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 

7 



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 

9 

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
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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