2023-12-31-accounts - Bristol Natural History Consortium

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BRISTOL NATURAL HISTORY CONSORTIUM

(A company limited by guarantee)

REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Company registration number: 06472186 Registered charity number: 1123432

BRISTOL NATURAL HISTORY CONSORTIUM

REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

CONTENTS	Page
Highlight report	update
Trustees notes	update
Independent Examiner’s report	update
Statement of financial activities	update
Balance sheet	update
Notes to the financial statements	update

ai milty .1- •* The Natural History Consortium Annual Report 2023 The Natural History Consortium

Dear Natural History Partners,

This Annual Summary has been prepared for staff, volunteers and stakeholders at our Consortium partner organisations. Please do share it with colleagues, and we look forward to hearing what ideas it may spark for further activities.

2023 has been a tremendous year to celebrate the 20th anniversary of our Natural History Consortium. It gave us numerous opportunities to reflect on how the collaboration between partners has strengthened, how the partnership has grown from 8 founding partners to our current 14, and how our joint activities have evolved alongside the environmental communication sector.

Mostly importantly, we continue to reflect on how we can increase our impact, and we welcome your support and challenge in this collective endeavour. More information about each of our programmes is available on our website at www.bnhc.org.uk, or we would be happy to speak to you about areas of interest.

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Partnership in Action

Our Steering Group is our main strategic and decision-making body, where all 14 partners meet regularly throughout the year. The group is supported by our charity’s small Trustee Board and direct the staff’s efforts by consensus.

Our Communicate Committee sets the editorial for our national conference and other sector-facing work.

Our events, ad-hoc committees and working groups bring partners together around specialist topics and at events.

Leveraging Partner Contributions

NHC partners have made the same annual contribution for twenty years since the partnership was formed. Each year we leverage each organisation’s financial contribution and commitment into through fundraising into increased resources for joint programmes.

£5,000 – your organisation’s contribution in 2023 (1%)
£65,000 – other partner’s contribution in 2023 (14%) – funds leveraged and raised for
collaborative programmes (85%)

£464,000 – charity turnover for the year

Volunteers

In 2023, 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 connections further.

Staff

Our experienced team supports our partners and delivers joint events under their direction.

Savita Willmott (CEO), Stuart Payton (Senior Programmes Manager), Ellie Turner-Wallace (Senior Programmes Manager), Izzy Pulletz (Marketing and Communications Manager), Loz Emerson (Citizen Science Officer)

Objective 1 - To deliver entertaining and informative events and activities that inspire greater public interest, volunteering and action for nature.

NHC’s work on our first objective focuses on direct delivery and public engagement in the West of England, as well as supporting national projects and replicating our learning internationally. Our partners’ focus is to develop new methods and mechanisms for reaching the broadest possible audiences, underpinned by our own evaluation framework “Actions for Nature” .

Festival of Nature

Festival of Nature is the only public festival to span the West of England region, and the UK’s largest free celebration of the natural world. Our 20th anniversary Festival of Nature in June 2023 featured all 14 of our Consortium members, and welcomed over 16,000 visitors to 56 different events. A wide range of live and online programmed inspired audiences to take over 7,000 “actions for nature”.

People for Pollinators

‘People for Pollinators’ was our first major collaborative delivery bid between NHC partners, funded by West of England Combined Authority’s Pollinator Fund. Together NHC partners created 1,130m2 of new or improved habitats in 5 demonstration gardens, ran 45 workshops, 7 community events, and a wildlife gardening competition .

The project had significant, in-person engagement with 1,877 people across the West of England region and this will increase as partners’ demonstration gardens come into bloom. People for Pollinators included an online ‘Pesticide Reduction and Wildlife Friendly Gardening’ community campaign, which reached 50k users in the region.

City Nature Challenge City Nature Challenge is an annual international wildlife recording taking place over 4 days. Over 400 cities take part and NHC inspires audiences across the West of England to take part. In 2023 the challenge took place between 28th April – 1st May. In the West of England region we supported audiences to record 1,296 species across 7,490 observations – making 3rd place on the UK leader board. (The second highest number of species ever recorded during a City Nature Challenge event in our region)

EuroBioBlitz

EuroBioBlitz is a partnership programme and communications campaign, funded by the European Commission’s Researchers Night programme. It has allowed us to replicate our partnership learning from City Nature Challenge into a European-wide activity. Learning resources have been developed in 8 European languages (English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Swedish, Polish).

In 2023, 64,397 records of wildlife were made by 8,720 participants, with 32,637 records identified to “research grade” level. Plans are underway for 2024 to include resources in an additional 4 languages: Russian, Turkish, Ukrainian and Dutch.

Let it Grow

Behind the scenes, we supported our BBC colleagues this year with the delivery of the Let it Grow campaign across Radio 2 and BBC Children’s and Education (Blue Peter, a new digital game, and online content). With a mission to help UK audiences “turn grey spaces into wild and colourful places” the campaign got Radio 2 listeners and Blue Peter watchers out growing and planting.

Objective 2 - To facilitate, develop, and disseminate novel communication techniques that engage the widest possible audience.

Our work on objective 2 focuses on innovation, piloting new approaches, evaluation and dissemination. The focus is on adaptation and learning – with some activities working closely with a few participants and other attracting thousands.

Emergency Tree Fund Pilots

NHC was commissioned as part of the Woodland Trust’s Emergency Tree Fund to explore new approaches to engagement, volunteering, and formal education to help successfully deliver the West of England Tree and Woodland Strategy (Forest of Avon plan). This has included woodland walks with diverse audiences, sessions with Disabled Adults, and a national survey of individuals and organisations on new opportunities for environmental volunteering.

Walking Forest

The “Walking Forest” built on our tree-themed art commission (Overstory) in 2022, and took us back to the Broadmead area in June 2023. We created a moveable ‘parade’ of street trees through three city centre locations in Bristol, giving away fruit trees and speaking to people about their barriers to planting at home. We’ll be building on this work in 2024 seeking new creative opportunities to connect tree supply with residents.

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FREE
TREES!
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Ecological Emergency: ‘Blue Strand’

NHC has supported implementation of Bristol’s Ecological Emergency Strategy since 2021, and in June 2023 ran a programme focused on ‘blue spaces’ across the region. We delivered programme of 20 different events including business networking on boats and paddleboards, talks about beavers and eels, open water swimming, river cleans, and a “fish carnival” for our youngest audience members under 5. We’ll be building on this work in 2024 by embedding ‘blue’ and ‘green’ across our Festival of Nature programme.

Collective Field Notebook

Funding from Literature Works allowed us to pilot a literature-focused outdoor activity as part of Festival of Nature in June 2023. Inspired by Charles Darwin’s unusual use of field notebooks, a riverside walk with writers and artists allowed us to explore new types of programming for Festival of Nature.

Sparks

We were delighted to support the team at ‘Sparks’ – a new sustainable hub in central Bristol, by providing early ideas and facilitation for the creation of a nature-themed space.

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.

Our work on this objective is both regional and national – bringing together professionals and organisations together in curated events, discussions, and co-delivery.

Communicate

Communicate is a flagship event for our partnership: a national conference for environmental communication professionals running since 2004. In 2023 the conference expanded yet again, with hybrid and workshop sessions in London, Manchester and Bristol. These ran alongside a three-day online conference. In total, NHC partners together curated 40 sessions over three days, attracting 1,016 delegates and 100 speakers on the theme of “Together for Nature”.

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100
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Making Connections

In January 2023 we brought academic and non-academic staff together from across our partnership to explore collaboration and connections. 24 researchers attending from our HEI institutions, holding facilitated discussions on future academic research, impact case studies, joint funding bids and academic / student placement projects.

RECLAIM Conference

We received investment from the UKRI funded RECLAIM Network (Reclaiming Forgotten Cities - Turning cities from vulnerable spaces to healthy places for people) to host a symposium during Festival of Nature on public engagement with green and blue infrastructure, attracting 21 specialists from 12 organisations .

UK City Nature Challenge Network In 2023 NHC brought together 22 cities taking part in the City Nature Challenge through 6 online facilitated meetings to support capacity and learning between organisers. 83% of participants said they found these meetings “very helpful” and 17% “helpful”. 100% of respondents said that they would like these meetings to continue for future events and we are currently planning for 2024 programmes.

Together, UK cities recorded 79,293 total wildlife observations, a 34% increase from 59,090 in 2022.

Celebrating our 20th anniversary

A special strand of activity during our 20th year ensured we took the opportunity to reflect on our partnership’s work to date and plans for the future. We are currently planning a new publication collating learning across the Communicate conference between 2003-2024.

The Natural History Consortium is a charitable partnership between 14 organisations engaging people with the natural world through collaborative action.

Report design by Isabelle Pulletz

BRISTOL NATURAL HISTORY CONSORTIUM

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Reference and administrative details

Company number: 06472186 Charity number: 1123432 Registered office: Jubilee House Bristol BS1 4RW 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.

BALANCE SHEET AT 1DEC NotA$ FIXFD ASSETS.. TarvJible assets 3.934 5.921 CURRENT ASSETS_. Debtors Cash al bank and in harxl 1,568 74.389 80.894 64,008 135,957 144,901 CREDITORS.. Amounts fallvig due hilhin one year 180.1561 178,2771 NET CURRENT ILIABILITIESVASSETS 55,800 66,625 TQTAL NET ILIABILITESIIASSETS 59,734 72.546 THE FUNDS OF THE CHARITY Resiricted fvnds 13 101 Llnreslricted funds 14 80,190 47,622 Designated lunds 3.500 24,924 83.690 72,546 TOTAL CHARITY FUNDS The Trustee5 are satssfied that the company is entit to exernpliw from the provisi005 of the Companie5 Act 2006 Ilhe Acti relaliThJ io the audit of the financial ytalements for Ihe year by virtu¢ of section 477. and that no member cf members have requested an audit purstsant to section 476 of the ACL Truslees acknowledge Iheir responsiknlitie$ br.. lil ensLrirrfJ that the company keeps èdequale accounling reeords Yknich coTpty wilh sectK?n 366 of the AL. and (ID preparirvJ ffnancwl stslem8nt5 which glve a true and fair view of the stste of affaits of the Gompany a5 al the end of the finandl year and of 115 profil or loss for the finandal year in accordance hbilh the requiremen15 of section 393. and vthich otheNise compty %vlth Ihe requirefflen15 of the Act relating to financial 51alements, so far as applicabk to Ihe company. The$e financial statements have been prePad in accordance ilh the special provssions for small companses under Part 15 olthe Companies Act 2006. These accounts been delered fft arcordanr£ vilh the provisi5 appticable to (Axrparlles subjeci to Ihe Sm1 comp8nie5' regime. These finandal staiemenls We approved by the directors and authorised for Isstse. Approved by the Trustees on ar swJne41 on their behlf by Ion b8hall of Trusts851 14

BRISTOL NATURAL HISTORY CONSORTIUM

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

The Trustees are pleased to present their annual directors’ report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ending 31 December 2023 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

BRISTOL NATURAL HISTORY CONSORTIUM

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

(INCLUDING INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

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 Transfer between funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward	Unrestricted Funds £ 70,000 - - 37,281 30,645 186,013 - 323,939 129,596 86,892 96,306 312,795 11,144 (24,000) 72,546 59,690	Restricted Funds £ 17,714 - - 16,135 - 99,959 - 133,808 28,749 - 129,059 157,808 (24,000) 24,000 - (0)	Total Funds 2023 £ 87,714 - - 53,416 30,645 285,972 - 457,747 158,346 86,892 225,365 470,603 (12,856) - 72,546 59,690	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

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 2023

Notes FIXED ASSETS: Tangible assets 8 CURRENT ASSETS: Debtors 9 Cash at bank and in hand CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year 10 NET CURRENT (LIABILITIES)/ASSETS TOTAL NET (LIABILITIES)/ASSETS THE FUNDS OF THE CHARITY Restricted funds 13 Unrestricted funds 14 Designated funds 15 TOTAL CHARITY FUNDS	2023 £ 3,934 61,568 74,389 135,957 (80,158) 55,800 59,734 (0) 80,190 3,500 83,690	2022 £ 5,921 80,894 64,008 144,901 (78,277) 66,625 72,546 - 47,622 24,924 72,546

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 477, 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

…………………………………………

(On behalf of Trustees)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

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 2023

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 2023

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 £ 70,000 - - 40,284 20,541 196,005 - 326,831 77,944 97,959 149,901 325,804 1,027	Restricted Funds £ 2,000 - - 9,425 4,420 - 15,845 12,405 - 4,420 16,825 (980)	Total Funds 2022 £ 72,000 - - - 49,709 20,541 200,426 - 342,676 90,349 97,959 154,321 342,629 47

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

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 Storage space	Restricted Funds £ - 12,000 5,100 614 17,714	Total Funds 2023 £ 70,000 12,000 5,100 614 87,714 Total Funds 2023 £ 2,000 10,000 - - - 12,000	Total Funds 2022 £ 70,000 2,000 - - 72,000 Total Funds 2022 £ 2,000 - - - - 2,000

4 INCOME Festival of Nature Sponsorship Sales Grants Communicate Conference Sponsorship Sales Grants Education & Engagement Education & Engagement Euro Bioblitz Canopy project Sponsorship Sales Grants Education & Engagement (Total)	Unrestricted Funds £ 17,260 1,911 18,110 37,281 5,000 25,645 - 30,645 - 3,500 - - 20,742 161,771 186,013	Restricted Funds £ - - 16,135 16,135 - - - - 99,959 - - - - - 99,959	Total Funds 2023 £ 17,260 1,911 34,245 53,416 5,000 25,645 - 30,645 99,959 3,500 - - 20,742 161,771 285,972	Total Funds 2022 £ 8,562 6,248 34,899 49,709 - 20,541 - 20,541 65,107 5,000 122,920 - 7,398 - 200,426

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

5 TOTAL EXPENDITURE

Staff Costs £ Festival of Nature 82,011 Communicate Conference 48,132 Education & Engagement 145,871 276,014 OTHER DIRECT COSTS Event & project costs Premises costs Office costs Legal & professional costs Depreciation Bad Debt write off VAT partial exemption adjustment Unrestricted Funds £ Festival of Nature 129,596 Communicate Conference 86,892 Euro Bioblitz - Canopy project - Education & Engagement 96,306 Sub-total 96,306 TOTAL 312,795 6 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) FOR THE YEAR This is stated after charging: Depreciation Independent Examination Accounting & Book-keeping services	Other Direct Costs £ 76,335 38,760 79,495 194,590 Restricted Funds £ 28,749 - 24000 - 105,059 129,059 157,808	Total 2023 £ 158,346 86,892 225,365 470,603 Total 2023 £ 83,533 62,960 23,478 4,007 2,756 15,000 2,810 194,545 Total Funds 2023 £ 158,346 86,892 24,000 - 201,365 225,365 470,603 2023 £ 2801 550 3457	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

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

7 STAFF COSTS AND TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION

Staff costs were as follows: Wages and salaries Employer's National Insurance Employer's pensions Freelance staff	2023 £ 146,683 9,285 4,190 33,259 193,416	2022 £ 123,647 6,767 2,757 62,284 195,455

No employee earned £60,000 p.a. or more. The average number of employees during the year was 5 (2022 - 5).

The charity Trustees were not paid or received any other benefits from employment with the charity in the year (2022: £nil), neither were they reimbursed expenses during the year (2022: £nil). No charity Trustee received payment for professional or other services supplied to the charity (2022: £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 £42,950.75 (2022: £37,356).

8 TANGIBLE ASSETS COST At 1 January 2023 Additions Disposals At 31 December 2023 DEPRECIATION At 1 January 2023 Charge for the year At 31 December 2023 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 December 2023 At 31 December 2022 9 DEBTORS Trade debtors Prepayments & accrued income Taxation and social security Other debtors		Website Development £ 8,000 - - 8,000 3,000 2,000 5,000 3,000 5,000		Computer Equipment £ 3,556 498 - 4,055 2,635 705 3,340 714 921		Office Furniture £ 664 - - 664 664 - 664 - -		Festival Equipment £ - 271 - 271 - 51 51 220 - 2023 £ 60,256 1,312 - - 61,568	Total £ 12,220 769 - 12,990 6,299 2,756 9,055 3,934 5,921 2022 £ 80,181 313 - 400 80,894

The trade debtors include a credit of £5,224 (2022: £10,224) 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.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

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 2023 Amount released to income earned from charitable activities Amount deferred in year Balance as at 31 December 2023 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	2023 £ 2,731 7,401 26 70,000 - 80,158 2023 £ 70,000 (70,000) 70,000 70,000 2023 £ - - -	2022 £ 821 4,928 2,528 70,000 - 78,277 2022 £ 70,000 (70,000) 70,000 70,000 2022 £ - - -

11 DEFERRED INCOME

12 OPERATING LEASES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

13 RESTRICTED FUNDS

Bristol Festival of Nature Communicate Education & Engagement Parks Accelerator Euro Bioblitz Purposes of Restricted Funds	At 1 January 2023 - - - - - -		Income £ 28,749 - 105,059 - 133,808	Expenditure £ (28,749) - (105,059) (24,000) (157,808)	Transfers Between Funds £ 24,000 24,000	At 31 December 2023 £ (0) - - - - (0)

Bristol City Council - Walking Forest

This funding is in support of an arts project at Festival of Nature.

Postcode Local Trust

This funding is in support of citizen science activities at Festival of Nature.

West of England Combined Authority

This funding is in support of a collaborative programme engaging audience with pollinators.

14 UNRESTRICTED FUNDS

General Fund 15 DESIGNATED FUNDS Designated funds	At 1 January 2023 £ 47,622 At 1 January 2023 £ 24,924	Income £ 320,439 Income £ 3,500		Expenditure £ (288,795) Expenditure £ -	Transfers Between Funds £ 924 Transfers Between Funds £ (24,924)	At 31 December 2023 £ 80,190 At 31 December 2023 £ 3,500

Designated funds consist of £24,924 of funds received for the staffing of the EuroBioBlits between January - March 2023 Designated funds consist of £3,500 of funds received for Festival of Nature Youth panel 2024

16 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS

Tangible fixed assets Cash at bank and in hand Other net current assets/(liabilities)	General Funds £ 3,934 70,890 (18,590) 56,235	Restricted Funds £ - (0) - (0)		Designated funds - 3,500 - 3,500	Total £ 3,934 74,389 (18,590) 59,735

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

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 2023

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 2023

BBC

BBC is represented on the Steering Group by Stephanie Marshall. BBC is a subscribing organisation and paid £5,000 to BNHC in 2023

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 2023

Bristol Zoo Gardens

Bristol Zoo Gardens is represented on the Steering Group by Mark Kennett. As a subscribing organisation, Bristol Zoo paid £5,000 to BNHC in 2023

Defra

Defra is represented on the Steering Group by Sarah Swash and as a subscribing organisation paid £5,000 to BNHC in 2023

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 2023

National Trust

National Trust is represented on the Steering Group by Simon Lawrence and is a subscribing organisation which paid £5,000 to BNHC in 2023

Natural England

Natural England is represented on the Steering Group by Sunita Welch and is a subscribing organisation which paid £5000 to BNHC in 2023

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 2023

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 2023

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 2023

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 2023

Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust

The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust is represented on the Steering Group by Penny Read and is a subscribing organisation which paid £5,000 to BNHC in 2023

BRISTOL NATURAL HISTORY CONSORTIUM TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Reference and administratlve details Company number.. 06472186 Charity number.. 1123432 Registered Offi.. Jubilee House Bristol BS14RW Bankers.. CAF Bank Limited 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling, Kent ME194JQ Independent Examiners.. Linden Accountants Key management personnel Trustees.. Justin Morris- Bristol Zoo lan Barrett- Avon Wildlife Trust Peter Ball- Independent Trustee Martin Brasher- Independent Trustee Rosa Robinson Independent Trustee Principal Staffr. Savita Willmott (Chief Exe¢ulivel Company Se¢retary'. Savila Willmott Governing Document The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 14th January 2008 and registered as a harity on 3 April 2008. The Company was established under a Memorandum of Association, whlch established the objects and powers of the harilable company and is governed under ils Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1. The Con5Qrtium has 14 partners, which work together in the following way.. membe.. Bristol Zoo Garden5 and Avon Wildlife Tru51 are members of the organisation. In accordance with the Memorandum and Articles of Asso¢ialion, each member has the right to appoinl one representative to the Board of Trustees. The members also each have the right to appoint one represenlalive to the Steering Group. Associate members (Consortium membetsj.. Bath & North East Sorner5el 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 memtErs (Consortium members). In accordance with the Memorandum & Articles they have the right lo appoint one representative to the Steering Group. A$soate members (Supporter membe).. Defra are associate membeis ISupF)Orter members). In accordan with the Memorandum & Articles they have the right lo send one representative to steering group meetings. Organlsational structure

The Consortium undertakes a range of activiues that are managed in the following way.. Trustegs- The Trustees undertake financial responsibility for the organisation in accordance with charity law. The Trustees meet on a quarterly ba51S. The Trustees are recruited and appointed from each of the Consortium's legal members, one from each, as well as independent Trustee5 as CD-DPted by The Board. Members of the Ix)ard operate a"rolling chairf, to lead each meeting. Stegring Group The Steering Group undertake responsibility for all strategic planning and development for the organisalion. The Steering Group meets every I0 months. Risk Management The steering group arsd the Trustees have considered the key risks faung the Consortium and have taken steps to mitigate them. Trustees, responsiblllties In relatlon to the financlal sLitements Company law requires the Trustee Board to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the stale of affairs of the charitable company a5 al the balance sheet and of ils incoming resources and application of resources. including income and expenditure, for the financial year. In preparing those financial stslemenls, the Trustee Board should follow best practice and.. Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consislenlly.. Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP., Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent., Slate whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject lo any material departures disck)sed and explained in the financial statements., Prepare financial ststernents on the going concem basis unless il is inappropriate lo assume that the charity will continue in business. The Trustee Board is responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose, with reasonable accuracy al any lime, the financial position of the charitable company and lo enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the a55et5 of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and financial information included on the charity's website in accordance with legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and disseminab'on of financial slalements. Members of the Trustee Board, who are directors for the purpose of company law and Trustees for the purpose of charity law, who served during the year and up lo the dale of this report are sel out on page 14. In accordance with company law. as the Charity's Trustees, we certify that.. So far as we are aware, there is no relevant audit infomation of which Ihe charity's Inde[ndent Examiner is unaware., and As the Trustees of the charity we have taken all steps that ought lo have been taken in order to make ourselves aware of any relevant audit information and lo establish that the charity's Independent Examiner is aware of that infomation. Approved by the Trustee Board on and signed on ils behalf by.. Petor Ball {On behalf of Trustee$} Date

. milfy The Natural History Consortium Annual Report 2023 The Natural History Consortium

2023 has been a tremendous year to celebrate the 20th anniversary of our Natural History Consortium.

It gave us numerous opportunities to reflect on how the collaboration between partners has strengthened, how the partnership has grown from 8 founding partners to our current 14, and how our joint activities have evolved alongside the environmental communication sector. Mostly importantly, we continue to reflect on how we can increase our impact, and we welcome your support and challenge in this collective endeavour.

More information about each of our programmes is available on our website at www.bnhc.org.uk, or we would be happy to speak to you about areas of interest.

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The Natural History Consortium is a charitable partnership between 14 organisations engaging people with the natural world through collaborative action

Partnership in Action

Our Communicate Committee sets the editorial for our national conference and other sector-facing work.

Our events, ad-hoc committees and working groups bring partners together around specialist topics and at events.

Leveraging Partner Contributions

NHC partners have made the same annual contribution for twenty years since the partnership was formed. Each year we leverage each organisation’s financial contribution and commitment through fundraising into increased resources for joint programmes.
£5,000 – your organisation’s contribution in 2023 (1%)
£65,000 – other partner’s contributions in 2023 (14%)
funds leveraged and raised for
collaborative programmes (85%)
£464,000 – charity turnover for the year

Volunteers

In 2023, the Consortium and NHC team was joined by 50 volunteers , supporting the activities in a range of expanding public programmes. Many volunteers were involved in multiple events, developing their skills and connections further.

Staff

Our experienced team supports our partners and delivers joint events under your direction.

Objective 1 - To deliver entertaining and informative events and activities that inspire greater public interest, volunteering and action for nature.

Festival of Nature

Festival of Nature is the only public festival to span the West of England region, and the UK’s largest free celebration of the natural world. Our 20th anniversary Festival of Nature in June 2023 featured all 14 of our Consortium members, and welcomed over 16,000 visitors to 56 different events. A wide range of live and online programming inspired audiences to take over 7,000 “actions for nature”.

People for Pollinators

City Nature Challenge

City Nature Challenge is an annual international wildlife recording event taking place over 4 days. Over 400 cities take part and NHC inspires audiences across the West of England to get involved. In 2023, the challenge took place between 28th April – 1st May. In the West of England region we supported audiences to record 1,296 species across 7,490 observations – making 3rd place on the UK leader board and recording the second highest number of species during a City Nature Challenge for our region.

EuroBioBlitz

EuroBioBlitz is a partnership programme and communications campaign, funded in 2023 by UKRI, and part of INTERSECTIONS - a collaborative, international project supporting European researchers. It has allowed us to replicate our partnership learning from City Nature Challenge into a European-wide activity. Learning resources have been developed in 8 European languages (English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Swedish, Polish).

Let it Grow

Objective 2 - To facilitate, develop, and disseminate novel communication techniques that engage the widest possible audience.

Emergency Tree Fund

Walking Forest

The “Walking Forest” built on our 2022 tree-themed art commission, Overstory , and took us back to the Broadmead area in June 2023. We created a moveable ‘parade’ of street trees through three city centre locations in Bristol, giving away fruit trees and speaking to people about their barriers to planting at home. We’ll be building on this work in 2024 seeking new creative opportunities to connect tree supply with residents.

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Ecological Emergency: ‘Blue Strand’

Collective Field Notebook

Sparks

We were delighted to support the team at ‘Sparks’ – a new sustainable hub in central Bristol, by providing early ideas and facilitation for the creation of a nature-themed space.

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.

Our work on this objective is both regional and national – bringing together professionals and organisations together in curated events, discussions, and co-delivery.

Communicate

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Making Connections

RECLAIM Conference

UK City Nature Challenge Network In 2023 NHC brought together 22 UK cities taking part in City Nature Challenge through 6 online facilitated meetings to support capacity and learning between organisers. 83% of participants said they found these meetings “very helpful” and 17% “helpful”. 100% of respondents said that they would like these meetings to continue for future events and we are currently planning for 2024 programmes.

Together, UK cities recorded a total of 79,293 wildlife observations, a 34% increase from 59,090 in 2022.

Celebrating our 20th anniversary

The Natural History Consortium is a charitable partnership between 14 organisations engaging people with the natural world through collaborative action.

Report design by Isabelle Pulletz