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← The Mudlarks Community

2025-03-31-accounts

Charity registration number 1132403 (England and Wales) Company registration number 06927124

THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Alison Voyle Stuart Ross Stephen Wilson Paul Smith Nicola Halligan Jane Guinn Roger Harding Mary Murphy Secretary Paul Smith Managing Director Victoria Broscomb (to 30 April 2025) Chief Executive Officer Ricky Kaplan (from 20 May 2025) Charity number 1132403 Company number 06927124 Registered office 1 Priory Wharf Hertford Hertfordshire SG14 1RJ Independent examiner Gary Howard FCA Howard Wilson Chartered Accountants 36 Crown Rise Watford Hertfordshire WD25 0NE

THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 6
Independent examiner's report 7
Statement of financial activities 8 - 9
Balance sheet 10
Statement of cash flows 11
Notes to the accounts 12 - 25

THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charitable company's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 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 2019)".

Objectives and activities

The charitable company's objects are to relieve the needs of adults with learning difficulties and mental health concerns in the Hertfordshire area. The objects are delivered through the provision of a community garden facility providing education, training, therapy and social development; 2 community gardening teams; a café in the heart of the town providing training and employment for adults with learning disabilities; a woodland centre at Panshanger Park.

Aims of the charity

The aims of Mudlarks are:

Objectives for the year

To continue our horticulture provision at 5 days a week, and fill all vacancies in order to be able to provide places for more learning disabled gardeners.

To increase training spaces by finding employment for our disabled café staff at other local business.

To increase café trading in order to fund further learning disabled staff training places and mentor support.

To raise sufficient funds to remain sustainable.

To increase the woodland centre provision to more schools, and adults with learning disabilities.

To continue to plant and maintain the public gardens in Hertford through our Larking About team’s work, for the pleasure and benefit of the whole community.

To support the elderly in our community through the work of the Special Branch team of gardeners.

To develop 2 polytunnels where learning disabled gardeners can grow for the café throughout the year.

THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Strategies for achieving objectives

The charity addresses its aims by:

Public benefit statement

The trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in Section 4 of the Charities Act 2006 to have regard to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit. Mudlarks is a thriving community allotment and café, based on principles of equal opportunities and environmental awareness. We are open to people of all abilities, encourage the participation of volunteers, and provide opportunities for a marginalised group of people with learning disabilities, mental health issues, and physical disabilities.

Introduction to activities

Our horticultural activities have continued to develop and the café is delivering training and work experience to an increasing number of people.

Significant activities

Both the allotment site and the café have provided much needed care and support for extremely vulnerable people.

The café has increased footfall and developed menus, ensuring a strong customer base to support the training and work of our learning disabled staff.

The Rumble Awards were held for the café staff and gardeners, celebrating their achievements.

We cleared and designed a new Bengeo Community Garden, creating a pathway and planting perennial plants.

Larking About won the tender for managing the castle grounds, and carried out extensive clearance work of trees and shrubs for the Castle Regelation plan.

The Larking About team built new compost bins at St Leonards.

Our Woodland Centre at Panshanger Park continues to provide 3 days a week for schools and 4 adults with learning disabilities.

Our community art gallery has continued to bring artists to the café.

One of our gardeners gave a talk to the Hertfordshire Community Foundation.

We continued our café music nights on the last Friday of each month, bringing our musical community together and providing evening activities for our learning disabled participants. In January, this was taken over by a local artist and musician, who now runs HeartsArts from the café.

The castle gardens are glorious thanks to the hard work of the Larking About gardeners and are much admired by the public.

THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Significant activities (continued)

Working with our Greater Anglia partnership at East Herts station, we provided plants for all the station planters and maintain them in order to improve the station environment.

The Mayor of Hertford presented Mudlarks with a substantial cheque, having fund raised for us throughout her year in tenure.

We organised Hertford in Bloom for the Hertford community, and the judging was carried out by two of our gardeners.

We received funding from Playwaze for our forest school and allotment holiday camps, ensuring that SEN children from around Hertfordshire have access to holiday activities with hot food served.

Raytheon volunteers helped to restore and preserve our outdoor furniture and painted benches, tables and sheds.

Our open allotment was returned to its regular July slot for our gardeners and their families. It was a huge success and very well attended by everyone.

Our dye garden thrived in the summer sun, and we harvested plant heads and dyed fabrics in the autumn.

Work started on our two new polytunnels in August, and by the autumn, was planted with salad crops for the café.

We held an allotments vs café rounders match at Fanhams Hall, giving all of our gardeners, staff and volunteers a chance to get together and have fun. It poured with rain, so we held a games evening indoors and Fanhams provided all the food.

We received funding to restore the Pinehurst community gardens, so with help from a team of volunteers, Larking About gardeners weeded and pruned the old plants, and planted with Mediterranean plants that are drought tolerant for the local community to enjoy.

The allotment provided vegetables and fruit for the café throughout the summer, where they made delicious cakes, smoothies, salads and hot lunches with the produce.

We bought more electric tools for the allotment and gardening teams. These are lighter to lift into the vehicles, and by charging the batteries with our solar panels, are much more environmentally friendly than the petrol mowers.

We took a coach full of gardeners and volunteers to the London Harvest Show at Lambourne End. This was a fabulous event, and our gardeners won several prizes and took part in a range of activities including animal handling. Our prizes included best flower arrangement and best display of seasonal produce, all created by our gardeners.

Special Branch continued working with the elderly in the community, taking on more customers, and providing a gardening service and companionship for isolated elderly people.

The café catered for a range of external events for the Mayor during the year, including a music evening at All Saints church.

Our willow wreathes for Christmas were in high demand and we ran workshops at the café for over 50 people, as well as a staff event in Harlow.

We also held a craft market at the café, inviting local artists to sell their works.

The gardening teams delivered over 100 Christmas trees over a two week period into the community.

We held a very successful willow obelisk workshop running sessions over several days due to high demand.

Use of volunteers

Volunteers have assisted in the allotments, café, woodland centre and as trustees. Local tradesmen, Rotary Club, Yarn Bombers, photographers all assisted in fundraising, supporting the café and allotments.

THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Achievements and performance

Charitable achievements

The number of gardeners continues to increase with increased site staffing. We are fully open on site 5 days per week.

Many elderly people and housing associations have been helped through Special Branch, providing comfort and company.

Larking About continues to provide horticultural training and work experience at the Town Council gardens, creating beautiful outdoor spaces for the community to enjoy.

Due to increased café sales, we have been able to increase the places in the café and now employ more people

with learning disabilities.

We have provided volunteer placements in both the café and the allotments for unfunded adults with mental health concerns.

The Rumble Awards were received by café staff and gardeners.

We received numerous Awards from the Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens for our community garden displays.

We also received Awards from Love Hertford for our community and volunteer work.

Fundraising achievements

We received a substantial number of grants and donations, details of which can be found further in this document.

Investment performance

The Trustees have placed some reserve funds into an interest bearing account at the Triodos bank.

Financial review

During the year the charitable company’s income increased from £791,437 in 2024 to £923,399 in 2025, an increase of £131,962. Expenditure decreased from £873,248 in 2024 to £812,694 in 2025, a decrease of £60,554. Overall Mudlarks recorded a surplus of £110,705 which included a deficit on restricted funds of £13,833 and a surplus on unrestricted funds of £124,538.

At the year-end Mudlarks had unrestricted funds to carry forward of £475,959 (2024: £351,421) of which £14,489 was held as fixed assets and £467,313 was held in cash and bank balances. The balance was represented by debtors less creditors. Restricted funds at the year end totalled £28,648 (2024: £42,481) and were represented by cash and bank balances.

We have diversified our charitable incomes with a third coming through the café, a third from local government and the rest from events, donations and fundraising.

Reserves policy

The Trustees have agreed a policy whereby funds not committed or invested in tangible fixed assets held by the company should be maintained at a level sufficient to pay rent and staff costs for 6 months. This policy allows for a reduction of income or lack of fundraising success during any particular year whilst allowing the charity to continue its activities at the current level for some months.

As at the year end the target level of reserves were calculated to be £260,000. The actual reserves are in line with this amount. The excess will be used as working capital and contingency funds in the event of needing to replace equipment.

THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Principal sources of income and how expenditure meets objects

Our principal sources of income are from grants and contracts with Hertfordshire County Council, direct funding, schools, café sales, fundraising, contracts and donations.

Investment policy

All monies are reinvested into the charity.

Risk Review

The Trustees have considered the risks to which the charity is exposed and have established systems for mitigating those risks.

The external risk is funding. The charity’s reserves policy has been developed to address any sudden withdrawal of funding and there is a policy to secure funds from a wide range of sources.

Internal risks are minimised by implementing procedures for authorisation for all transactions and projects to ensure continued quality of service for all operational aspects of the charity.

Plans for future periods

To create a new gardening team at the castle, providing a work opportunity for more able gardeners.

Establish the new polytunnels at Haileybury, providing further work opportunities as well as vegetables and flowers for the café and gardening teams.

Widen the Special Branch client base.

Utilise the café for evenings and weekend events.

Help to find employment for our café assistants in other local businesses and build links with local businesses.

Structure, governance and management

The Mudlarks Community is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity governed by its memorandum and articles of association.

The Trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

David Bullen (Resigned 3 June 2024) Alison Voyle Stuart Ross Stephen Wilson Paul Smith (Appointed 17 April 2024) Nicola Halligan (Appointed 17 April 2024) Jane Guinn (Appointed 17 April 2024) Roger Harding (Appointed 17 April 2024) Mary Murphy (Appointed 17 April 2024)

Recruitment and appointment of Trustees

Individuals who have either volunteered or shown commitment to Mudlarks over many years are invited to join the Board of Trustees to meet a required skill set on the Board.

The Trustees of the charity live or work in the local area. They are selected due to the skills and level of expertise they can bring to the organisation to help improve its efficiency and effectiveness and are all volunteers.

None of the Trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the Trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.

THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Induction and training of trustees

New trustees attend a Trustee Roles and Responsibilities course run by the CVS.

Administrator supplies literature to guide Trustees.

Attending training courses with other staff and volunteers including basic first aid, manual handling, Makaton, autism awareness.Trustees use the same e learning platform as staff to complete appropriate modules such as equal opportunity and diversity training and Safeguarding adults from abuse.

Organisational structure

Mudlarks has a clearly defined structure allowing users and the local community to participate through the Board of Trustees. This governing body has responsibility for policy and overall management.

The day-to-day running, fundraising and development of the organisation are the responsibilities of the Mudlarks CEO.

Relationship with wider network

We are members of the Social Farms and Gardens network, Thrive, and Herts Social Therapeutic Horticulture Group.

We have a close relationship with the Adult Health and Social Care team in East Herts, the 0-25 SEND team, and all the local schools and colleges.

Relationship with related parties

Mudlarks managing staff attend annual reviews, and day care co-ordination meetings. The CEO gives regular talks to local groups e.g. WI, Rotary Clubs etc.

Statement of trustees' responsibilities

The trustees, who are also the directors of The Mudlarks Community for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Alison Voyle

Trustee Dated: 10 September 2025

THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The Mudlarks Community (the charitable company) for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charitable company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law), you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charitable company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charitable company’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the charitable company’s gross income exceeded £250,000, the independent examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.

Gary Howard FCA Howard Wilson Chartered Accountants

36 Crown Rise Watford Hertfordshire WD25 0NE 16 September 2025

THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Current financial year
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
Notes
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
55,756
-
Supporting adults with learning disabilities
and mental health
issues
4
705,667
143,371
Other fundraising activities
5
13,994
-
Investment income
6
4,611
-
Total income
780,028
143,371
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
7
8,699
-
Supporting adults with learning disabilities
and mental health
issues
8
646,791
157,204
Other expenditure
12
-
-
Total expenditure
655,490
157,204
Net income/(expenditure) and movement in funds
124,538
(13,833)
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 April 2024
351,421
42,481
Fund balances at 31 March 2025
475,959
28,648		 Total
2025
£
55,756
849,038
13,994
4,611
923,399
8,699
803,995
-
812,694
110,705
393,902
504,607		 Total
2024
£
81,813
688,138
18,400
3,086
791,437
7,159
863,249
2,840
873,248
(81,811)
475,713
393,902

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED) INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Prior financial year
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
Notes
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
81,813
-
Supporting adults with learning disabilities and mental health
issues
4
631,602
56,536
Other fundraising activities
5
18,400
-
Investment income
6
3,086
-
Total income
734,901
56,536
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
7
7,159
-
Supporting adults with learning disabilities and mental health
issues
8
807,794
55,455
Other expenditure
12
2,840
-
Total expenditure
817,793
55,455
Net income/(expenditure) and movement in funds
(82,892)
1,081
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 April 2023
434,313
41,400
Fund balances at 31 March 2024
351,421
42,481		 Total
2024
£
81,813
688,138
18,400
3,086
791,437
7,159
863,249
2,840
873,248
(81,811)
475,713
393,902

THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 MARCH 2025

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
14
Current assets
Debtors
15
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
16
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
The funds of the charitable company
Restricted income funds
18
Unrestricted funds
19		 2025
£
28,994
467,313
496,307
(6,189)		 £
14,489
490,118
504,607
28,648
475,959
504,607		 2024
£
49,359
321,762
371,121
(7,641)		 £
30,422
363,480
393,902
42,481
351,421
393,902

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 March 2025.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 10 September 2025

Paul Richard Smith

Alison Voyle Paul Smith Trustee Trustee

Company registration number 06927124 (England and Wales)

THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from/(absorbed by)
operations
24
Investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Proceeds from disposal of tangible fixed
assets
Investment income received
Net cash generated from investing activities
Net cash generated from financing activities
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		 2025
£
-
-
4,611		 £
140,940
4,611
-
145,551
321,762
467,313		 2024
£
(4,921)
9,000
3,086		 £
(55,391)
7,165
-
(48,226)
369,988
321,762

THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

The Mudlarks Community is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 1 Priory Wharf, Hertford, Hertfordshire, SG14 1RJ.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charitable company's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 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 2019)". The charitable company is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charitable company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, [modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value]. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charitable company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the charitable company is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charitable company has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

1.5 Expenditure

Liabilities and related expenditure are recognised when an obligation exists at the Balance Sheet date as a result of a past event, it is more likely than not that a transfer of economic benefits exists and the amount of the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably.

THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Plant and equipment over five years Fixtures and fittings over three years Computers over three years Motor vehicles over three years

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charitable company reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.8 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.9 Financial instruments

The charitable company has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charitable company's balance sheet when the charitable company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charitable company’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.10 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charitable company is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.11 Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charitable company’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

3 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Donations and gifts 55,756 80,553
Grants - 1,260
55,756 81,813

THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Income from donations and legacies (Continued)
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Grants
Hertfordshire Community Foundation - 1,260
- 1,260

3 Income from donations and legacies

4 Income from charitable activities

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
£
£
Services provided under
contract
365,654
-
Income from services
undertaken by
beneficiaries
340,013
-
Grants for charitable
activities
-
143,371
705,667
143,371		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
£
£
£
365,654
320,066
-
340,013
311,536
-
143,371
-
56,536
849,038
631,602
56,536		 Total
2024
£
320,066
311,536
56,536
688,138

Performance related grants analysis

Garfield Weston Foundation
National Lottery Community Fund
Masonic Charitable Foundation
Sir Jules Thorn Trust
HSBC Screwfix Foundation
Baily Thomas Charitable Foundation
Oliver Ford Foundation
Worshipful Company of Gardeners
Hertford Town Council
Hertfordshire Community Foundation
Other		 2025
£
35,000
20,000
18,540
-
-
12,000
-
-
9,588
33,450
14,793
113,785		 2024
£
-
20,000
18,000
3,000
4,926
-
3,000
1,500
-
3,360
2,750
51,036

THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

5 Income from other fundraising activities

6
7		 Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
£
£
Fundraising events
13,994
18,400
Income from investments
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
£
£
Interest receivable
4,611
3,086
Raising funds
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
£
£
Fundraising and publicity
Staging fundraising events
6,660
6,041
Marketing
2,039
1,118
Fundraising and publicity
8,699
7,159		 Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
£
£
Fundraising events
13,994
18,400
Income from investments
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
£
£
Interest receivable
4,611
3,086
Raising funds
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
£
£
Fundraising and publicity
Staging fundraising events
6,660
6,041
Marketing
2,039
1,118
Fundraising and publicity
8,699
7,159
7,159

THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

8 Supporting adults with learning disabilities and mental health issues

Direct costs
Staff costs
Depreciation and impairment
Other staff costs
Project costs
Premises costs
Insurance costs
Repairs and maintenance costs
Office costs
Computer costs
Motor expenses
General expenses
Legal and professional costs
Bank charges and other finance costs
Governance costs
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
9
Net movement in funds
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Fees payable to the charity's independent examiner:
- for the independent examination of the charity's financial statements
- for other financial services
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets
Loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets		 2025
£
550,995
15,933
3,109
156,457
48,714
5,753
770
5,653
2,395
9,282
643
1,178
713
2,400
803,995
646,791
157,204
803,995
2025
£
2,400
750
15,933
-		 2024
£
588,182
15,253
2,639
163,099
53,692
5,429
13,431
7,236
1,504
8,854
1,072
998
60
1,800
863,249
807,794
55,455
863,249
2024
£
1,800
600
15,253
2,840

10 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charitable company during the year.

THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

11 Employees

Number of employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

Charitable activities
Administration
Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs		 2025
Number
33
1
34
2025
£
509,514
32,846
8,635
550,995		 2024
Number
37
1
38
2024
£
545,739
33,340
9,103
588,182

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was £60,000 or more.

12 Other expenditure

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Net loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets - 2,840

13 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

14
Tangible fixed assets
Plant and
equipment
Fixtures and
fittings
Computers
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 April 2024
19,587
16,464
10,418
Disposals
-
(11,543)
(10,418)
At 31 March 2025
19,587
4,921
-
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 April 2024
12,070
12,363
10,418
Depreciation charged in the year
2,005
1,624
-
Eliminated in respect of disposals
-
(11,543)
(10,418)
At 31 March 2025
14,075
2,444
-
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2025
5,512
2,477
-
At 31 March 2024
7,517
4,101
-
15
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
16
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
17
Retirement benefit schemes
Defined contribution schemes
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes		 Motor
vehicles
Total
£
£
37,285
83,754
-
(21,961)
37,285
61,793
18,481
53,332
12,304
15,933
-
(21,961)
30,785
47,304
6,500
14,489
18,804
30,422
2025
2024
£
£
5,860
12,800
13,875
13,875
9,259
22,684
28,994
49,359
2025
2024
£
£
1,635
2,299
4,554
5,342
6,189
7,641
2025
2024
£
£
8,635
9,103

THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

17 Retirement benefit schemes

(Continued)

The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charitable company in an independently administered fund.

THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

18 Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

Movement in funds Movement in funds Movement in funds Movement in funds
Balance at Incoming Resources Balance at Incoming Resources Balance at
1 April 2023 resources expended 1 April 2024 resources expended
31		 March 2025
£ £ £ £ £ £ £
Big Lottery Fund/Awards for All - Site - 20,000 (4,718) 15,282 - (15,282) -
Big Lottery Fund/Awards for All - Café - - - - 20,000 - 20,000
Sir Jules Thorn Trust - 3,000 (3,000) - - - -
Baily Thomas Charitable Foundation - - - - 12,000 (12,000) -
Hertfordshire Community Foundation (HAPpy) - 3,360 (3,360) - 10,730 (10,730) -
Hertfordshire Community Foundation (CODA) 21,400 - (21,400) - 22,720 (22,720) -
Hedley Foundation - 3,000 (3,000) - - - -
Kiln Family Trust - 250 (250) - - - -
Trustees of the FiFSF - 1,000 (1,000) - - - -
Cameron McKenna - 500 (500) - - - -
ICAP 20,000 - - 20,000 - (20,000) -
Co-Operative Community - 1,000 (1,000) - - - -
Masonic Charitable Foundation - 18,000 (10,801) 7,199 18,540 (18,540) 7,199
HSBC Screwfix Foundation - 4,926 (4,926) - - - -
Worshipful Company of Gardeners - 1,500 (1,500) - - - -
Garfield Weston - - - - 35,000 (35,000) -
Hertford Town Council - - - - 9,588 (9,588) -
Other funds - - - - 14,793 (13,344) 1,449
41,400 56,536 (55,455) 42,481 143,371 (157,204) 28,648

THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

18 Restricted funds

(Continued)

Big Lottery Fund/Awards for All - Site is funding towards the salary costs of a member of the site staff.

Big Lottery Fund/Awards for All - Café is funding towards the salary costs of the café mentor and staff.

The Sir Jules Thorn Trust is funding for the Special Branch project manager's salary.

Baily Thomas Charitable Foundation is a grant towards Special Branch salary costs.

Hertfordshire Community Foundation (HAPpy) was funding for Forest Easter and Summer schools.

Hertfordshire Community Foundation (CODA): Community Opportunities & Day Activities Grant is towards the salary of the Café Mentor.

Hedley Foundation was funding for electric gardening tools.

Kiln family trust was a grant for plants for Larking About.

Trustees of the FiFSF was a grant for materials for Larking About.

Cameron McKenna is funding for electric tools.

ICAP is funding for the polytunnel project.

Co-Operative Community grant is for growing beds and wood fencing

The Masonic Charitable Foundation grant is funding for Forest School project manager's salary.

HSBC Screwfix Foundation is funding for site fencing.

Worshipful Company of Gardeners is funding for plants for Larking About.

THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

18 Restricted funds

(Continued)

Garfield Weston Foundation is towards café salary costs.

Hertford Town Council is a grant towards polytunnel costs.

Other funds are smaller grants for restricted purposes including grants towards site worker salaries from CLA Charitable Trust, towards the Woodland Centre holiday activities from Groundwork, towards the café from Boshier-Hinton Foundation, towards polytunnels from David Solomon Charitable Trust, towards the café from East Hertfordshire District Council and a training grant from Hertfordshire Community Foundation.

THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

19 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1 April Incoming Resources At 31 March
2024 resources expended 2025
£ £ £ £
General funds 351,421 780,028 (655,490) 475,959
Previous year: At 1 April Incoming Resources At 31 March
2023 resources expended 2024
£ £ £ £
General funds 434,313 734,901 (817,793) 351,421
Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds
2025 2025 2025
£ £ £
At 31 March 2025:
Tangible assets 14,489 - 14,489
Current assets/(liabilities) 461,470 28,648 490,118
475,959 28,648 504,607
Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds
2024 2024 2024
£ £ £
At 31 March 2024:
Tangible assets 30,422 - 30,422
Current assets/(liabilities) 320,999 42,481 363,480
351,421 42,481 393,902

20 Analysis of net assets between funds

THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

21 Operating lease commitments

Lessee

The operating leases represent leases for the café and the office to third parties.

At the reporting end date the charitable company had outstanding total commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:

Within one year
Between two and five years
In over five years		 2025
£
46,500
186,000
13,578
246,078		 2024
£
41,500
58,110
25,085
124,695

22 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2024 - none).

23 Analysis of changes in net funds

The charitable company had no material debt during the year.

24 Cash generated from/(absorbed by) operations

Cash generated from/(absorbed by) operations
Surplus/(deficit) for the year
Adjustments for:
Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities
(Gain)/loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets
Movements in working capital:
Decrease in debtors
(Decrease) in creditors
Cash generated from/(absorbed by) operations		 2025
£
110,705
(4,611)
-
15,933
20,365
(1,452)
140,940		 2024
£
(81,811)
(3,086)
2,840
15,253
18,573
(7,160)
(55,391)