Trustees’ annual report (including Directors’ report) for the period
From: 01/06/2024 Period start date To: 31/05/2025. Period end date Charity name: Red Squirrel South West Project Ltd Charity registration number: 1138484
Company number: 07245643
Objectives and activities
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | Promoting the preservation and conservation of the red squirrel and its habitat in the South-West of England |
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
Public engagement and outreach have been maintained through Wildwood Devon’s red squirrel enclosure and through social media channels. The charity successfully completed the Exmoor Squirrel Project in partnership with Exmoor National Park, local landowners, and members of the public. This work focused on reducing grey squirrel populations to support natural woodland regeneration and to prepare for the potential future reintroduction of native red squirrels. We have also continued to deliverGrey Squirrel Management Training Courses, providing members of the public with the knowledge and skills to safely and legally remove grey squirrels. |
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | The trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit when reviewing aims and objectives and planning future activity. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| SORP reference | |
|---|---|
| Policy on grant making | Para 1.38 |
| Policy on social investment including program related investment |
Para 1.38 | |
|---|---|---|
| Contribution made by volunteers |
Para 1.38 | Our volunteers make a vital contribution to our work, including efforts to manage grey squirrel populations. We are also grateful for the individual fundraising initiatives that volunteers undertake independently to support the charity. |
| Other |
Achievements and performance
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. |
Para 1.20 | A grant from the Forestry Commission’s Woods into Management Forestry Innovation Fund enabled the charity to complete its project with Exmoor National Park. This support allowed us to employ local trappers and officers, and to deliver public engagement activities about the project. Following its conclusion, stakeholders have continued the work, ensuring ongoing management of the grey squirrel population on Exmoor and contributing to healthier woodlands and improved biodiversity. In addition, the charity has developed and delivered theGrey Squirrel Management Training programme. Endorsed by LANTRA, this national course provides registered members with certified training in the safe and effective removal of grey squirrels. |
|---|---|---|
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
Para 1.41 Achievements against objectives set Para 1.41 Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set
Para 1.41 Investment performance against objectives Other
Financial review
| Financial review | ||
|---|---|---|
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | During the reporting period, the charity’s total income was £136,778.81, with expenditure of £98,890.39. This resulted in a surplus of £37,888.42, which has been transferred into free reserves. At the year end, the charity therefore held free reserves of £37,888.42. Our reserves policy sets a target of £15,000 (equivalent to approximately three months of core operating costs and provision for an orderly wind-down if required). The reserves currently held are above this level. This additional balance has been retained to support our fundraising and development plans, in particular to enable the expansion of our work from the Exmoor Squirrel Project across the wider South West peninsula. The trustees consider this an appropriate use of reserves in line with the charity’s objectives. |
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | The charity aims to hold reserves of at least £15,000. This level has been set to ensure we can cover around three months of core operating costs. Maintaining this reserve provides financial stability, allows us to meet our ongoing commitments, and ensures continuity of charitable activities in the event of unexpected shortfalls in income or unforeseen expenditure. The reserves also provide a safeguard to cover costs associated with an orderly wind-down should the charity need to close. |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | £37888 in free reserves |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | N/A |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | N/A |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 | The trustees have assessed the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The main risk is a potential loss of grant funding and donations, but the charity remains confident it can continue for at least the next twelve months, supported by existing reserves and ongoing grant applications. |
|---|---|---|
| Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: |
|---|---|---|
| The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
Para 1.47 | During the year, the charity’s income was primarily derived from donations and grants. This included individual contributions via PayPal, funding from the Forestry Commission, and a legacy donation. These funds have been used to support both the charity’s ongoing operational activities and specific conservation projects, such as the Exmoor Squirrel Project. |
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | The charity does not hold investments beyond cash reserves. Available funds are applied directly to charitable activities, with a focus on outreach and public engagement, particularly in connection with the Exmoor Squirrel Project during this financial year. Activities include fundraising and educational events to raise the charity’s profile and build its supporter network. No formal social investment policy has been adopted. |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | |
| Other |
Structure, governance and management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
||
|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document: for example,trust deed, memorandum and articles of association etc |
Para 1.25 | Memorandum and articles of association incorporated 6th May 2010 |
| How is the charity constituted? for example limited company, unincorporated association, CIO |
Para 1.25 | Charitable Company |
| Trustee selection methods including details of any |
Para 1.25 | Trustees are appointed and roles confirmed at the charity’s three annual |
constitutional provisions e.g. committee meetings and its Annual election to post or name of General Meeting, in accordance with the any person or body entitled constitution. to appoint one or more trustees
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees |
Para 1.51 | |
| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
Para 1.51 | The charity works in partnership with a range of wildlife organisations, including Wildwood Devon and Exmoor National Park, and receives support from other red squirrel charities such as the European Squirrel Initiative, Red Squirrel Survival Trust, and UK Squirrel Accord. These partnerships provide the charity with guidance, technical support, and up-to- date information, helping us to deliver effective conservation activities. The charity is governed by a committee of trustees who oversee operations, strategic planning, and project delivery. |
| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 | |
| Other |
Reference and administrative details
| Charity name | Red Squirrel South West Project |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses | British Red Squirrel |
| Registered charity number | 1138484 |
| Charity’s principal address | Escot House Escot Park Ottery St Mary Devon EX11 1LU |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole **year ** |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte Gannon | Chairman | |||
| Patrick John Martin | ||||
| Thomas Edgar | ||||
| Edward Fane Trefusis |
20/11/2024 - present | |||
– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved
Director name
Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
Dates acted if not for whole year
Trustee name
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
| Description of the assets held in this capacity |
N/A |
|---|---|
| Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects |
N/A |
| Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets |
N/A |
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (optional information)
| Names and addresses of advisers (optional information) | Names and addresses of advisers (optional information) | Names and addresses of advisers (optional information) |
|---|---|---|
| Type of adviser Name Address |
||
| Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (optional information) | ||
| John Michael Kennaway, Director |
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
Other optional information
Declarations
The company has taken advantage of the small companies’ exemption in preparing the report above.
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report (including directors’ report) above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees/directors
Signature(s) Full name(s) Charlotte Gannon ~~oo~~ Position (for example Trustee and Director Secretary, Chair, etc) ~~ee ee~~ Date 06/10/2025 ~~|~~
Red Squirrel South West Project Ltd Profit and Loss Report - Y/E May 2025
| INCOME £136,778.81 EXPENSES £98,890.39 NET PROFIT £37,888.42 Opening Balances as of 1 June 2024 Savings account £30,176.73 Paypal £49.25 Current Account £13,770.38 TOTAL OPENING BALANCE £43,996.36 Savings Account INCOME Interest £507.26 INTEREST EARNED £507.26 Paypal INCOME Donations Received £247.75 DONATIONS £247.75 Current Account INCOME Donations £931.30 DONATIONS Legacy Donation £35,624.04 DONATIONS Gift Aid (HMRC) £310.42 DONATIONS Grants £2,000.00 GRANTS Forestry Commission WIMFIF Grant £89,096.95 GRANTS Grey Squirrel Management Training Income £7,662.09 GSMT INCOME £7,662.09 Box Trap x2 Sale -J Jenkyn-Jones £105.00 SALES Frozen Dead Squirrels Sales (Exeter Uni) £294.00 SALES TOTAL INCOME £136,778.81 Paypal EXPENSES Fees £4.36 BANK CHARGES £4.36 Savings Account EXPENSES NONE Current Account EXPENSES Companies House £34.00 ADMINISTRATION Accelerate Business - Independent Verifier £100.00 ADMINISTRATION ENP Trapping Labour £1,003.14 CONTRACTED LABOUR £1,003.14 RSSW Charity Administrator £14,543.10 WAGES RSSW Project Coordinator £11,564.98 WAGES M. Kennaway Project Coordinator Hours £747.50 WAGES Spring Traps £202.50 EQUIPMENT £202.50 Grey Squirrel Management Training Expenses £10,388.79 GSMT EXPENSES £10,388.79 Policy Bee Charity Insurance £151.20 INSURANCE £151.20 GreenNet BRS Website £150.00 IT SOFTWARE & SUBSCRIPTIONS Xero subscription £79.20 IT SOFTWARE & SUBSCRIPTIONS RSSW Domain Name - 123 REG £14.39 IT SOFTWARE & SUBSCRIPTIONS RSSW Social Media Platform - Sendible £302.40 IT SOFTWARE & SUBSCRIPTIONS Epicollect Data Collection £1,488.00 IT SOFTWARE & SUBSCRIPTIONS Zoom Membership £178.00 IT SOFTWARE & SUBSCRIPTIONS Siteground web hosting £288.00 IT SOFTWARE & SUBSCRIPTIONS Canva Membership £100.00 IT SOFTWARE & SUBSCRIPTIONS Red Squirrel South West Project Ltd Profit and Loss Report - Y/E May 2025 Breakdown £36,865.76 £91,096.95 £399.00 £2,599.99 £26,855.58 £134.00 |
INCOME £136,778.81 EXPENSES £98,890.39 NET PROFIT £37,888.42 Opening Balances as of 1 June 2024 Savings account £30,176.73 Paypal £49.25 Current Account £13,770.38 TOTAL OPENING BALANCE £43,996.36 Savings Account INCOME Interest £507.26 INTEREST EARNED £507.26 Paypal INCOME Donations Received £247.75 DONATIONS £247.75 Current Account INCOME Donations £931.30 DONATIONS Legacy Donation £35,624.04 DONATIONS Gift Aid (HMRC) £310.42 DONATIONS Grants £2,000.00 GRANTS Forestry Commission WIMFIF Grant £89,096.95 GRANTS Grey Squirrel Management Training Income £7,662.09 GSMT INCOME £7,662.09 Box Trap x2 Sale -J Jenkyn-Jones £105.00 SALES Frozen Dead Squirrels Sales (Exeter Uni) £294.00 SALES TOTAL INCOME £136,778.81 Paypal EXPENSES Fees £4.36 BANK CHARGES £4.36 Savings Account EXPENSES NONE Current Account EXPENSES Companies House £34.00 ADMINISTRATION Accelerate Business - Independent Verifier £100.00 ADMINISTRATION ENP Trapping Labour £1,003.14 CONTRACTED LABOUR £1,003.14 RSSW Charity Administrator £14,543.10 WAGES RSSW Project Coordinator £11,564.98 WAGES M. Kennaway Project Coordinator Hours £747.50 WAGES Spring Traps £202.50 EQUIPMENT £202.50 Grey Squirrel Management Training Expenses £10,388.79 GSMT EXPENSES £10,388.79 Policy Bee Charity Insurance £151.20 INSURANCE £151.20 GreenNet BRS Website £150.00 IT SOFTWARE & SUBSCRIPTIONS Xero subscription £79.20 IT SOFTWARE & SUBSCRIPTIONS RSSW Domain Name - 123 REG £14.39 IT SOFTWARE & SUBSCRIPTIONS RSSW Social Media Platform - Sendible £302.40 IT SOFTWARE & SUBSCRIPTIONS Epicollect Data Collection £1,488.00 IT SOFTWARE & SUBSCRIPTIONS Zoom Membership £178.00 IT SOFTWARE & SUBSCRIPTIONS Siteground web hosting £288.00 IT SOFTWARE & SUBSCRIPTIONS Canva Membership £100.00 IT SOFTWARE & SUBSCRIPTIONS Red Squirrel South West Project Ltd Profit and Loss Report - Y/E May 2025 Breakdown £36,865.76 £91,096.95 £399.00 £2,599.99 £26,855.58 £134.00 |
|---|---|
| INCOME EXPENSES NET PROFIT Opening Balances as of 1 June 2024 Savings account Paypal Current Account TOTAL OPENING BALANCE Savings Account INCOME Interest Paypal INCOME Donations Received Current Account INCOME Donations Legacy Donation Gift Aid (HMRC) Grants Forestry Commission WIMFIF Grant Grey Squirrel Management Training Income Box Trap x2 Sale -J Jenkyn-Jones Frozen Dead Squirrels Sales (Exeter Uni) TOTAL INCOME Paypal EXPENSES Fees Savings Account EXPENSES NONE Current Account EXPENSES Companies House Accelerate Business - Independent Verifier ENP Trapping Labour RSSW Charity Administrator RSSW Project Coordinator M. Kennaway Project Coordinator Hours Spring Traps Grey Squirrel Management Training Expenses Policy Bee Charity Insurance GreenNet BRS Website Xero subscription RSSW Domain Name - 123 REG RSSW Social Media Platform - Sendible Epicollect Data Collection Zoom Membership Siteground web hosting Canva Membership |
£136,778.81 |
| £98,890.39 | |
| £37,888.42 |
| Events & Promotional Materials | Events & Promotional Materials | £577.24 | MARKETING £577.24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENP Project Funding Contribution | £55,437.26 | PROJECT FUNDING £55,437.26 | |
| ENP Project Expenses | £1,373.53 | PROJECT GENERAL EXPENSES £1,373.53 | |
| PVM Supplies - Uniform | £162.80 | STAFF UNIFORM £162.80 | |
| TOTAL EXPENSES | £98,890.39 | ||
| Closing Balances as of end of 31st May 2025 | |||
| Savings Account | £60,683.99 | ||
| Paypal | £28.77 | ||
| Current Account | £21,172.02 | ||
| TOTAL | £81,884.78 | ||
| NET PROFIT | £37,888.42 |
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’‘S REPORT RED SQUIRREL SOUTH WEST PROJECT LIMITED
Charity registration number 1138484
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above Charity (Charitable Company’) for the year ended 3ist May 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Charitable Company, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the Company’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 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 which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
- e accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or e the accounts do not accord with the accounting records.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
| Signed: | VT-C__-. | |
|---|---|---|
| Date: | a G AS, QOwWs . |
|
| Name: | TINACOLLINS | |
| Professional! | role: | Business Consultant |
| Company: | Accelerate BusinessConsultancy& Solutions Ltd. | |
| Address: | 67WycombeLane,WooburnGreen,Bucks,HP10OHD |
Accelerate Business Consultancy & Solutions Ltd. 67 Wycombe Lane, Wooburn Green, Bucks, HP10 OHD Tel: 07865 098 253 www.accelerate-business.co.uk Company Reference: 14338893