK environmental
communications sector through an annual
programme of innovative and engaging
conference, workshops and conversations|Environmental communicators are better
equipped with tools, knowledge and
connections to influence positive change for
nature| |BIOBLITZ
Since 2009 NHC has shown leadership in the
development of BioBlitz as a format for
public engagement in biological recording
and citizen science, representing the West
of England in the international City Nature
Challenge since 2018. NHC represents
Bristol & Bath City Region and spearheads
UK participation in this global race for
citizens to generate the most wildlife
records data possible in 4 days.|A regional programme of activity promoting
public participation in biological recording,
piloting new innovative formats for
participatory community science
Convening and supporting national and
international communities of practice
around BioBlitz and associated formats to
share learning, and foster collaboration
Biological records data contributed at scale
to local, national and international datasets|Participants feel better connected and more
knowledgeable about nature on their
doorsteps, and are empowered to take new,
sustained, positive action for nature through
community science.
The biological recording and community
science sector are better equipped with
tools, knowledge and connections to
support public participation in biological
recording and community science
Conservation and land management
practice and research are better informed
by biological records data.| |VOLUNTEER PROGRAMME
NHC runs an on-going, active volunteer
programme designed to train and support
students, those looking to develop skills,
and those looking to make a change of
career.|Cohorts of volunteers are
Trained and supported to take leadership
roles in NHC public facing activities. Specific
strands of volunteer training, advocacy and
skills development are built into NHC
programmes|Volunteers are upskilled and build
experience in environmental
communications and engagement practice
Young volunteers and wildlife enthusiasts
benefit from peer-to-peer learning and
social cohesion| |RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Through our regular senior stakeholder
meetings and frequent informal contact, we
have a space for sharing learning and
Challenges. Building on core programmes,
we explore new ways to facilitate
collaboration between Consortium
members as well as external partners, to
make things happen together.|A collaborative portfolio of funded projects
that support our charitable objectives,
provide opportunities to support delivery of
partners individual priorities, build capacity
and facilitate collaboration between
partners|NHC reputation as a leading collaboration
space and safe pair of hands for
delivering against partner priorities
New collaborations, and innovations are
fostewred and disseminated through the
Consortium charitable structure and activies
– contributing to research and best practice
in environmental communications
Building core capacity through funded
activity, and consultancy.| |GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT|Financial, administrative, team management
and policy responsibilities
Regular meetings of the Trustees and
SteeringGroup|Ensuring financial stability, compliance and
best practice in charitable governance
Ensuring effective and efficient investment
of resources to meet charitable objectives| ## **3. Further notes to the accounts** Funds totalling £24,924 have been designated for 2023, they were received during 2022 for the staffing of the EuroBioBlits between January - March 2023. ## **BRISTOL NATURAL HISTORY CONSORTIUM** ## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES** ## **(INCLUDING INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022** |**INCOME AND EXPENDITURE**
**Note**
INCOME FROM
Donations
3
Other trading activities
Investments
_Charitable activities:_
Festival of Nature
4
Communicate Conference
4
Education and Engagement
4
_Other income_
TOTAL INCOME
EXPENDITURE ON:
_Charitable activities:_
Festival of Nature
5
Communicate Conference
5
Education and Engagement
5
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
5
Net income/(expenditure) and net
movement in funds for the year
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward|**Unrestricted**
**Funds**
**£**
70,000
-
-
40,284
20,541
196,005
-
326,831
77,944
97,959
149,901
325,804
1,027
71,519
72,546|**Restricted**
**Funds**
**£**
2,000
-
-
9,425
-
4,420
-
15,845
12,405
-
4,420
16,825
(980)
980
0|**Total Funds**
**2022**
**£**
72,000
-
-
49,709
20,541
200,426
-
342,676
90,349
97,959
154,321
342,629
47
72,499
72,546|**Total Funds**
**2021**
**£**
78,625
-
-
32,546
22,678
79,576
-
213,425
78,142
75,559
67,231
220,933
(7,508)
80,007
72,499| |---|---|---|---|---| All of the above results are derived from continuing activities. There were no other recognised gains and losses other than those stated above. ## **BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2022** |**BALANCE SHEET**
**AT 31 DECEMBER 2022**||| |---|---|---| |FIXED ASSETS:
Tangible assets
CURRENT ASSETS:
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year
NET CURRENT (LIABILITIES)/ASSETS
TOTAL NET (LIABILITIES)/ASSETS
THE FUNDS OF THE CHARITY
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
**Notes**
8
9
10
13
14
15|**2022**
£
5,921
80,894
64,008
144,901
(78,277)
66,625
72,546
0
47,622
24,924
72,546|**2021**
£
3,777| |||79,206
67,188| |||146,395
(77,672)| |||68,722| |||72,499
980
47,519
24,000| |||72,499| ## TOTAL CHARITY FUNDS The Trustees are satisfied that the company is entitled to exemption from the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 (the Act) relating to the audit of the financial statements for the year by virtue of section 4 77, and that no member or members have requested an audit pursuant to section 476 of the Act. The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for: (i) ensuring that the company keeps adequate accounting records which comply with section 386 of the Act, and (ii) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as at the end of the financial year and of its profit or loss for the financial year in accordance with the requirements of section 393, and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Act relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the company. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions for small companies under Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006. These accounts have been delivered in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies' regime. These financial statements were approved by the directors and authorised for issue. Approved by the Trustees on and signed on their behalf by **----- Start of picture text -----**
(On behalf of Trustees)
**----- End of picture text -----**
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022** ## 1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES ## (a) **Basis of preparation** The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006. Bristol Natural History Consortium meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s). ## (b) **Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis** The Trustees have considered the 12 month period from the date of the approval of the financial statements. The Trustees note that the position of the unrestricted reserves has improved each year since 31st December 2019. At the time of filing the Trustees are reviewing the reserves policy and treatment of unrestricted reserves as they make long term plans for the success and stability of the charity. ## (c) **Income** All income is included in full in the statement of financial activities when receivable. Intangible income is recognised as an incoming resource where the provider of the service has incurred a financial cost. Volunteer time is not included in the financial statements. Grants are recognised in full in the statement of financial activities in the year in which they are receivable, unless they specifically relate to a future period, in which case they are deferred. ## (d) **Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT** Expenditure is included in the Statement of Financial Activities on an accruals basis, inclusive of any VAT which cannot be recovered. Most expenditure is directly attributable to a specific activity and is allocated to that activity. However, the costs of overall direction and administration of each activity, comprising the salary and overhead costs of the central function, is apportioned on the following basis which are an estimate, based on core staff time, of the amount attributable to each activity. - Festival of Nature 20% - Communicate Conference 40%  Education & Engagement 40% ## (e) **Donated services and facilities** Donated services & facilities are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) where the benefit to the charity is reasonably quantifiable and measurable. The value placed on these resources is the estimated value to the charity of the service or facility received. This will be the price the charity estimates it would pay in the open market for a service or facility of equivalent utility to the charity. ## (f) **Interest receivable** Interest on funds held is included when receivable by the charity. ## (g) **Funds accounting** Funds held by the charity are: Unrestricted general funds - these are funds which can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the Trustees. Restricted funds - these are funds that can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor of when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each funds is included in the notes to the accounts. **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022** ## 1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) - (h) **Tangible fixed assets** The cost of tangible fixed assets is written-off by equal annual instalments over their expected useful life as follows: |Computer equipment|3 years straight line| |---|---| |Website|4 years straight line| |Fixtures, fittings and furniture|4 years straight line| (i) **Pension costs** The charity contributes to a defined contribution pension scheme. The employer contributions made by the charity are treated as an expense and disclosed in note 7 to the accounts. ## (j) **Operating leases** No leases at 31st December 2022 ## 2 PRIOR PERIOD COMPARATIVES |INCOME FROM
Donations
Other trading activities
Investments
_Charitable activities:_
Festival of Nature
Communicate Conference
Education and Engagement
Other income
TOTAL INCOME
EXPENDITURE ON:
_Charitable activities:_
Festival of Nature
Communicate Conference
Education and Engagement
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
Net income/(expenditure) and net
movement in funds for the year|Unrestricted
Funds
£
76,625
-
-
26,816
22,678
48,575
-
174,694
55,700
72,916
33,587
162,202
12,492|Restricted
Funds
£
2,000
-
-
5,730
31,001
-
38,731
22,443
2,644
33,645
58,731
(20,000)|Total Funds
2021
£
78,625
-
-
-
32,546
22,678
79,576
-
213,425
78,142
75,559
67,231
220,933
(7,508)| |---|---|---|---| ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022** |3
DONATIONS
Unrestricted
Funds
£
Member subscriptions
70,000
_Donations:_
In kind donations
-
Company donations
-
Individual donations
-
70,000
A summary of the in kind donated services is set out below:
Design costs
Use of exhibition space/site services (Festival of Nature)
Use of exhibition space (Communicate)
Marketing support
Event consumables
Storage space|Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
2,000
-
-
2,000|Total Funds
2022
£
70,000
2,000
-
-
72,000
Total Funds
2022
£
2,000
-
-
-
-
-
2,000|Total Funds
2021
£
70,000
2,000
6,625
-
78,625
Total Funds
2021
£
2,000
-
-
-
-
-
2,000| |---|---|---|---| ## 4 INCOME |**Festival of Nature**
Sponsorship
Sales
Grants
**Communicate Conference**
Sponsorship
Sales
Grants
**Education & Engagement**
_Sales_
_Education & Engagement_
_Euro Bioblitz_
Canopy project
**Education & Engagement (Total)**|Unrestricted
Funds
£
8,562
6,248
25,474
40,284
-
20,541
-
20,541
7,398
65,107
5,000
118,500
196,005|Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
9,425
9,425
-
-
-
-
-
4,420
4,420|Total Funds
2022
£
-
8,562
6,248
34,899
49,709
-
20,541
-
20,541
7,398
65,107
5,000
122,920
200,426|Total Funds
2021
£
-
-
4,366
28,180
32,546
-
9,628
13,050
22,678
-
48,575
31,001
-
79,576| |---|---|---|---|---| **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022** ## 5 TOTAL EXPENDITURE |Staff
Costs
£
Festival of Nature
62,780
Communicate Conference
60,102
Education & Engagement
88,255
211,138
OTHER DIRECT COSTS
Event & project costs
Premises costs
Office costs
Legal & professional costs
Depreciation
Miscellaneous fees
VAT partial exemption adjustment
Unrestricted
Funds
£
Festival of Nature
77,944
Communicate Conference
97,959
_Education & Engagement_
_Euro Bioblitz_
5,000
Canopy project
37,805
_Education & Engagement_
107,096
_Sub-total_
149,901
TOTAL
325,804
6
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) FOR THE YEAR
This is stated after charging:
Depreciation
Independent Examination
Accounting & Book-keeping services|Other
Direct
Costs
£
27,569
37,857
66,066
131,492
Restricted
Funds
£
12,405
-
-
4,420
-
4,420
16,825|Total
2022
£
90,349
97,959
154,321
342,629
Total
2022
£
37,013
29,418
41,644
6,567
2,654
-
14,196
131,492
Total Funds
2022
£
90,349
97,959
5,000
42,225
107,096
154,321
342,629
2022
£
2,654
550
5,793|Total
2021
£
76,642
75,559
68,731
220,934
Total
2021
£
5,471
19,205
24,769
13,828
1,388
-
5,334
69,995
Total Funds
2021
£
78,142
75,559
31,001
-
36,230
67,231
220,934
2021
£
1,388
550
5,400| |---|---|---|---| **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022** - 7 STAFF COSTS AND TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION |Staff costs were as follows:
Wages and salaries
Employer's National Insurance
Employer's pensions
Freelance staff|2022
£
123,647
6,767
2,757
62,284
195,455|2021
£
110,666
5,786
2,407
27,743
146,602| |---|---|---| No employee earned £60,000 p.a. or more. The average number of employees during the year was 5 (2021 - 4). The charity Trustees were not paid or received any other benefits from employment with the charity in the year (2021: £nil), neither were they reimbursed expenses during the year (2021: £nil). No charity Trustee received payment for professional or other services supplied to the charity (2021: £nil). The key management personnel of the charity comprise the Trustees and the Chief Executive Officer. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the charity were £37,356 (2021: £30,980). |8
TANGIBLE ASSETS
COST
At 1 January 2022
Additions
Disposals
At 31 December 2022
DEPRECIATION
At 1 January 2022
Charge for the year
At 31 December 2022
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 December 2022
At 31 December 2021
9
DEBTORS
Trade debtors
Prepayments & accrued income
Taxation and social security
Other debtors||Website
Development
£
4,000
4,000
-
8,000
1,000
2,000
3,000
**5,000**
3,000||Computer
Equipment
£
2,758
798
-
3,556
1,981
654
2,635
**921**
777||Office
Furniture
£
664
-
-
664
664
-
664
**-**
-|2022
£
80,181
313
-
400
80,894|Total
£
7,422
4,798
-
12,220
3,645
2,654
6,299
**5,921**
3,777
2021
£
62,851
2,123
3,873
10,359
79,206| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| The trade debtors include a credit of £10,224 (2021 : £15,224) in relation to the BBC. A credit was raised in 2018 and annual memberships for the BBC have been set against this. This will continue until the credit has been used up. The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust is represented on the Steering Group by Sally Airey and is a subscribing organisation which paid £5,000 to BNHC in 2022. ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022** 17 RELATED PARTIES (Continued) _Natural England_ Natural England is represented on the Steering Group by Kanta Mall and is a subscribing organisation which paid £5000 to BNHC in 2021 **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022** ## 10 CREDITORS |CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade creditors
Taxation and social security
Accruals
Deferred income
Other creditors
DEFERRED INCOME
Deferred income comprises subscriptions and grants invoiced in advance.
Balance as at 1 January 2022
Amount released to income earned from charitable activities
Amount deferred in year
Balance as at 31 December 2022
OPERATING LEASES
The total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:
Not later than 1 year
Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years|2022
£
821
4,928
2,528
70,000
-
78,277
2022
£
70,000
(70,000)
70,000
70,000
2022
£
-
-
-|2021
£
1,988
3,795
1,890
70,000
-
77,672
2021
£
71,000
(71,000)
70,000
70,000
2021
£
-
-
-| |---|---|---| ## 11 DEFERRED INCOME ## 12 OPERATING LEASES ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022** ## 13 RESTRICTED FUNDS |At 1
January
2022
_Bristol Festival of Nature_
980
_Communicate_
-
_Education & Engagement_
Parks Accelerator
-
Euro Bioblitz
-
980
Purposes of Restricted Funds
_Postcode Local Trust_
This funding is in support City Nature Challenge.
_The D'Oyly Carte Charitable Trust_
This funding is in support of City Nature Challenge.
_South Gloucestershire Council_
This funding is in support of City Nature Challenge.
_National Lottery_
This funding is in support of covering core costs.||Income
£
11,425
-
4,420
-
15,845|Expenditure
£
(12,405)
-
(4,420)
-
(16,825)|At 31
December
2022
£
-
-
0
-
0| |---|---|---|---|---| ## 14 UNRESTRICTED FUNDS |General Fund
15
DESIGNATED FUNDS
Designated funds|At 1
January
2022
£
47,519
At 1
January
2022
£
24,000|Income
£
326,831
Income
£
-||Expenditure
£
(325,804)
Expenditure
£
-|Transfers
Between
Funds
£
(924)
Transfers
Between
Funds
£
924|At 31
December
2022
£
47,622
At 31
December
2022
£
24,924| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| Designated funds consist of £24,924 of funds received for the staffing of the EuroBioBlits between January - March 2023 ## 16 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS |ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS|||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---| |Tangible fixed assets
Cash at bank and in hand
Other net current assets/(liabilities)|General
Funds
£
5,921
64,008
2,617
72,546|Restricted
Funds
£
-
0
-
0||Designated
funds
-
-
-
-|Total
£
5,921
64,008
2,617
**72,546**| ||||||| **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022** ## 17 RELATED PARTIES ## _Avon Wildlife Trust_ Avon Wildlife Trust is represented on the Steering Group by Julie Doherty. Avon Wildlife Trust is a subscribing organisation and paid £5,000 to BNHC in 2022 ## _Bath & North East Somerset Council_ Bath & North East Somerset Council is represented on the Steering Group by Mark Minkley. Bath & North East Somerset Council is a subscribing organisation and paid £5,000 to BNHC in 2022. ## _BBC_ BBC is represented on the Steering Group by Stephanie Marshall. BBC is a subscribing organisation and paid £5,000 to BNHC in 2022. ## _Bristol City Council_ Bristol City Council is represented on the Steering Group by Richard Ennion and Ray Barnett. BCC is a subscribing organisation and paid £5,000 to BNHC in 2022. ## _Bristol Zoo Gardens_ Bristol Zoo Gardens is represented on the Steering Group by Simon Garrett. As a subscribing organisation, Bristol Zoo paid £5,000 to BNHC in 2022. ## _Defra_ Defra is represented on the Steering Group by Emily Ambrose and as a subscribing organisation paid £5,000 to BNHC in 2022. ## _Forestry England_ Forestry England is represented on the Steering Group by Naomi Fuller and is a subscribing organisation which paid £5,000 to BNHC in 2022. ## _National Trust_ National Trust is represented on the Steering Group by Nerys Jones and is a subscribing organisation which paid £5,000 to BNHC in 2022. ## _Natural England_ Natural England is represented on the Steering Group by Sunita Welch and is a subscribing organisation which paid £5000 to BNHC in 2022. ## _University of West of England_ The University of the West of England is represented on the Steering Group by Jackie Rogers and is a subscribing organisation which paid £5,000 to BNHC in 2022. ## _The Woodland Trust_ The Woodland Trust is represented on the Steering Group by Rosie Walker and is a subscribing organisation which paid £5,000 to BNHC in 2022. ## _University of Bristol_ The University of Bristol is represented on the Steering Group by Rhys Charles and is a subscribing organisation which paid £5,000 to BNHC in 2022. ## _University of Bath_ The University of Bath is represented on the Steering Group by Heather Featherstone and is a subscribing organisation which paid £5,000 to BNHC in 2022. ## _Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust_