|**No (if any)**
**Charity Name**
**Receipts andpayments accounts**
Period start date
Period end date
**To**
**For the period**
**from**
**CC16a**
**1125882**
**Friends of Dalby Forest**
01/05/2023
30/04/2024
~~===~~||
|---|---|
|**Section A Receipts and payments**||
|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**Endowment**
**funds**
**Total funds**
**Last year**||
|**to the nearest £**
**to the nearest £**
**to the nearest £**
**to the nearest £**
**to the nearest £**||
|**A1 Receipts**||
|MAZE
**2,056**
**-**
**2,056**
**1,750**
PAYPAL DONATIONS
**1,119**
**-**
**-**
**1,119**
**679**
CHARITY BOX DONATIONS
**448**
**-**
**-**
**448**
**512**
WISHING WELL DONATIONS
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**92**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**_Sub total_**_(Gross income for AR)_**1,567**
**2,056**
**-**
**3,623**
**3,033**
~~=====>=>~~||
|**A2 Asset and investment sales,**
**(see table).**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**_Sub total_ -**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**_Total receipts_**
**1,567**
**2,056**
**-**
**3,623**
**3,033**
~~=e~~||
|**A3 Payments**
BIRD FEED
**436**
**-**
**-**
**436**
**195**
ACTIVITY EXPENDITURE
**429**
**-**
**-**
**429**
**108**
ACCOUNTANTS FEE(PREVIOUS YEAR)
**608**
**-**
**-**
**608**
**598**
TURTLE DOVE PROJECT COSTS
**1,702**
**-**
**-**
**1,702**
**607**
MAZE
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**19,020**
FOREST GARDEN
**-**
**23**
**-**
**23**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**_Sub total_ 3,175**
**23**
**-**
**3,198**
**20,528**
~~==a====~~||
|**A4 Asset and investment**
**purchases, (see table)**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**_Sub total_**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**- # -**
**_Total payments_**
**3,175**
**23**
**-**
**3,198**
**20,528**
**_Net of receipts/(payments)_**
**- 1,608**
**2,033**
**- 425**
**- 17,495**
**A5 Transfers between funds**
**-**
**- -**
**-**
**-**
**A6 Cash funds last year end**
**12,197**
**4,528**
**-**
**16,725**
**34,219**
**_Cash funds this year end_**
**10,589**
**6,561**
**- 17,150**
**16,724**
~~SSS5=~~
~~SSSSS54~~||
CCXX R1 accounts (SS)
06/11/2024
1
## **Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period**
||**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Endowment funds**|**Endowment funds**|
|---|---|---|
|**Categories**|**funds**
**funds**
**Details**||
||**to nearest £**
**to nearest £**
**to nearest £**||
|**B1 Cash funds**|**10,589**
**6,561**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**10,589**
**6,561**
**-**
OK
OK
OK
**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Endowment funds**
**_Total cash funds_**
(agree balances with receipts and payments
account(s))
~~===>—~~||
||**funds**
**funds**||
||**to nearest £**
**to nearest £**
**to nearest £**
**Details**||
|**B2 Other monetary assets**|**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
~~—_——~~||
|**B3 Investment assets**|**Fund to which**
**asset belongs**
**Cost (optional)**
**Current value**
**(optional)**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**Details**
~~===>~~||
|**B4 Assets retained for the**
**charity’s own use**|**Fund to which**
**asset belongs**
**Cost (optional)**
**Current value**
**(optional)**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**Details**
~~a~~||
||**Fund to which**
**Amount due**
**When due (optional)**||
|Signed by one or two trustees on behalf
of all the trustees
**B5 Liabilities**
CCXX R2 accounts (SS)|**liability relates**
**(optional)**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
Date of approval
26 September 2024
**Details**
Print Name
Judith Winters
Signature
~~2~~
~~06/11/2024~~
~~we~~||
Martin Baxter 26 September 2024 ~~ne~~
CCXX R3 accounts (SS)
06/11/2024
3
Friends of Dalby Forest Charity No: 1125882
## Annual Report for the period 1 May 2023 to 30th April 2024
Trustees: Martin Baxter Judith Finch Robert Howlett Ruth Phillips Ed Watters Judith Winters
Corresponding address: Judith Winters 80 Main St Ebberston YO13 9NH
October 2024
## **Friends of Dalby Forest Annual Report for the period 1 May 2023 to 30th April 2024**
## **1. Structure, Governance & Management**
The charitable objects of the _Friends of Dalby Forest_ are to promote for the benefit of the public the conservation, protection and management of Dalby Forest and the surrounding forests and lands owned or managed by the Forestry England within the North York Moors National Park, to which the general public has access, in particular its natural history, ecology and wildlife.
The governing document of the _Friends of Dalby Forest_ is based on the ‘Foundation’ model for Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs). The charity converted to a CIO at the end of the reporting period.
Trustees are appointed or re-appointed at an annual AGM. Trustees are recruited from our active volunteers who have firsthand experience with our work and demonstrate a strong commitment to and an understanding of the charity’s objectives. This approach means all trustees are already well-acquainted with our values, activities, and needs. We aim to enhance visitors’ recreation, enjoyment and understanding of Dalby Forest.
## **2. Activities, Achievements and Public Benefit**
During the reporting period, _Friends of Dalby Forest_ has continued to see a strong and dedicated volunteer base, with an average of 12 volunteers attending each of our monthly work tasks. Across the year, we accumulated an impressive 497 volunteer hours, demonstrating the deep commitment of our supporters to the forest. A total of 28 individuals actively volunteered throughout the year, with a record cohort of 17 volunteers contributing to a task assisting the forest bird ringers. This increase in volunteer numbers is a welcome development, though it presents the challenge of identifying tasks and projects that can effectively engage such large groups. Nonetheless, this growth highlights the enthusiasm within our community and the increasing support for our mission compared to previous years.
## _**Key Tasks and Highlights**_
The majority of our volunteer hours were spent at monthly work tasks across various forest locations. These tasks are crucial to the ongoing conservation and maintenance of Dalby Forest, and during the reporting period, several key projects were undertaken:
- **Bird Feeding Area Management** : Two dedicated volunteers continue to manage the bird feeding area at Staindale, ensuring it provides a reliable source of food for the forest's bird varied population.
- **Dry Stone Wall Maze** : Volunteers cleared the paths around the dry stone wall maze, maintaining access for the wall builders and to push on this long term project..
- **Turtle Dove Conservation** : We created two new drinking pools and habitats for turtle doves at Givendale and Swair Dale, while also maintaining pools created in previous years by clearing away excess vegetation.
- **Archaeological Conservation** : Volunteers cleared pine regeneration from the archaeological earthworks near Adderstone Field, protecting these historical features.
- **SSSI Maintenance** : Sycamore regeneration was removed from a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) wet woodland habitat in Eller’s Wood
- **Play Park Maintenance** : We continued to maintain willow structures at the play park near the visitor centre, ensuring these features remain safe and attractive for children.
- **Village Springheads Clearance** : Rotting vegetation was removed and drainage improved around the village springheads area
- **Path Maintenance** : Volunteers carried out essential path maintenance, including woodchip laying on trails around Adderstone.
- **Enchanted Wood** : We maintained the popular Enchanted Wood area for young visitors, installing a magnifying post to enhance the educational experience
- **Jerry Noddle Viewpoint:** we cleared birch regeneration to restore views from Jerry Noddle viewpoint.
- **Bird Ringing** : Our volunteers assisted the forest bird ringing group by managing vegetation around the netting area, contributing to ongoing research and bird conservation efforts.
- **Wildlife Cameras and Tools** : We have purchased a series of wildlife camera traps to monitor activity at the turtle dove drinking pools and have invested in new folding saws and other tools to support vegetation management tasks.
## _**Future Projects and Ongoing Partnerships**_
We remain committed to pushing forward the _Dry Stone Wall Maze_ project in collaboration with Forestry England (FE). Discussions are underway to reinstate the _Buy A Stone_ fundraiser, which will allow the community to contribute directly to this unique feature. Our relationship with FE rangers and staff remains strong, and we have benefitted from their support and cooperation throughout the year.
A particular highlight of our collaborative efforts came during the _Doodle a Dove_ competition awards ceremony, where two of our volunteers had the opportunity to meet wildlife presenter Iolo Williams. This encounter allowed us to discuss our turtle dove drinking pool project, further raising awareness of this important conservation initiative.
We have also continued to support a younger volunteer in the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme.
## _**Communication and Public Engagement**_
Our communication channels have continued to play a key role in promoting our work and encouraging public participation. We regularly update our followers about ongoing projects and volunteer opportunities through our social media platforms and website.
- **Facebook Group** : Our Facebook group remains our most active communication platform, growing from 371 members last year to 472 members this year. These members are predominantly from nearby towns and cities, including Scarborough, Pickering, Malton, York, Hull, Whitby, Driffield, Beverley, and Kirkbymoorside.
- **Website** : Our website has seen a steady flow of traffic, particularly when work task reports are posted. Over the reporting period, the site recorded 32,606 views (up from 31,006 last year) and 15,202 visitors (compared to 14,355 last year), reflecting an increase in public interest and engagement with our activities.
- **Twitter/X** : The @DalbyFriends Twitter/X account also saw a slight increase in followers, rising from 673 last year to 698 this year, allowing us to reach a broader audience and continue to spread the word about our conservation efforts.
The reporting period has been a highly productive year for _Friends of Dalby Forest_ , marked by increased volunteer engagement, successful conservation efforts, and continued public support. As we move forward, we are excited to build on these achievements, particularly through the expansion of our key projects (turtle dove drinking pools and dry stone wall maze), stronger partnerships, and ongoing public outreach. The coming year will also see us support younger volunteers in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme. We remain deeply committed to the protection and enjoyment of Dalby Forest, ensuring it remains a cherished natural space for future generations.
## _**The Roles & Contributions of Volunteers**_
Volunteers are at the heart of _Friends of Dalby Forest_ , playing a critical role in the success of our charity. Their contributions ensure the smooth operation of our initiatives and help us achieve our mission of preserving and enhancing Dalby Forest for the enjoyment of all.
Volunteers are actively involved in hands-on conservation work, such as tree planting, trail maintenance, as well as heritage and habitat restoration. Their efforts help preserve the forest’s natural beauty and biodiversity while ensuring that it remains accessible and safe for visitors.
The turtle dove drinking pool project continues to generate donations via our GoFundMe page, but supporter Richard Baines should be expressly thanked for the donations he has generated for this project through his talks and other activities.
The contributions of our volunteers are invaluable, not only in terms of the practical work they carry out but also in the sharing information and commenting on posts about our work on social media, which helps to raise awareness of our work. Without their continued support, the Friends of Dalby Forest would not be able to achieve the positive impact we make on the forest and its visitors. We are grateful for the many hours volunteers have spent and without their valuable contribution and time on work tasks, we would not have been able to achieve our goals .
## _**How the Public Have Benefitted**_
The _Friends of Dalby Forest_ 's work contributes to environmental protection, public health, education, and community building.
Conservation and Environmental Protection: We help preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of Dalby Forest through conservation efforts, including wildlife habitat protection, tree planting initiatives, and the maintenance of trails and natural resources. These activities contribute to the long-term environmental health of the area, benefiting both the local ecosystem and the wider environment.
Access to Nature and Wellbeing: By maintaining and enhancing public access to the forest, we enable individuals and families to enjoy outdoor recreational activities such as walking, cycling, birdwatching, and picnicking. Access to green spaces like Dalby Forest supports physical and mental well-being, providing opportunities for exercise, relaxation, and connection with nature.
Education and Awareness: In promoting our work, we raise public awareness about the importance of forests, biodiversity, and sustainable environmental practices. By engaging the public in these efforts, we foster a greater appreciation of natural spaces and encourage responsible use of the forest.
Community Engagement: Our charity promotes community involvement through volunteering and initiatives that bring people together to work for the common good. This helps strengthen local community ties, provides opportunities for skills development, and encourages a shared sense of responsibility for preserving the forest.
## **3. Financial overview**
Cash at bank at 30/04/2024 was £6,561 Restricted use Maze Fund and £10,589 general use funds. The main financial risk to the charity is a reduction in public donations, but funds are held to cover costs specific to projects such as the long term dry stone wall maze project, and to cover larger installations and new projects that arise during the course of the year, and in the event of a reduction or loss of income.
## _**Principal Sources of Funding**_
The Friends of Dalby Forest rely on generous donations to support our work in preserving and enhancing the forest for public enjoyment. Our income is primarily generated through the following channels:
- Donation Boxes: Visitors to Dalby Forest contribute directly to our efforts by giving donations through collection boxes placed in the visitor centre. These donations play a vital role in funding our conservation activities and community events.
- Online Fundraising: We also receive significant support through online platforms such as GoFundMe and PayPal. These digital contributions allow supporters from near and far to easily donate, helping to sustain our ongoing projects like the Drinking Pools for Turtle Doves project.
In addition to these core sources, we occasionally receive income via grants or other fundraising activities. Every contribution, whether large or small, makes a meaningful
difference and enables us to continue our mission of protecting Dalby Forest for future generations.
## _**Trustee Remuneration**_
All Trustees of the Friends of Dalby Forest serve in a voluntary capacity and receive no remuneration or material benefits for their contributions to the charity. Trustees are reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses that are necessarily and reasonably incurred while carrying out their duties in support of the charity’s purposes. These expenses are reimbursed at cost and are strictly limited to those directly related to the promotion and delivery of the charity’s objectives.
## **4. Reference and Administration Details**
Name of the Charity: Friends of Dalby Forest. Charity No: 1125882.
The charity is not registered with HM Revenue & Customs
Principal Address (correspondence): c/ Judith Winters, 80 Main St, Ebberston, YO13 9NH
Email: friendsofdalbyforest@gmail.com
Website: https://friendsofdalbyforest.wordpress.com/
Names of the Trustees Who Manage the Charity
_Name Date appointed trustee_ Judith Winters (Chairperson) 1st October 2017 Martin Philip Baxter (Treasurer) 13th March 2022 Judith Finch 10th March 2024 Robert Howlett 1st October 2017 Ruth Phillips 13th March 2022 Edward Watters 10th March 2024
This report was approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf on 13th October 2024.
Judith Winters (Chairperson)
## **Friends of Dalby Forest 1125882**
## **Annual Treasurer's Report for the period of 1[st] May 2023 to the 30[th] April 2024**
The main financial event of the year was the change in structure of the charity with the conversion from a Company Limited by Guarantee to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). This took some effort on the part of the Trustees with the process starting with a Trustee Board agreement to convert in September 2023 and the completion on 29[th] April this year, 2 days before the end of the financial year. This change in structure means that the charity no longer has to report to Companies House or HMRC so we no longer have to use an accountant to prepare our end of year report, starting with the 2023-2024 accounts. Accountancy fees have cost the charity £600 each year for at least the past 3 years so will be a big saving. Charity Commission guidance requires that the Charity only needs to file a summary of our payments and receipts along with a copy of the Annual Report.
This has been a very ‘quiet’ accounting year with only 17 payments and 14 receipts. We started the year with 2 restricted funds; the Maze and the Forest Garden. The latter only had £22.80 so we spent that money on some garden tools and closed the account.
We also need to say a very big thank you to Richard Baines for his Turtle Dove talks that continue to bring in some significant donations via PayPal. We have had 8 donations through the year totalling £1,119. This is compared to 3 donations worth £680 last year and 2 very large donations totalling £3,695 in the previous year.
There was no activity regarding the Stone Maze save for a couple of donations from the North York Moors Association and the Maze box in the visitors centre.
The tables below summarise the accounts for the year 2023/2024 and compare them with the year 2022/2023.
In the accounting period 1[st] May 2023 to 30[th] April 2024 total funds were:
||2023/2024|2022/2023|
|---|---|---|
|Opening balance|£16,724|£34,219|
|Closing balance|£17,142|£16,724|
|Net of receipts/(payments)|£425|(£17,495)|
The closing balance comprises £6,561 Restricted use Maze Fund and £10,589 FoDF general use funds.
## **Receipts**
|**Receipts**||||
|---|---|---|---|
||**2023/2024**|**2022/2023**||
|Wishing well donations|£0.00|£92.23|Restricted|
|Maze Income|£2,056.00|£1,750.00|Restricted|
|Shop Charity Box donations|£447.50|£732.86|Unrestricted|
|Paypal donations turtle dove project|£1,118.54|£679.49|Unrestricted|
||**£3,622.04**|**£3,254.58**||
## **Payments**
|**Payments**||||
|---|---|---|---|
||**2023/24**|**2022/23**||
|Maze|£0.00|£19,020.29|Restricted|
|Forest garden|£22.80|£0.00|Restricted|
|Bird Feed and feeders|£435.58|£195.33|Unrestricted|
|Miscellaneous activities|£427.81|£107.92|Unrestricted|
|Accountancy fees|£608.00|£598.00|Unrestricted|
|Turtle Dove project costs|£1,702.32|£606.73|Unrestricted|
||**£3,196.51 **|**£20,528.27**||