2024-03-31-accounts

The Blackdown Hills Trust (A Charltable Company Llmlted by Guarantee) Annual Report and Flnanclal Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2024 Company Number: 07181053 Charlty Reglstered In England and Wales Number: 1138327

The Blackdown Hills Trust Contents For the Year Ended 31 March 2024 Pa Contents Reference and Administrative Details Trustees, Annual Report Independent Examiner's Report ststement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet Notes to the Flnancial Statements 10-18 Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP

The Blackdown Hills Trust Reference and Administrative Detsils For the Year Ended 31 March 2024 Trustees and Directors N Carter (Chair> J Greenshields (Treasurer)- Deceased 3111212023 R Lloyd M Canham D Mounsey Prlnclpal Offlce and R•gistar•d Offlce Blowiscombe Barn Clayhidon Devon United Kingdom EX15 3TL Bankers HSBC Bank PIC 2 Fore Street Wellington Somerset TA218AH Independent Examlner Michelle Ferris Bsc {Hons) FCA DChA Albert Goodman LLP Goodwood House Blackbrook Park Avenue Taunton Somerset TA12PX Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP

The Blackdown Hills Trust Trustees, Report For the Year Ended 31 March 2024 The trustees, who are also directors for the purposes of the Companies Act, present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024. 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 charity's memorandum and articles of association, the Statement of Recommended Practice. "Accounting and Reporting by Charities" (SORP FRS 102- implemented 1 January 2019) and are in accordance with the special provision relating to small companies within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006. Publlc Beneflt The trustees confirm that they have complied with section 4 of the Charities Act 2006 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission. Structure, governance and management The Blackdown Hills Trust is an independent charity, registered number 1138327 and a company limited by guarantee, registered number 07181053. The registered office is Blowiscombe Bam, Clayhidon, Devon, United Kingdom, EX15 3TL. The goveming document is the memorandum and articles of association dated 19 February 2010, amended on 21 June 2011, The company was incorporated on 06 March 2010. The following trustees, who are also directors for the purposes of company law, seNed during the year and since the year end: J Greenshields {Treasurer)- Deceased 3111212023 R Lloyd N Carter (Chair & Treasurer) M Canham D Mounsey All business of the trust is conducted in accordance with its memorandum and articles of association together with the rules incorporated within this document. The directors of the company also act as trustees. They act in a voluntary capacity, except the treasurer who is paid a nominal hourly rate when working for the Trust. The Chairman and Treasurer are elected by the other trustees and must be re- elected every three years. Appointment of any new trustees is made in accordance with prescribed criteria and company rules. None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £10 in the event of liquidation of the company. Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP

The Blackdown Hllls Trust Trustees, Report For the Year Ended 31 March 2024 Objectlves and actlvltles The objects of the charity are.. 1. To promote for the benefit of the public the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment. 2. To advance the education of the public in conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment. 3. To provide or assist in the provision of facilities in the interest of social welfare for recreation or other leisure time occupation for the public at large or individuals who have need of such facilities by reason of their youth, ag&, infirmity or disability, financial hardship or social circumstances with the object of improving their conditions of life. Every potential project is evaluated as to how far it reflects our objects. In the future project evaluation will take into account how well outcomes have met with our objects. Achievements and performances The Trust's current activities are focused on enabling conservation grazing and woodland management In the publlc forest, encouraging envlronmental volunteering, and providing advice to landowners on woodland creation and management. The project funded by the Forestry Commission came to an end in March 2017 where it was hoped that the cattle owned by the Forestry Commission would be gifted to the Trust and the Trust could continue the grazing project. During the 2018-19 year end the cattle (livestock units (LU)) was subsequently gifted to the Trust by the Forestry Commission for £nil consideration. 86 LU'S were gifted at the value of £600 each (90% market value). A livestock leasinglmanagement agreement was in place with the two graziers, whereby the graziers would purchase the cattle (at £600 each) over 4 years at which point they will take sole responsibility for the grazing project with the Forestry Commission and Natural England. The final cattle were purchased during the year to 31 March 2023, at which point the Trust had no remaining LU'S to sell to the graziers. The Trust is working with the Forestry Commlsslon long t8rm to take tenancy on open spaces in the Neroche public forest, and to enter into Higher Level Stewardship agreements with Natural England to enable the continued conservation management of these open areas, through extensive grazing with cattle. Public benefit includes long term conservation and better public access. This project is lo some extent experimental. therefore it will also provide valuable information and education about potential management strategies for woodland pasture. The Trust has obtained funding in the year through FIPLS (Farming in Protected Landscapes) for scrub clearance. The Trust are still holding Funds donated by the Blackdown Hills Woodland Association with the proviso that it is used for Wood I woodland l Tree related Projects, Plans for the future The Blackdown Hills Trust is looking to extend the scope of its activities through more diverse projects. The Trust will continue looking for funding through FIPLS and other grant providers for scrub clearance and Machinery to help with the ongoing conservation. Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP

The Blackdown Hllls Trust Trustees, Report For the Year Ended 31 March 2024 Flnanclal révlew and reserves pollcy The charity operates with minimal running costs. Most of its charitable work is undertaken on restricted projects, with an agreed contribution to unrestricted core costs wherever possible. A deficit of £1,319 was made during the year (2023: deficit £6,848). The main costs are cattle management and repairs and maintenance of fencing. which together cost £48,606 (2023: £52,357). Cattle were donated in the 2019- year end and were held as stock until they were sold to the graziers. During the previous year, the remaining 21 Livestock Units were sold which generated £12,600 of income, and no livestock units remained at 31 March 2023. At 31 March 2024, the charity had total reserves of £43,924 (2023.. £45,243), of which £2,240 is unrestricted (2023: £3.196) and £41,684 is restricted (2023: £42,047). The unrestricted reserves would allow for approximately 6 months of unrestricted expenditure, which is in line with expectations. Reserves are held for future plans for the charity and the intention is that spending will be capped to income to maintain reserves. Risk management The trustees have considered the major risks to which the charity Is exposed. They have revlewed those risks and established systems and procedures to manage them appropriately. Statement of Trustees, Responslbllltles The trustees (who are directors of The Blackdown Hills Trust for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Annual Report (incorporating the Directors. Report) and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which glve a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and the income and expenditure of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP,, make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent., state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements, and prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business. The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities and are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information on the charity's website. Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP

The Blackdown Hills Trust Trustees' Report For the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Small company

This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to small companies within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.

Signed by order of the trustees on 17 December 2024

N Carter Director

5 Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP

The Blackdown Hills Trust Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees For the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Independent examiners report to the Trustees of The Blackdown Hills Trust

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Blackdown Hills Trust ("the Company") for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity's trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ("the 2006 Act").

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ("the 2011 Act"). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

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

1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

2. the accounts do not comply with these records; or

3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a "true and fair view" which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

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 accounts to be reached.

• Michelle Ferris BSc (Hons) FCA DChA Albert Goodman LLP Chartered Accountants Goodwood House Blackbrook Park Avenue Taunton Somerset TA12PX

Date: 17.12.2024

Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP

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The Blackdown Hills Trust Statement of Financial Activities (including the income and expenditure account) For the Year Ended 31 March 2024 Unre. stricted Funds Unre. strlcted Funds strlcted Funds Total 2024 strlcted Funds Total 2023 Notes Incomè from: Donations Charitable activities 12,600 48,313 12,600 51,663 3,079 48,243 51,322 3,350 Total 3,079 48,243 51.322 3,350 60,913 64,263 Expendlture on: Charitable activities 4,035 48,606 52,641 6,154 64,957 71,111 Total 4,035 48,606 52,641 6,154 64,957 71,111 Net (expenditure)l income for the year before transfers (956) (363) (1,319) (2,804) (4,044) (6,848) Transfers Net movements In funds (956) (363> {1,319) (2,804) (4,044) (6,848) Reconclllatlon of funds: Fund balances at 01 April 2023 3,196 42,047 45,243 6,000 46,091 52,091 Fund balances at 31 March 2024 2,240 41,684 43,924 3,196 42,047 45.243 The results for the year derive from continuing actlvltles and there are no gains or losses other than those shown above. The statement of financlal activlties Incorporat8S the Income and expenditure account. Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP

The Blackdown Hills Trust - Company Registration Number: 07181053 Balance sheet As at 31 March 2024

	Notes		2024			2023
			£			£
Fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets	8
Current assets
Stock	9
Cash at bank and in hand		45,172			46,561
		——		=
		45,172			46,561
Creditors
Amounts falling due within one year	10	(1,248)			(1,318)
Net current assets			43,924			45,243
			—————————————			we
Net assets			43,924			45,243
Funds
General funds	13		2,240			3,196
Restricted funds	13		41,684			42,047
			eed			naan
			43,924			45,243

These accounts have been prepared and delivered in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act relating to small companies and constitute the annual accounts required by the Companies Act 2006.

For the year ending 31 March 2024 the company was entitled to exemption under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

The trustees have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of the accounts.

Approved by the Board for issue on 17 December 2024 and signed on its behalf by:

N Carter Director

——SO.——>i@®QiGi<«xiiG«<«ié5i«CO*i=_OCS TT T_T

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Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP

The Blackdown Hills Trust Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2024 Accounting policies General Information and basis of preparatlon The Blackdown Hills Trust is a company limited by guarantee incorporated in the United Kingdom under the Companies Act. The address of the registered office is given on page 2. The nature of the charity's operations and its principal activities are set out in the Trustees report on pages 3-6. The financial statements hav8 been prepared under the historic cost conv8ntion. 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) (eff8Ctive 1 January 2019)-(Charities SORP (FRS102>), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Compani8s Act 2006. The charity meets the definition of public benefit under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy. 1.2 Fund accounting pollcy Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for us8 at the Irustees, discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity. Restricted funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose. 1.3 Income All income is Included in the statement of financial activities wh8n the charity is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income, The valuation of donated services is not quantified within the Statement of Financial Activities. Donated stock is included at fair value, being the expected proceeds from the sale less the expected costs of the sale. If practical to assess the fair value at receipt, it is recognised in stock and income from donations. Upon sale, the value of the stock is charged against charitable activities expenditure and the proceeds ar8 recognised as income from donations. Income from grants, relating to specifically the provision of goods or services as part of charitable activities or services to clients are included in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when receivable and in the period in which they relate to. Grants are deferred when the monies have been received in advance of the period in which they relate to. 1.4 Expendlturo Expenditure is accounted for on the accruals basis, Liabilities are recognised in the accounting period to which they relate. Governance costs comprise all costs involving the public accountability of the charity and its compliance with regulation and good practice. Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP 10

The Blackdown Hllls Trust Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2024 Govemment grants Government grants are accounted for when unconditionally due and reasonable assurance can be gained that it will be received. Where funds are received in advance, for a specified period, these funds are deferred and recognised in the period to which they relate. Where funds have not been received in a specified period, Ihese funds will be accrued in debtors and recognised in the period to which they relate. Not all grants received have conditions and performance indicators attached, where this is the case, the income is induded within donations. Performance related grants are included within Charitable Activities income. 1.6 Depreclatlon Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life as follows.. Plant and machinery 20 % straight line basis 1.7 Stock Cattle stock is valued at the lower of cost (donated fair value) or net realisable value, 1 .8 Debtors Accrued income is recognised at the settlement amount due and prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid. 1.9 Cash at bank and In hand Cash at bank and in hand comprise cash on hand and call deposits that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value. 1.10 Creditors Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably, Creditors and provisions are recognised at their settlement amount. 1.11 Flnanclal Instruments The charity only holds basic financial instruments as defined in FRS 102. The financial assets and liabilities of the charity and their measurements are as follows: Flnancial assets trade and other debtors are basic flnancial instruments and are debt Instruments measured at amortised cost. Prepayments are not financial instruments. Cash at bank- is classified as a basic financial instrument and is measured at face value. Financial liabilities trade creditors, accruals and other creditors are financial instruments, and are measured at amortised cost. Deferred income is not deemed to be a financial liability. as the cash settlement has already taken place and there is an obligation to deliver services rather than cash or another financial instrument. Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP

The Blackdown Hllls Trust Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2024 Donatlons income Unre. strlcted Funds Re. strlcted Funds Unre. strlcted Funds Total 2024 strlcted Funds Total 2023 Cattle sales 12,600 12,600 12,600 12,600 Charltable actlvities income Unre- strictèd Funds Re- stricted Funds Unre. stricted Funds Total 2024 stricted Funds Total 2023 Grant Income RPA 3,079 48,243 51,322 3,350 48,313 51,663 3,079 48,243 51,322 3,350 48,313 51,663 Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP 12

The Blackdown Hills Trust Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2024 Charltable actlvltles expenditure Unre- stricted Funds Re- stricted Funds Unre- $tricted Funds Re- strlcted Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Cattle opening stock Cattle closing stock 12,600 12,600 12,600 12,600 Cattle management Fees paid to trustees Rent Repairs and maintenance (note 5) Print, postage and stationery Insurance Travel Cost of trustee meetings Bank charges Woodlanders administration Govemance costs 44,570 44,570 801 500 47,847 47,847 646 500 801 500 646 500 4,036 4,036 23 4,510 4,510 320 1,008 46 80 66 2,300 1,188 23 320 1,008 46 80 66 2,300 1,188 71 177 65 1,150 1,248 71 177 65 1,150 1,248 4,035 48,606 52,641 6,154 64,957 71,111 Included In governance costs Accountants, remuneration Independent examiner's fee 933 315 933 315 888 300 888 300 1,248 1,248 1,188 1,188 Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP 13

The Blackdown Hllls Trust Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2024 Repalrs and maintenance Unre- strlcted Funds Unre- stricted Funds Re- stricted Funds stricted Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Ground maintenance Fenceline maintenance 1.169 3,341 1,169 3.341 4,036 4,036 4,036 4,036 4,510 4,510 Trustees and employees The charity has no employees, and hence none that received remuneration of over £60,000 {2023: none). None of the trustees have been paid any remuneration by the charity during the year {2023: none). Fees of £1,070 (2023 £727) for administrative services, reimbursements for mileage totalling £71 (2023 - £46) and reimbursements for postage, stationery. repairs materials and venue hire totalling £100 (2023: £313) were paid to one (2023 - one) of the trustees during the year. Taxatlon The company is a registered charity and is, therefore, not liable to corporation tax to the extent that income and gains are applied to charitable purposes. Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP 14

Thè Blackdown Hills Trust Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2024 Tangible assets Plant and machlnery Total Cost As at 01.04.2023 and 31.03.2024 3,000 3,000 Depreclatlon As at 01.04.2023 and 31.03.2024 3,000 3,000 Net book value As at 31.03.2024 As at 31.03.2023 Stock 2024 2023 Cattle 12,600 10 Credltors: amounts falllng duo w5thln one year 2024 2023 Accruals Other creditors 1,248 1,188 130 1,248 1.318 Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP 15

The Blackdown Hills Trust Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2024 11 Company limited by guarantee The charity was incorporated as a private company limited by guarantee and has no share capita5. The guarantee to the company is £10 per memb8r due on the winding up of the company. At 31 March 2024 the company had four members and therefore, the total amount guaranteed was £40. 12 Operating lease commltments As at 31 March 2024, the charity had annual commitments under non-cancellable operating leases as follows., Operating leases which expire: 2024 2023 Land Land Under one year 500 500 Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP 16

The Blackdown Hills Trust Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2024 13 Statement of funds Balance 01.04.23 Balance 31.03.24 Income Expenditure Transfers Restrlcted funds Cattle grazing project Woodland Fund 34,211 7,836 48,243 (48,606) 33,848 7,836 Total restricted funds 42,047 48,243 (48,606) 41,684 Unrestrlcted funds General 3,196 3,079 {4,035) 2,240 Tolal Funds 45,243 51,322 (52,641) 43,924 Statement of funds - 2023 Balance 01.04.22 Balance 31.03.23 Income Expendlture Transfers Restrlcted funds Cattle grazing proj8ct Woodland Fund 38,255 7,836 60,913 {64,957) 34,211 7,836 Total r88trlcted fund8 46,091 60,913 {64,957) 42,047 Unrestrlcted funds General 6,000 3,350 (6,154) 3,196 Total Funds 52,091 64,263 (71,111) 45,243 Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP 17

The Blackdown Hills Trust Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2024 ststement of funds- contlnued... The purpose of the material funds are as follows.. 1) The cattle grazing project aims to maintain felled areas in the forest using English Longhorn cattle, which graze on brambles. bracken etc and thus keep these under control. 2) The Woodland fund was donated by the Blackdown Hills Woodland Association with th8 proviso that it is used for Wood I woodland l Tree related Projects. 14 Analysls of net assets bètween funds Unre- strlcted Funds Re- stricted Funds Unre- slrlcted Funds Re- strlcted Funds Total 2024 Totsl 2023 Current assets Creditors: amount falling due within one year 3,488 41,684 45,172 4,514 42,047 46,561 (1,248) (1,2481 (1,318) (1,318) 2,240 41,684 43,924 3,196 42,047 45,243 15 Related party transactions There have been no related party transactions during the year (2023: none). Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP 18