## **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. **----- Start of picture text -----**
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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. **----- Start of picture text -----**
FREE
TREES!
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **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”. **----- Start of picture text -----**
100
speakers Manchester
Bristol
1,016
delegates
40
sessions
London
3 hybrid Online
cities
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **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 prePa￿d in accordance *ilh the special provssions for small companses under Part 15 olthe Companies Act 2006. These accounts been del￿ered fft arcordanr£ vilh the provisi￿5 appticable to (Axrparlles subjeci to Ihe Sm￿1 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. 13 **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)** 14 **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. 15 **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| |---|---|---|---| 16 ## **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| |---|---|---|---|---| 17 ## **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| |---|---|---|---| 18 **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. 19 **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 20 ## **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**| |---|---|---|---|---|---| 21 **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 22 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$so￿ate 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 I￿0 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. **----- Start of picture text -----**
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**----- End of picture text -----**
The Natural History Consortium is a charitable partnership between 14 organisations engaging people with the natural world through collaborative action ## **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 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. **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 programming 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 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). 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** 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 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. **----- Start of picture text -----**
FREE
TREES!
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **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”. **----- Start of picture text -----**
100
speakers Manchester
Bristol
1,016
delegates
40
sessions
London
3 hybrid Online
cities
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **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 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** 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 from twenty years of the Communicate conference. **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