WEST CUMBRIA RIVERS TRUST Accounts and Annual Report 2024 - 2025
Welcome Chairs report l am proud to offer the annual report for West Cumbria Rivers Trust for 2024/2025. This is a new style of report for us. you will first see what an incredible year we've had in our 'year in numbers,, followed by seven of our main projects. None of these initiatives would be possible without our partners and funders who are listed on the final page. Our Annual Report and Financial Statements foLlow on pages 12 to 43 with our Trustees, report and a list of all the Trusts current projects. If you would like to contact us with any queries, or simply find out more about what we do, please turn to the back page. You will see from the following pages that the Trust continues to go from strength to strength, delivering its aim of restoring and enhancing our rivers and catchments for the benefit of people and wildlife, with our ultimate goal to provide healthy rivers enjoyed by all. This would not be possible without a strong, dedicated and passionate team of staff, volunteers and trustees, and is being done in an increasingly difficult climate, both environmentally and financially. We are extremely grateful to our vast network of sponsors, funders and partners across the community, without whom the fantastic work of the Trust would riot be possible. The Trust currently remains in a healthy position and we will continue to improve our resilience through strengthened governance and wider collaboration through the coming year. Many thanks to all who have contributed to another successful year. Trisk Dunlop Chair of the Board of Trustees
Members of the board and Professional advice The Board of Trustees, Mr D J Magrath Mr M Hastings Mrs P Dunlop Mr R Hayman Mr M Buckley (Resigned September 16th, 2024} Ms A R G Mccooey Mr l M Payne {Resigned April 22nd, 2024) Mrs J E Saxon {Resigned August 20th, 2025) Ms H Baker Mr J Turner (Appointed 9th June 2025) Company Secretary Miss Jodie Mills Trust Operations Director {Senior Management) Miss Jodie Mills Auditors Saint & Co Wavell Drive Rosehill CarLisle CA12SA Bankers Handelsbanken 1 Merchants Drive Parkhouse CarLisle CA3 OJW
2024 in numbers Farming 29 farms worked on 164 farmers engaged with 97 advice visits given to farmers Biodiversity 4.3km of bankside fencing 2.4km river restoration 981m hedge planted 46Ha invasive species treated 51 tree cages built in fields 28Ha of trees planted S barriers to f isli passage eased 12 new ponds & 11 scrapes created 1 ford replaced with a bridge Engagement 129 volunteers clocking 5127 hours 56 community events 817 people taking part 273 people attended 13 adult education workshop 10 new riverside trails - 'Watery Walks, Watsry Walks Education 482 school children from 24 schools worked with 369 children attended forest school Forest School Monitoring 40km of river & 2000Ha land surveyed 271 sites surveyed for fish pollution 15km surveyed for invasive species
World-class recognition for river restoration Our work through Cumbria's River Restoration Strategy received international recognition this year, reaching the finals of the Thiess International River Prize. This prestigious accolade places our efforts alongside some of the world's most high-profile river restoration projects, reflecting the strength of our partnerships and the impact of our long-term approach. Congratulations go to this year's winners, the Chicago River. Our Assistant Director, Luke Bryant, who leads our restoration work with partners across Cumbria, has spoken to the media about this achievement, highlighting both the progress made and the challenges ahead. However, the fragile state of river restoration funding remains a concern. Without sustained investment, projects like these - and the benefits they bring to people, wiLdlife and communities- are at risk. We continue to support The Rivers Trust's national Make Space for Water campaign, whicli calls for more room around rivers to build resilience for the future. ivr tin atFom arm 41ohn'$5N theWal&.i.
Don't Pack a Pest- protecting our lakes In partnership with South Cumbria {SCRT) and Eden Rivers Trust {ERT). we launched Don't Pack a Pest during the summer, a one-year campaign to raise awareness of invasive non-native species (INNS) in Cumbria's lakes and heLp encourage people to reduce their impact. The campaign has used a range of visual and digital materials, including images, videos, designs and print, to communicate the importance of preventing the spread of INNS. The team also collaborated with Iristagram infLuencer Jo Moseley to increase engagement and reach a wider audience. INNS are a significant but often overlooked threat to lake wildlife. Their impact can be as severe as a natural disaster. The campaign emphasises the simple but effective Check, Clean, Dry approach to protecting our lakes. While the evaluation is not yet complete, early indications show that the team have exceeded their reacli targets. demonstrating the campaign's strong initial impact and the potential for longer-term success. CHEUi, CLEAII DAY YOLMKIT
Turning school playgrounds into green havens This year we successfully completed our Greener Grounds pilot project, transforming four school grounds across West Cumbria into vibrant, biodiverse. flood-resilient outdoor spaces. The results have been outstanding: increased wildLife, Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) systems that have significantly reduced flooding on previously vulnerable grounds, and vibrant, inspiring spaces that children, staff, and local communities take pride in. Each project was delivered with active engagement from pupils, teachers, and the wider community, fostering a sense of ownership and conriection to the new green spaces. Beyond creating beautiful outdoor areas, tlie project has estabLished full management plans to ensure these spaces remain thriving, well-maintained, and impactful for years to come. The success of the pilot lias been recognised througli a national charity award submission. Building on this momentum, we launched phctse two in September, working with two more schools, with a further school planned for next summer, continuing to create spaces that support wildlife, learning. and community pride.
A brighter future for freshwater pearl mussels Fresliwater pearl mussels are among the UK'S rarest species, and we are committed to securing their future in the Rivers Irt and Ehen. Over the past year, our work has delivered significant results: releasing almost 2.500 captive-bred mussels, restoring 16.5 km of river, creating or improving 12.4 liectares of habitat, installing 12 large woody debris structures, building 3 ponds, removing 5 barriers, and replacing a ford with a bridge. This summer, our partners at the Freshwater Biological Association reached a major milestone. releasing their 5,OOOthjuvenile mussel, many of which now thrive in the Irt and Ehen. These achievements represent important steps toward a sustainable future for this rare and iconic species. b•
New ponds for Newlands Three new ponds have been created at Low Skelgill Farm in the Newlands Valley to boost wildlife and improve resilience to flooding and drought. The project was delivered in partnership with the Woodland Trust, the National Trust and landowners Rick and Sonja Cooper, who have been transforming their farm to work in harmony with nature. The new ponds build on earlier efforts. including tree planting. edible hedgerows and wildlife-friendly grazing. The Coopers, first pond. created in 2022, quickly attracted damselflies, reed warblers. grebes and thousands of tadpoles - a cLear sign of how rapidly nature responds when land is made more water-friendly. Further down the valley at Rowling End, four additional ponds have been created. Over the winter, the site will be planted with wood pasture and edible hedgerows, then grazed by the Coopers, cattle.
A wilder future for Walkmill Community Woodland Over the past two years, our £1.9 miLlion National Heritage Funded project Walkmill Community Woodland has become an increasingly vibrant space for botli wildlife and the local community. Regular community activities and family drop-in days liave proved very popular, wliile a Friends of WalkmiLI group is developing to take on ongoing site management after the project ends. The team is also delivering an impressive interpretation plan, with waymarking and information throughout the site to help visitors connect with its wildlife, heritage and natural features. These efforts will help transform Walkmill into a thriving, accessible haven for people and nature alike. .4. of th* pblIC$PL)tt1ngW1rf-,f walkat Walkmill ComnItYw0QJln
Landmark step for catchment-wide restoration Our hugely ambitious Defra Landscape Recovery Round 2 Pilot project, Resilient Glenderamackin, has reached a major milestone. At the end of June, the team submitted six detailed plans to Defra for review, comprising over 100,000 words. Aiming to reduce flood risk to Keswick while delivering nature-based solutions for wildlife, farming, and communities, the project has attracted significant national interest and represents one of the largest blended finance nature restoration programmes in England. Over the summer. the team have been responding to clarification questions from Defra. We now wait to see whether the project will be given the green light to move forward.
Annual report and financial statement Trust•as annual rèport YEAR ENDED 31 March 2025 Th8 Truste8s (who are also directors of the clicjrity for the purpos8s of the Companies Actl ar8 pleas8d to prosènt their annual report together with the financial statements of West Cumbria Rivors Trust Limited Ithe componyl for the year ended 31 Morch 2025. The Trustees confirm that the Annual Report and financial statements of the ¢ompany Comply with the ¢urrent statutory requirements, the requirements of the companys governing document and are in accordance with th8 Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and thè Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 laffsetivo 1 January 20191. Stru¢turep govgrnUn and manugomont CONSTITUTION The company is registered as a charitable company limited by guarantee and was set up by a Memorandum of Association on 15/09/2009, originally as Derwent Rivers Trust Limited, changin9 its name to West Cumbria Rivers Trust Limited on 23109/2011. Registered charity nunib8r 1142396. METHOD OF APPOINTMENT OR ELECTION OF TRUSTEES The management of the choritable company is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected und co- opted under the terms of the Articles of Association. AIL Trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no ben8fits form the charitable company. Any exper)se reclairned froni th8 charitable conipany is detailed in the accounts. Th8 Trust88s have attempted to ensur8 that the board of Truste85 repres8nt a5 wide a cross s8Ction of th8 local comrnunity as possible and that the Trustees have appropriate experience to as5i5t the charitable company with its objectives. Traditional business skills as well as environmental skills are well represented within the board of Trustees. The Trustees and the chairman hove worked hord year to set up subgroups to ensur8 the 8ff8ctlV8 running of the charity. Th8 thr88 new sub-committees which have b8en formed will oversee Finance, Governance and Conirnunication & HR. ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE AND DECISION MAKING Trusts• irwAu¢tionartd trtiining Most Trustees are already familiar with the practical work of the charitable company before beconwng Trustees. Aspiront Trustees are required to attend three board meetings to confirm their willingness to serve before a decision on them becoming a Trustee is taken by the existing Trust88s, if th8 aspirant Trustee is still willing to starnd. oryanitIonal structur• The Board of Trustees meet regularly Itarget8d to be around every 6- 8 weeks) with the Trusts Op8rations Diractor and aro rosponsiblè for thè stratogie dirèction and policios of thè charitablo company. Sitè visits and talks by staff have continued this year and are a great way for the Trustees to see and hear about all the fantastic work being carried out on the ground. Thè staff team within the charitable company comprisès thè Opsratior)s Dirèctor plus two Assistant Directors (who make up the Senior Management Team- SMTI and due to expansion to 29 staff we now have o second tier of mana9ement- the Generol Management Team- GMT. Staff turnover remains incredibly low which is an aspect the Trust prides itself on. There have been only three resignations froni the team ir) thè year. There hove been three Trustee resignations ond one oppointment, taking the current total to seven serving Trustees. The yearly skills audit has given us a focus for recruitment of a new Trustee from the educ(xtion sector. Governance The Trustees follow the Charity Commission's Good Governance guidebnes and the Essential Trustee and carry out regular governance reviews following WCRT'S Governance Action Plan. This covers Div8rsity, Board Effectiveness, Decision Making and Control and Stakeholder Mapping. The'Trustee Chatter, WhatsApp group continues to be well used and a more informal way of keeping regular contact or enobling a quick decision should something urgent Come about. The Trustees also communicate via email between meetings. R•lut•d Porti•s Insofar os it is complementory to the charitable company's objectives, the charitable company is guided by local and national policy. 12
Our charitable objectives Our objects, as set out in our governing document are: To conserve, protect. rehabilitate and improve the rivers, streams, water courses and water impoundments which form part of the catchments of the rivers Calder, Derwent, Ellen. Ehen. Esk Icumbrian not Borderl, Irt and Mite and Waver and Wampool, all in Cumbria (including without limitation the following lakes= Derwent Water, Bassenthwaite Lake. Thirlmere, Crummock Water, Buttermere, Loweswater, Ennerdale and Wast Waterl and including the estuaries of all such rivers and the adjacent estuarine and coastal areas thereto and to do likewise with regard to such other rivers catchments in the geographical area currently constituted by the county of Cumbria as determined from time to time by the Trustees for the advancement of environmental protection or improvement for the benefit of the public. To advance the education of the public with regard to their understanding of rivers, river corridors and cotchments including their flora and fauno and atso with regard to the need for, and thg bengfits of, conservation, protection, rehabilitation ond improvement of aquatic environments. The Trust has also agreed the following mission statement.. West Cumbria Rivers Trust restores and enhances rivers, lakes, estuaries and the surrounding countryside, for the benefit of both people and wildlife" The Trust's objactives and goals as sat out in the Stratagic Businass Plan 'Healthy Rivers For All, 2023 - 2028. West Cumbria Rivers Trust has a crucial role to play in raising awareness and increasing understanding of West Cumbria's rivers and lukes. We do this by connecting with people locally to make o positive difference to the heolth of rivers, lakes, people and wildlife and by following the Trusts strategic aims and objectives.. Aim1 Improve and protect Conserv8, r8Stor8 and enhance rivers and catcliments to improve and protect the natural environment. Aim2 Connect, engage and educate Engoge stokeholders ond communities to inspire enthusiosm ond commitment to deliver positive proactive changg to improve our natural gnvironm8nL Growth and resilience Aim3 Supporting sustained f inanciol security that enables our vision by developing a robust and diverse network of corporate sponsors, donors and individual supporters. Enhanced reputation Build on our track record of d8livering successful projects, wh8re stakeholder negds ar8 resp8Cted cjnd outputs clearly m8usur8d, by being a trusted partner among funding organisotions, Communities, and businesses. 13
Ensuring the work delivers the aims There are a number of objectives that sit beneath the aims in an operational plan that will be reviewed by the Trustees at the AGM. Trustees look at what has been achieved and the outcomes of the work in the previous 12 months and at the success of each key activity and the key benefits they have brought. The review also helps to ensure the aims, objectives and activities remain focused on the stated purposes. Public benefit The Trustges have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commissions general guidance on public benefit in reviewing the charitable company's aims and objectives and in planning future activities. In particular, the Trustees consider that planned activities will contribute to the airns and objectives they have set. The Trustees conf irm that public benefit has been provided by the advancement of environmental protection or improvement. 14
Overview The charity has had another impactful year to restore and enhance our rivers and lakes. Financial position in 2024/25 Total income: £2,487,258 Total expenditure: £2,295,135 Total funds: £1,475,275 The results for the year ended 31st March 2025 show a net movement of funds of £192.12312024'. £136,346). This breaks down into a net movement of £50,146 surplus12024.'1£9,4771 deficit) on unrestricted funds and 0 £141,977 surplus12024: £145,823 surplus) on restricted funds. The restricted funds surplus represents funds received for ongoing projects that will be spent in 2025- 26. The unrestricted funds are held in accordance with our Reserves Policy. Funding for our various projects continues to see a growing trend enabling the completion of more work each year. The number of projects continues to grow with 40 this year12024'. 351 which coincides with a growth in staff numbers, 3012024: 251 to deliver these projects. Our net assets are £1,475,27512024: £1,283,152) with net current assets ot £1,420,80712024'. £1,213,206). The increase year on year reflects an increase in our bank balance of some £426,000 and an increase in creditors of £16,000 and a reduction in debtors & grants due of £202,000. The Trust continues to increase the reach and variety of work into all areas of the catchments under our remit. PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES The Trustees conduct a regular review of the major risks to which the charitable company is exposed through its Risk Register. Risks are reviewed at each board meeting, and agreed actions recorded. Where appropriate, systems or procedures have been established to mitigate the risks the Trust faces. Procedures are in place to ensure compliance with health and safety of staff and volunteers and Croners have been commissioned to advise on all our health and safety needs, alongside our HR requirements. The Trust carries appropriate employers, and public liobility insurance as well as professional indemnity insurance at an appropriate leval and directors and officer's insurance. The board is committed to a culture of continuous improvement in governance. with policy review as a rolling agenda item. Remuneration policy for key management personnel All Trustees give their time freely and no Trustees received remuneration in the year. We have reviewed The Trusts pay policy and updated Personal Development Reviews on which pay is automatically increased to the next scale and the average inflation, using guidance from the Rivers Trust pay policy, provided the charity has sufficient funds to do so. GOING CONCERN After making appropriatè ènquiries, the Trustèes have a reasonable expectation that thè company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis for preparing the financial statements. 15
RESERVES POLICY The Trustees hove examined the Trust's requirements for reserves in light of the main risks to the organisation. The Trustees consider that the practises adopted by the Board and the Senior Management Team in planning and evaluating on90ing operational and financial performance are appropriate for monitoring and maintaining the Reserves Policy. The Trust hos a comparatively low level of unrestricted funds os most of the funds it receives are to ba spent on specific projects. Unrestrictèd funds at 31 March 2025 w8r8 £217,35112024: 2167.2051 and Restricted funds were £1,257.92412024'. £1,115,947) total reserves are £1,475,275 12024.. £1,283,152). The strategy of The Trust is to build our unrestricted funds undertaking an increasing amount of consultancy work to fund the increases in unrestricted costs and maintain our unrestricted funds. Unrestricted reserves comprise an amount of funds sufficient to cover the salary costs of staff for tha short t8rm if th8 Trust cannot S8cure adaquate funding to k&8p all staff fully 8mployed. The amount is calculated based on the turnover of the Trust, the likelihood of part of the Trusts funding not being forthcoming and the costs of wages and attributed overhead that might attach to such an occurrence. The Trust also recognises that in any year there may be an excess of general overhead costs ot covered by restricted income and an amount is atso sat aside to cover this eventuality. In both instances a method to calculate the amount of funds needed for the current and future years 15 used and the amount is reviewed annually. Using this calculation for 2024125 the Trust estimates that the unrestricted reserves held of £217,351 are acceptable. INVESTMENT POLICY AND PERFORMANCE Aside from retaining a prudent amount in reserves each year. most of the charitable company's funds are restricted funds to be spent in the short term on specific projects and so there are few funds availuble for long term investment. To take advantage of the current higher interest rotes the Trustees have decided to place some funds into short to medium term higher interest accounts with our Current bankers and are looking to spread to other banking institutions. The Trustees have developed an investment policy to reflect these actions. 16
Trustees responsibilities in relation to financial statements The Trustees (who ore also directors of Wgst Cumbria Rivers Trust Limited for the purposes of company lawl 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). Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisf led that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources. including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to.. salect suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently., observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP.. make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent. state whether opplicable UK Accounting Standards hove been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statgments., prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in operation. The Trustees are responsible for keeping odequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charitable company s transactions and 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 irregularities. Each of the persons who is a Trustee at the date of approval of this report confirms that: so far as they are aware. there is no relevant audit information of which the charity's auditor is unaware" and they have taken all stsps that they ought to hove taken as a Trustee to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the charity's auditor is aware of that information. The auditor is deemed to have been re-appointed in accordance with section 487 of the Companies Act 2006. In preparing this report, the Trustees hove taken advantage of the small companies exemptions provided by section 415A of the Companies Act 2006. This report was approved by the Trustees on 20th October 2025 and signed on their behalf by= Trish Dunlop Trustee 17
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT to the trustees ofWCRT We have audited the financial statements of West Cumbria Rivers Trust Limited Ithe'charity'l for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the statement of financial activities (including income and expenditure occountl, balance sheet, cosh flow stotement ond the reloted notes, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting standards. including FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). In our opinion the financial statenients: give a true and fair view of the state of the charity's affairs as at 31 March 2025 and of its incoming resources and application of resources. including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended., have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice., have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Act 2011. BASIS FOR OPINION We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing IUKI IISAS IUKII and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC'S Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. CONCLUSIONS RELATING TO GOING CONCERN In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees. use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. Bosed on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties rèlating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report. OTHER INFORMATION The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The Trustees are responsible for the other information. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion theraon. In connection with our audit of the financial statements. our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is rnaterially inconsistent with the f inancial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a materiol misstatement in tha financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed. we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fuct. We have nothing to report in this regard. 18
MATTERS ON WHICH WE ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT BY EXCEPTION We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities Act 2011 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion.. the information given in the Trustees, report is inconsistsnt in any material respect with the financial statements; or sufficient occounting records have not beèn kgPt- or the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns,. or we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit. RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRUSTEES As explained more fully in the Trustees. responsibilities statement, the Trustees (who are also the directors for the purposes of company lawl are responsible for the preparation of the financial Statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that ore free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are responsible for assessing the charity's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable. matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. AUDITOR'S RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS We hava bean appointad as auditor undar section 144 of tha Charities Act 2011 and raport in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder. Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from moterial misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, ond to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAS IUKI will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate. they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws ond regulations. We dgsign procgdur9s in line with our responsibilities, outlingd abovg, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities including fraud Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows: the engagement partnèr ensured that the engagement team collectively hod the appropriate competence. capabilities and skills to identify or recognise non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations., we identified the laws and regulations applicable to the charity through discussions with Trustees and other management; we focused on specific laws and regulations which wa consid8r8d may hav8 a direct matèrial effect on the financial statements or the operations of the charity.. we assessed the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations identified above through making enquiries of management and inspects'ng legal correspondence; and identified lows and regulations were communicated within the audit team regularly and the team remained alert to instances of non-compliance throughout the audit. 19
We assessed the susceptibility of the charity's financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by.. making enquiries of manogement as to where they considered there was susceptibility to fraud, their knowledgg of actual, susp8ct9d and alleged fraud., To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we.. performed analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships,. tested journal entries to identify unusual transactions. assessed whether judgements and assumptions made in determining the accounting estimates set out in the accounting policies were indicative of potential bias. and investigated the rationale behind significant or unusual transactions. In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to.. agreeing financial statement disclosures to underlying supporting documentation- reading the minutes of meetings of those charged with governance.. enquiring of management as to actual and potential litigation and claims,. and reviewing correspondence with the Charity Commission. There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of non-compliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify non-complionce with laws and regulations to enquiry of the Trustees and other management and the inspection of regulotory and legal correspondence, if any. Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect than those that arise from error a5 they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion. A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor s report. USE OF OUR REPORT This report is made solely to the charity's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and regulations made under section154 of that Act. Our audit work hos been undertaken so that we might state to the charity's Trustees those matters we ore required to state to them in on auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity's Trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. Saint & Co is eligible to act as an auditor in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006. Saint &Co Chartered Accountants & statutory auditor Sterling Housechartered Accountants & statutory auditor Wavell Drive, Rosehill Carlisle, Cumbria CA12SA 14 November 2025 20
Financial Statements Statement of Financial Activities including Income & Expenditure Account year ended 31 March 2025 Unrèstrict8d Funds £ Rastrict8d Funds £ Total Funds 2025 £ Total Funds 2024 £ Note INCOME Donations 6,393 2,150 8,543 15,279 Income from choritoble octivities 2,424,544 2,424,544 1,337,829 Income from other trading activities Bank interest 35,538 35,538 58.846 18,633 18,633 9,930 TOTAL INCOME 60,S64 2,426,694 2h87,258 1,421,884 EXPENDITURE Expenditure on roising funds Expenditure on charitable activities TOTAL EXPENDITURE 300 300 150 8&9 30,037 2,264,179 2,294,216 1,281,257 30.337 2.264.179 2.294.516 1.281.407 NET INCOME/IEXPENDITUREI FOR THE YEAR BEFORE TRANSFERS 30,227 162,515 192,742 140,477 Transfers between funds 15 20,538 120,5381 Other Re¢ogni$ed Gain$/{Lo$$e$) Foreign exchonge {lossl NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS 16191 $0,146 16191 192,123 14,131} 136,346 141,977 Total funds brought forward TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 167,205 1,115.947 1,283,152 1,146.806 15 217.351 1.2S7.924 1,475.275 1,283.152 The notes on the following pages form part of these financial statements. 21
Balance sheet as at 31 Marcli 2025 2025 2024 Note FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 12 54,468 69,946 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 13 392,548 594.295 1,194.517 768,498 Cash at bank 1,587,065 {166,2581 1,362.793 1149,5871 1,213,206 CREDITORS.. Amounts falling due within one year TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 14 1,420,807 NET ASSETS 1,475,275 1,283,152 THE FUNDS OF THE CHARITY Restricted Funds 15 1,257.924 1.115,947 Unrestricted Funds 15 217,351 167,205 TOTAL CHARITY FUNDS 1h75,275 1,283,152 The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the yeor ended 31 Morch 2025, although an audit has been corried out under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011. The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements under the requirements of the Companies Act 2006, for the year in question in accordance with section 476. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime. These financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 20th October 2025 and are signed on their behalf by.. Trish Dunlop Trustee The notes on the following pages form part of these financial statements. 22
Cash flow statements year ended 31st March 2025 Note Totol Funds 2025 £ Totol Funds 2024 £ Cash flows from operating activities: Not eosh providèd by op•rating a¢tiviti•s 19 441.069 93,954 Cash flow$ from inv•sting aetiviti•s: Purchose of tangible fixed assets 114,4311 138,0881 Not eosh provld•d by lus•d Inl 5nvoStlng actlvltlo$ 114,4311 138,0881 Change in cash and cash equivalents in the yèar 426,638 55,866 Change in Cash and cash equivalents due to exchonge rote movement 16191 14,1311 Cosh and cosh equivolents ot the beginning of the yeor 768,498 716,763 Chang• in cash and ¢ash •quival•nts at thè ènd of th• ytar 1.194,517 768,498 The notes on the following pages form part of these financial statements. 23
The notes on the following pages form part of these financial statements. 1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES 1.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements The finuncial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their occounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standord applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 102 (effective 1 January 20191- (Charities SORP IFRS 10211, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. West Cumbrio Rivers Trust meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note. The Trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the Trust's ability to continue as a going concern. 1.2 Company status The charitable company is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales and a registered charity in England and Wales. The members of the charitable company are the Trustees named on page 3. In the event of the charitable company being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charitable company. 1.3 Judgements and key sources of estimation un¢ortain¢y The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Significant judgèments The Trustees consider there were no significantjudgements made in preparin9 the financial Statements. Key sources of estimation uncertainty Accounting estimatgs and assumptions ore made concerning the future and, by their nature, will rarely equal the related actual outcome. The Trustees consider there are no key sources of estimation uncertainty. 1.4 Fund accounting General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Trust ond which have Thot been designated for other purposes. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set ¢Jside by the Trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements. Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors. or which have been raised by the Trust for specif ic purposes. The costs of raising and administrating such funds are charged to the Specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the finonciol statements. Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund. 1.5 Incoming resources All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when the Trust has entitlement to the funds, certainty of receipt and the amount con be meosured with sufficient reliability. For legacies, entitlement is the earlier of the Trust being notified of an impending distribution or the legacy being received. Income from donations or grants is recognised when there is evidence of entitlement to the gift, receipt is probable, and its amount can be measured reliably. Income from donated goods is measured at the fair value of the goods unless this is impractical to measure reliably, in which case the value is derived from the cost to th8 donor or the estimated 24
resale value. Donated facilities and services are recognised in the accounts when received if the value can be reliably measured. No amounts are included for the contribution of general volunteers. Income tax rgcovgrable in relation to investment income is recognisgd at th8 time the investment income is received. Other income is recognised in the period in which it is receivable and to the extent the goods have been provided or on completion of the service. 1.6 Rgsource$ expended Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been included under expenses categories that aggregate all costs for allocation to activities. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular activities, they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of the resources. Support costs are those costs incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the Trust. Governance costs are those incurred in connection with the administration of the Trust and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements. All resources expended are inclusive of irrecoverable VAT. 1.7 Fixed assats Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following basis.. Plant and machinery 20% straight line Office Equipment 20/0 Straight line Motor vehicles straight line over 4 years Assets under £1,000 cxre not capitalised. 1.8 Debtors and prepayments Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due. 1.9 Creditors and provisions 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 normolly recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due. 1.10 Financial instrumènts A financial asset or a financial liability is recognised only when the entity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at the amount receivable or payable including any related transaction costs, unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where it is recognised ot the present value of the future poyments discounted ot a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument. Current assets and current liabilities are subsequently measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be paid or received and not discounted. Debt instruments ore subsequently mgasur9d at amortised cost. Financial assets that are measured at cost or amortised cost are reviewed for objective evidence of impairment at the end of each reporting date. If there is objective evidence of impairment, an impairment loss is recognised under the appropriate heading in the statement of financial activities in which the initial gain was recognised. 1.11 Taxation The Trust Is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph I Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. 25
Accordingly, the Trust is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992. to the extent that such income or gains applied exclusively to charitable purposes. 1.12 Government Grants Government grants are recognisèd cxt thè fair vcxlue of the assèt received or recèivable. Grants are not recognised until there is reasonable assurance that the charity will comply with the conditions attaching to them and the grants will be received. Where the grant does not impose specified future performance-related conditions on the recipient, it is recognised in income when the grant proceeds are received or receivable. Where the grant does impose specified future performance-related conditions on the recipient, it is recognised in income only when the performance related conditions have been met. Where grants received are prior to satisfying the revenue recognition criteria, they are recognised as a liability. 1.13 Public Benefit Entity Concessionary Loans Public benefit entity concessionary loans shall initially be measured at the amount received and recognised in the statement of financial position. In subsequent years, the carrying amount of concessionary loans in the financial statements shall be adjusted to ref lect any accrued interest payable. 26
Notes to the financial statements 2 Voluntary income- current yoar Unrestricted Funds £ Restricted Funds £ Total Funds 2025 £ Donations 5.718 2,150 7,868 River Giver donations 675 675 6,393 2,150 8,543 Voluntary income- prior year Unrestricted Funds £ Restricted Funds £ Total Funds 2024 £ Donations 8.337 6.700 15,037 River Giver donations 242 242 8,579 6,700 15,279 3 Income from charitable activities- currentyear Unrestricted Funds £ Restricted Funds £ Total Funds 2025 £ River Projects 2,424,544 2,424,544 Income from Charitable a¢tivitie$- prior year Unrestricted Funds £ Restricted Funds £ Total Funds 2024 £ River Projects 1,337,829 1,337,829 INCOME FROM OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES- CURRENTYEAR Unrestricted Funds £ Restricted Funds £ Total Funds 2025 £ Fund Raising Activities Monogement & Contract Fee Income 820 820 34,n8 34,718 35,538 35,538 INCOME FROM OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES- PRIOR YEAR Unrestricted Funds £ Restricted Funds £ Total Funds 2024 £ Fund Raising Activities Nanagement & Contract Fee Income 902 902 57,944 57,944 58,846 58,846 27
Notes to the financial statements GRANT FUNDERS Current Year 2025 Prior Year 2024 Unrestricted Funds E Restricted Funds £ Total Funds 2025 É Unrestricted Funds £ Restricted Funds£ Totol Funds 2024 É Cumbria Community Foundation 15,673 15,673 16,179 16.179 Cumberlond Council 66,792 66,792 8,500 400 8,500 400 Cumbria Youth Alliancè Environment Agency Esmee Fairburn 601.054 601.054 314,241 40.977 154,001 314,241 40,977 154,001 FIPL Lake District Nat Pork 88,201 88,201 Forestry Commission Francis Scott 8,895 12,400 2,000 548,901 8,895 12,400 2,000 548,901 2,800 11,500 2,800 11.500 Hodfield Trust Hèritoga Lottéry Fund LifelP 178,099 28,040 102,162 33,120 178,099 28,040 102,162 33,120 Natural England National Trust 69,013 21,119 69,013 21,119 NEIRF Environmènt Agency Sainsburys Sellofield 340,288 340,288 23,364 23,364 43,000 154,549 190 43,000 154,549 190 154,549 2,530 17,000 4,156 154,549 2,530 17,000 4,156 Smoll Gronts The Rivers Trust 19,001 9,486 19,001 9,486 UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology United Utilities 204,062 1.250 204,062 1.250 204,983 1.250 204,983 1,250 Voluntary Action Cum- bria W4W 18,473 85,000 39,500 10,000 5,557 60,140 2A24,S44 18,473 85,000 18,578 20,000 1,400 18,578 20,000 WEIFF West Lakes CIC 39.500 10.000 5,557 60,140 2,424.$44 1.400 Westmorland Council Woodlond Trust WRAP 1,337,829 1,337,829 28
Not8S to th8 financial statamènts Principal funding sources DEFRA continues to be a major funder through government bodies including the Environment Agency in the form of charitable grants to undertake work within catchments to deliver the Resilient Glenderamuckin Project, practical river restoration projects, natural f lood management INFMI work, engagement with farmers and tree planting support through the Woodlands for Water Programme IW4WI. The Mink Free/Water Vole Reintroduction programme is also funded mainly by EA with funds also from the Forestry Commission. The Rural Payments Agency also manage the Water Restoration Fund for Lakes biosecurity area project for invasive species work across Cumbria and the Cocker Discovery project along with funding for the Cocker facilitation fund. The Environment Agency also continue to fund our Catchment Partnership work Our focus on engaging p8ople with nature continues particularly on the W8St coast with funding sources continuing from The National Lottery Heritage Fund which hos funded our'A Wilder Walkmill, project and our'People on the Keekle. project funded by the Sellafield Six. These projects also contribute to our other charitable aim5 With river restoration projects embedded within. The National Trust Species Survival Fund has funded more education work, WCRT'S Youth Panel, Riverfly and some invasive species work on the Derwent catchment. United Utilities is still a major partner from the business sector, funding projects which currently require the services of three full time posts to carry out habitat improvements and projects to reduce diffuse water pollution, which assist with the delivery of their business objectives. The particular emphosis for their work is around the compensotory meosures project ond the critically endangered freshwater pearl mussels and St. Johns Beck. They also fund the Better Rivers Better Northwest project on the Waver Wampool. Other grants have been received from WRAP, WEIF, FIPL, Cumbria C0mUnitY Foundation, Francis Scott Charitable Trust and Cumberland UKSPF, Woodland Trust, Natural England, potato pot foundation and Wolney Extension Community grants fund. Commercial work- The Trust has also been delivering invoiced consultancy work for contractors and consultants to deliver fish rescues, electro-f ishing and walkover Surveys and is investigating ways to officially start a consultancy arm. 4. INVESTMENT INCOME- CURRENTYEAR Unrestricted Funds £ Restricted Funds £ Total Funds 2025 £ Bank Interest 18,633 18,633 INVESTMENT INCOME- PRIOR YEAR Unrestricted Funds £ Restricted Funds £ Total Funds 2024 £ Bank Interest 9,930 9,930 29
Not8S to th8 financial stat8mènts S. DIRECT COSTS Current Year 2025 Prior Year 2024 River Projects Total 2025 £ River Projects £ Total 2024 £ Advertising & Marketing Computer/Website DepcIatIon Elèctric and Gos 6,217 16,080 29,909 6,217 16,080 29,909 3,127 31,657 2,441 2,479 11,206 7,320 28,032 28,765 7,320 28,032 28,765 2.040 17,909 1,972 1,446 9,551 3,127 31,657 2,441 2,479 11,206 2,040 17,909 1,972 1,446 9,551 Form8r Grants HR Consultants Health & Safety Consultant5 Insurance Legal ond professionol Office Costs 11,441 2,264 1,055,554 4,071 11,441 2,264 1,055,554 4,071 12,614 2,164 393,313 2,655 7,222 24,545 469 12,614 2,164 393,313 2,655 7,222 24,545 469 Project purchoses Printing, postoge ond stotionery Protective clothing Rent ond Rates 8,889 29,776 1,044 7,044 4,880 26,369 34,089 8,944 8,889 29.776 1,044 7,044 4,880 26,369 34,OB9 8,944 Repairs and maintenance Stoff costs- sundry Sundry èxpènsès Training Travel cost 7,999 6,420 12,157 23,157 7,370 7.999 6.420 12,157 23,157 7,370 Te18phon8 Wages & Salaries, pension and National Insuranc8 991,113 991.113 678,726 678.726 2.288.594 2.288.594 1.275.846 1,27&846 30
Notes to the financial statements 6. GOVERNANCE COSTS- CURRENT YEAR Unrestricted Funds £ Restricted Funds £ Total Funds 2025 £ Accountancy Fees 1,500 1.500 Auditor's Remuneration 3,166 3,166 Legol ond professional 69 69 4,73S 4,735 GOVERNANCE COSTS - PRIOR YEAR Unrestricted Funds £ Restricted Funds £ Total Funds 2024 £ Accountancy Fees Auditor's Remuneration 1,500 1,500 2.997 2,997 Legal and professional 48 48 4,545 4,545 7. SUPPORT COSTS- CURRENTYEAR River Projects £ 887 Total 2025 £ Bank Charges 887 SUPPORT COSTS- PRIOR YEAR River Projects £ 866 Totol 2024 £ Bank Charges 866 31
Notes to the financial statements 8. ANALYSIS OF RESOURCES EXPENDED BY EXPENDITURE TYPE- CURRENT YEAR Stoff Costs £ Depreciation £ 29,909 Othgr Costs £ Total 2025 £ River Projects Governance 991,113 1.268.459 2.289,481 4,735 4,735 911,113 29,909 1,273,194 2,294,216 ANALYSIS OF RESOURCES EXPENDED BY EXPENDITURE TYPE - PRIOR YEAR Staff Costs £ Depreciation £ Other Costs £ Total 2024 £ River Projects Governance 678,726 28,765 569,221 1,276,712 4,545 4,545 678.n6 28,765 $73,766 1,281,257 9. ANALYSIS OF RESOURCES EXPENDED BY ACTIVITIES- CURRENT YEAR Activities Undertaken Directly £ 2,261,672 Support Cost £ Total 2025 £ River Projacts Grants to Farmers 887 2,262,559 31.657 31,657 River Projects 2,293,329 887 2,294,216 ANALYSIS OF RESOURCES EXPENDED BY ACTIVITIES - PRIOR YEAR Activities Undertoken Directly £ 1,262,482 Support Cost £ Total 2024 £ River Projects Gronts to Formers 866 1,263,348 17,909 17,909 River Projects 1.280.391 866 1,281,257 32
Notes to the finoncial statements 10. NET INCOMING/IOUTGOING} RESOURCES This is stated after charging.. 2025 £ 2024 £ Depreciation Auditors 29,909 28,765 3,166 2,997 11. STAFF COSTS 2025 £ 2024 £ Woges ond salaries Employers notional insurance Employer Pension Contribution 847,285 579,725 77,926 52,341 65,902 46,660 911,113 678,726 No employees received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year. No remuneration was paid to any Trustee in respect of their position as Trustee. No expenses were paid to Trustees in either year. The charity has purchased insurance to protect Trustees from claims arising from negligent acts, errors or omissions occurring whilst on charity business. The cost for the year ended 31st March 2025 was £2,29012024- £2,290). The cost of this insurance is included in direct costs. The Trust&e's liability insurance is capped at £5,000,000. The key management personnel of the Trust, comprise the Trustees and the Trust's Operations Director. The total employee benef it of key management personnel of the Trust was £62.709 12024 £57,737). The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows- 2025 No 2024 No Management Project staff Administration staff 24 22 27 25 33
Notes to the financial statements 12. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Motor Vehicle £ Plant and Machinery £ Office Equipment £ Total £ COST At l April 2024 Additions 95.510 130.526 3,369 229.405 11,798 2,633 14,431 Disposals At 31 March 2025 107.308 133.159 3.369 243,836 DEPRECIATION At l April 2024 Charge for year On disposals At 31 March 2025 61,117 96,126 2,216 169,459 15,090 14,435 384 29,909 76.207 110.561 2.600 189.368 NET BOOKVALUE At 31 March 2025 31.101 22.598 769 54h68 At 31 March 2024 34,393 34,400 1,153 69,946 34
Notes to the financial statements 13. DEBTORS 2025 £ 2024 £ Trade Debtors 112,768 195,136 Sundry Debtors Grants Due 4,220 2,037 264,400 386.763 Prepayments 11,160 10,359 392,548 S94,295 14. CREDITORS: Amounts falllng due withln one year 2025 £ 2024 £ Trade creditors 124,023 47.634 Other taxotion ond social security Other creditors 19,051 14,741 18,434 83,770 Accruals and deferred income 4.750 3,442 166,258 149,587 35
Notes to the financial statements 15. STATEMENT OF FUNDS- CURRENTYEAR Bolance at 01 Apr 24 Movement in resources Transfers Bolonce at 31 Mar 25 Incoming Outgoing Unr8strictsd funds Gen8ral funds 167.205 30.956 20.538 217.351 Total uDr9Stricted 167.205 30.956 217.351 Restrl¢ted funds Annas Catchm8nt 2.983 1.468 8aihing Waters 333 442 109 Cotchment Portnership 70,158 42.500 53,420 69,238 Cotsst to Cott$t 7.270 12.340 12,50S 18631 6.242 Cocker Focilitotion Fund 19.439 19,938 922 Cocker NFM 53,115 43.000 52.353 13.000 56,762 CockerWEG 4.992 4.992 Compensotory Measures-River Ehen 67.651 82,760 26.784 1&0661 CPAF 53,500 68.109 87,OSS 34,SS4 Cumbrio Peoplos Notur9 Electrofishing Surveys Ennerdale Mill Dam 5.138 8.500 11,332 2,306 8.077 9,300 20.8S4 7,000 3,523 io,000 iio,0001 FIPL Glgnderomackin 88,202 75.750 10.555 Flimbv 11,380 2.07S 9,305 GDF R&blRTH 921 a57 64 Glenderarnackin NFM 22.663 5.005 17.658 IRT Hi9h Ecolog1¢tsl Status Invosivg Speci Loweswolercare 29,97B 18,363 1S,000 26.61S 13.577 33.008 35.664 16.464 27.485 4.496 1,047 3.449 Mink Frèè Rivèrs 4.752 3.604 Noturol Englond Project$ Newlands 8.529 3.482 2.567 9.444 7.861 2,877 646 10.092 People on Th8 K88kl8 & Mir8hous8 Ponds 171,300 154.549 95.283 230.566 ReForm 222,061 232.576 10.515 Replenish West Lokes 19.500 3,893 15,607 R8sili8nt Gl8nd8ratnackin 9,630 340.288 328.878 21.040 Restoring The Derv*nt 6.612 1.564 5,048 Rlvercorridor GrDU 7,4S6 7.456 RivgrlrtComp9nsotion River Restoration Prtsiect 55.387 35.000 69.161 4.550 154.107 189,460 122,809 157,0371 Sp8ci8s Survival Fund (National Trust) stJohn's In Thevale 1È,343 5,147 111&641 13.0001 1,252 19.774 140.582 138.421 18.935 Thirlmere 1,477 235 Thriving ¢wkfyr Waiervole Reintroduction 1.575 1.575 50.000 47,334 2.666 WateryWolk5 66,792 67,546 7S4 Wavèr Wttmwol Ftsrmin9 Futurèa Wildgr Wolkmill 60,140 2B.966 239.654 652.351 649.458 242.547 Wild River Education S8.843 27.3 16,824 69,652 Woodlands for Water 9,363 30,014 2S.569 13,808 Tottsl Restrided fund$ 2,426.694 2.264.179 120,S381 1,257,924 Totalfundg 1.281152 2,487,258 2,296,135 11b75375 36
Notes to the financial statements 15. STATEMENT OF FUNDS- PRIOR YEAR Bolance at 01 Apr 23 Movement in resources Transfers Bolonce at 31 Mar 24 Incoming Outgoing Unr8strictsd funds G8n8ral funds 176,682 77.355 86.832 167.205 Tt*al unr•strict•dfvnds 77,355 86.832 167305 Restrl¢ted funds Annas Catchm8nt 4.204 2983 8aihing Waters 6,000 5.667 333 Cotchment Portnership 78,256 40,880 48,306 70.1S8 Cotsst to Cott$t 7.500 230 7,270 Cocker Focilitotion Fund 1.083 19.366 19,028 Cocker NFM 56.673 5.000 8.558 CockerWEG 4.992 4.992 Compensotory Measures 51,345 89.736 69.637 13.7931 67,651 CPAF 57,3B4 60,1S6 64,040 53,500 Cumbrio Peoplos Notur9 Electrofishing Surveys Ennerdale Mill Dam 8.500 3,362 5.138 15,700 27.837 5,000 8,077 io,000 io.000 FIPL Glgnderomackin 19.434 11.8971 Flimbv 13,580 2.200 11.380 GDF R&blRTH 2,220 921 Glenderarnackin NFM 46,212 150 23.699 22.663 IRT Hi9h Ecolog1¢tsl Status Invosivg Speci Loweswolercare 4,314 39,81S 34,161 20,000 29,978 20.466 1.232 10.521 2.500 13.677 5.682 4,496 Monitorino Noturol Englond Project$ Newlands 3.82B 4,SOO 672 7.866 3.484 2.821 8,529 7.861 7.861 People on Th8 K88kl8 & Mir8hous8 Ponds n.701 154.549 54.950 171.300 ReForm 71,812 79.389 7,577 Resilient Glenderomockln 7.093 72.S65 70,028 9,630 R8storing Th8 D8rw8nt River Corridor Group 5.188 15.000 13.576 6.612 7.915 459 7.456 Rlverlrteotnpensation 79,005 19.834 13,7841 SS.387 RivgrRestorotion Project stJohn's Beck 140.219 209.241 123,913 171.4401 154.1Q7 30 115,366 9S,622 19,774 Thirlm8r@ 492 2.032 1.540 Thriving Cockgr 19.0601 217,046 139.668 129.033 1,575 Wilder Walkmill 179,400 199,192 42,400 239,654 Wild Rivfyr Eduwtion 51.133 47.097 39.387 58.843 WoodlondslorWot$r 7.261 22.878 20.716 Totol Restrided fvnd$ 970.124 1.344,529 1.198.706 1.115.947 Totalfvnds 1.14W6 1,421.884 128 1,281152 Project descriptions follow on pages 40-43 37
Notes to the f inancial statements I& ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS between funds- CURRENT YEAR Unrestricted funds £ Restricted funds E Totol funds 2025 £ Totol funds 2024 2 Tangible fixed ossets Current ossets 5,327 232,697 120,6731 217,3S1 49,141 1,354,368 1145,5851 1.257.924 54,468 1,587,065 1166,2581 1.47S.275 69,946 1,362,793 1149,5871 1,283.152 Current liabilities ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS between funds- PRIOR YEAR Unrestricted funds £ R8Stricted funds £ Total funds 2024 £ Total funds 2023 £ Tongiblè fixed tsssèts Current ass8ts 35,548 148,108 116,4511 167,205 34,398 1,214,685 1133,1361 1,115,947 69,946 1,362,793 1149,5871 1,283,152 60,623 1,295,908 1209,7251 1,146,806 Current liabilities 17. RELATED PARTIES The choritable company is controlled by the Trustees who are all directors of the company. The Trust works with other rivers trusts and the umbrella orgaSatIon The Rivers Trust. The Trust Operations director is a trustee of Th8 Rivers Trust and Cunibria People and Nature Network, Mrs J Saxon, a trustee is also an employee of the National Trust and the trust had transactions with these organisatiorns during the year. All relotionships are conducted at on arms length basis and where required a standard memorandum of understanding is negotiated. 18. COMMITMENTS Operatlll9 Leases: At 31st March 2025 there wer8 t178 following annual commitments under non-canc8llable op8rating leas8S. Amournts relats to rènt of thè officès, photocopiar and t&lephon&s. 2025 £ 2024 £ Operating leases payments due.. Within on8 y8ar In the second to fifth years inclusive 20,431 26,958 7.368 18,977 27,799 44935 19. RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 2025 £ 2024 2 Net incomè for thè yèar Adjustments for.. L8ss Government grant income Add back depr8¢1Qtion Add back HP interest ¢harge Ilncreosel decreose in debtors IDe¢reosel/in¢reose in Creditors Net cash provided by operuting activities 192,742 140.477 29,909 28,765 201,747 16,671 441,069 115,1501 160,1381 93,9S4 38
Notes to the f inancial statements 20. ANALYSIS OF CHANGE IN NET DEBT At 01/04/2024 Cosh flows £ other non Cosh chon9es £ At 31103/2025 Cash & cosh equivalents Cosh 768,498 768,498 426,019 426,019 1,194,517 1,194.517 Total DetaiLs on the projects will follow on page 40 onwards. 21. PENSION COMMITMENTS Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Charity in independently advis8d funds. Th8 pension cost charge repres8nts contributions payable by the Charity to the fund and amounted to £65,90212024 £46,660). Contributions total £12,65912024 £12,502) were payments due to the fund at the Balance Sheet date and are included in creditors. 39
WCRT Project Descriptions Invasive Species The aim of this proje¢t is to prevent, detect, control (Jnd eradicate specified invasive non-native species in the Derwent Catchment through a uniform, catchment-based approach across partners. QgnIng with the Derwent Catchment INNS strotegy and the GB Invasive Species Strategy. This project is currently focusing on controlling and eradicating Hinialay(Jn b(xlsam, Japanese knotweed and American skunk cabbage. The project also aims to raise awareness of invosive species through the Don't Pock o Pest campaign to prevent the spread of new invasive species. Funding has been received frorn National Trust Species Survival Fund, Natural England Coast to Coast fund, Environment Agency and United Utilities. All work is done in collaboration with partners, through the Derwent Invasives Partnership. Mink Free Rivers Funded by the Environment Agency Water Environment Improvement Fund, Forestry England and United Utilities the overall aim of the Mink Free Rivers Project is to eradicate mink from the West Cumbria area. Mink pose a grave threat to native wildlife, including water voles Iwhose populations have declined by 94%), ground and holè-nèsting birds and fish. Thè project èmploys innovativ8, humano t&chniqu&s inspir8d by Waterlifè Recovery Trust, including remote monitoring devices which notify trappers when a mink is in a trap, mink anal scent gland lures and genetic analysis to better inform trapping protocol. Once mird< have been eradicated, the project (xnticipat8S th8 r8introduction of water voles to restor8 ecological balance and revive biodiv8r51ty across tho region. Lakes Biosecurity Priority Area is o one-yeor'development. project funded by the Water Restoration Fund IWRFI - monies raised from P8nalties imposed on wat8r companie5. The project will finish in March 2026 although we anticipate applying for 0 5-yèur'dèlivèry' phasè upon complotion, also fundèd through tho WRF. WCRT ara lèading tho projèct alongside Eden Rivers Trust and South Cumbria Rivers Trust, developing a strategic. comprehensive approach to preventing new INNS introductions, raising the awareness of INNS and improvin9 access to these lokes through upgrading infrastructure in specific access areas. allowing natural r8covery across the waterbody. Loweswater Care Programme The LCP aimed to improve the water quality of Loweswater through improvements in farming practices, land restoration and treatment of lake waters. The mctin LCP project, funded by DEFRA'S Catchment Restoration Fund ICRFI, was completed in 2015. but the Trust 15 Still involved in monitoring of th8 Lak8. River Restoration Programme Funded by the Environment Agency and Natural England, the overoll aim of the river restoration project is to restore watercourses in the SSSI section of the Derwent catchment in bne with the Water Frcynework Directive and the SAC/SSSI Site Improvement Plan, and since 2022 the scope has expanded to include areas outside the SSSI boundaries lon a case by case basis). CUrnt projects include the River Ehen revetment removal progromme, Dubwoth Beck restoration, River Ellen barrier removal scheme, Croasdale Beck fish erysement, Liza Be¢k study and various opportunities across the River Irt catchment. Catchment Partnerships WCRT host three Catchment Partnerships as part of the Catchment Based Approach ICaBAI covering the Derw8rit, South-west Lake5, and Wompool and Wav6r eatchmènts. Thè funding through DEFRA allows for the establishment and maintenance of a portnership for each catchment that works with key stakeholders to agree ond deliver the strategic priorities for the catchment and to support partnor organisations in developing and delivering plans and strategies such as the River 80sin Management Plan (required under the Water Framework Directive) and others such as Drainage and Wast8water Management Plans. thwoite 40
lrt High Ecological Status is o longstanding project benefiting from several different funding sourc85 over th8 years. Th8 project now primarily b8n8fits fro Environment Agency funding and Natural England funding through WEIF and River Restoration Strategy. It aims to restore the River Irt and surrounding catchment to High Ecolo9i¢oI Status through habitat r8Storation to b8n8fit th8 Freshwat8r P8arl Mussel population. The project also include5 re-lntroductions of mussels and monitoring. Wild Rivers Education We continue to run our successful Wild About Rivers programme to Key Stage 2 primary children aeross West Cumbria thanks to funding from Cumbria Community Foundation and the National Trust's Species Survival Fund. This year we have d81iver8d 50 sessions across 21 schools, reaching o total of 860 learrnèrs. Feedback, as always, has been excellent and is once again over subscribed. Our Wellbeing in the Woods programme- funded by Francis Scott Trust- works with small groups of young peop18 on a regular basis and airns to improv8 mèntal wall-bèirng through attending Forèst School sessions. In addition. we have organised or supported a range of community events to engage and enthuse local commurrities. The Trust's Youth Panel of young people have branched out to also work with thè National Trust and wantod this yèar to lèam mora on thè ground conservation tasks. Electrofishing Survey$ Funded by Water R8Storation Fund, donations frorn riparian landowners, the angling cornmunity. various charitable sources, and partner organisations, this Derwernt catchment-wide fish and habitat assessment provides cruciol data on distributions and numbers of fish to inform the targeting of conservation octions throughout the catchment and demonstrates the impocts of improvement works. The project is also working in collaboration with The Riv8rs Trust, Environrnent Agency and other local Rivers Trusts to collaborate on standards, data sharing and data management to feed the data into the Environment Agency's national database. Natural England's Facilitation Fund (River Cocker) The Trust contlnU8S to work with the Cocker Catchment farni8r group, fundèd through a third round of tha Countryside Stewardship facilitation fund scheme. The scheme involves engaging and educating landowners and farmers collectively through o series of events, site visits ond demonstrotions, around reducing diffuse pollution, air quality, habitat restoration and natural flood management to improve farm resilience and rèstorè the environmènt and watèrcourses. Compensatory Measures (River Ehen) Following on from the Pearls in Peril Project the Trust hos continued working with the critically endangered freshwat8r p8arl muss81 in th8 River Ehen catchm8nt with continued funding from United Utilities, Cotnpensatory Mea5ure5 project. The project delivers habitat irnprovetnents, reduces diffuse and point source water pollution and supports natural processes to provide a healthy natural environment that supports the sustoinoble recruitment of the freshwater mussel and Atlantic salmon. People on the Keekle & Mirehouse Ponds Thè'People on the Keekle, projeet, initially scheduled to and in Octobar 2023. has racaivod a throè-yèar extension with funding from Sellafield. This phose will continue the successful efforts in community engagemenL habitat restoration, and water quality improvement ot Longlands Lake, the Lower River Keekle, and its tributaries, while also expanding to include Mir8hous8 Ponds and the Mirehouse estate in Whitehaven. The project is working to connect people with nature by involving local communities and schools in environmental education and honds-on learning. Schools will develop nature areas on their grounds, integrating outdoor activities into their curriculum. The initiativ8 will ctlso focus on managing invasive species, enhancing public access, and organising community events such as wild"fe walks, tree planting, and pond dipping. These activities aim to enrich the natural environment and foster a stronger connection between residents and their local ecosystems, benefiting both wildlife and the community. 41
Mitigation Measures (St. Johns in the Vale) Funded by United Utilities, this project is part of the new Thirlmere Abstraction Licence Section 20 agreement between UU and the EA (Schedule 21. The aini of the project is to work with landowners in the st John'5 8eck catchm8nt to itnprov8 habitat for th8 b8nefit5 of the protected features of the Special Area of Conservation ISACI. The intention is that the habitat improvements will moke flow in St John's Beck more effective at delivering the natural processes that the SAC requires but which are adv8rs81y inipact8d by th8 highly tnanaged natur8 of the system. Woodlands for Water Supported by RAISE Cumbrio Community Forest, through this project we fo¢ibtote landowners to apply for tree planting grants from either the Cornmunity For8St or For8stry Commission. This includes woodland creation, river buffers and agrofore5try. A Wilder Walkmill The delivery phase of funding from Notional Lottery Heritage fund started in September 2023. Over 4 years the project will improve and 8nhan¢8 th8 much-Lov8d gr88nspace of WaLkmilL Community WoodLarLd at Moresby Parks near Whitehaven. Th8 Slte is important because of its significant natural and industrial heritage but requires significant management ar repair for people and wildlife. Health and wellbeing of the local community will aLso be improved through Green Gyrns, Green Social Prescribing and ev8nts and activities. School children will learn about th8 Sltes fascinating history and connèct with tho miners from tho village through oral history and intorpratation. Resilient Glenderamackin The Resilient Glenderamackin Projert builds on over a decade of work by West Cumbria Rivers Trust IWCRTI and partners in the catchnient. It was developed in response to escalating threats such as biodiversity loss and climate change, alongside growing support from the farming community to scole up action. Initially shaped through the Natural Environment Investment Readiness Fund INEIRFI, it b8ccwn8 clear that a b18nd of private and agri-environment funding was essential for delivèry. This lad to a successful application to tha DEFRA Landscape Recov&ry Round 2 pilot scheme. Led by WCRT, in collaboration with the Rivers Trust, Nature Finance and partners, Resilient Glenderarnackin Landscape R8covery IRGLRI project is working with 60 land managers across 43 holdings and 3 commons in the Lake District National Park. Currently in the development stoge, with delivery plans submitted to Defra in summer 2025, it airns to improve protected site condition, enhance biodiversity. reduce flood risk, improve water quality, and h8ip mitigats climate chang8. Key project actions include.. Restoring and creating habitats across over 7,880 hectares. including wetlands, ponds. rivers, woodlonds, scrub, and hedgerows. Upland restoratior) over 4,600ha, including peatLand rewetting and the creation of upland scrub, including within designated SACS and SSSIS. River restoration along the Glenderamackin cxnd St John's Beck, reconnecting floodplains and exploring opportunities to irnprov8 flow r8gimes ir) collaboration with Unit8d Utilities. Invasive species control, with ambitions to reintroduce native water voles after mink eradication. Improving 23 upland footpaths to enhance access and reduce erosion in sensitive habitats. Supporting sustainable farming, blending food production with nature recovery, backed by trusted advisory relationships and tailored financial supporL Engaging Communities through education, citizen science, events, and volunteering opportunities. Delivering Natural Flood Managem8rit, with 800,000m of temporary flood storag8 aiming to reduc8 downstream flood peaks by 10-15/0 and improve climate resilience. In addition to environmental outcomes, the project is expected to generate sigNficant economic and social berLefits, contributing approximately 2100 million to the local ewnomy. Cocker - Water Restoration Fund This projèct is fundèd though DEFRAS Wator Rostoration Fund and is a devèlopmont project. Working closoly with farmers and landowners the project includes project scoping, from initial visits right though to detailed design. Projects whi¢h ore being worked up as part of this project include 4 river restorations, S wetlands as W811 as identifying locations for other interventions such as riparian zones, ponds. hedges and tr88 planting. A central strand of the project is to develop pipelines of projects to deliver on multiple benefits and supporting farmers to develop projects which would allow them to apply into other avoiloble schemes and access support, particularly Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier ICSHTI. The aim is to have a pipeline of projects prepared for delivery should a second round of funding be announced. b Grydrtg 42
Cocker - Cumbria innovation Flood Resilience (CIFR) project is funded through Westmorland and Furness Council and overseen by the Environment Agency and Natural England. It is an NFM project which is delivering multiple projects along Totn Rudd and Bitter 8ecks, which are both tributaries of the river Cocker. The deliverables have all been pre-scoped and prescribed by the CIFR team and we hove tendered for the delivery. Which includes- hedg8 r8Storation, riparian f8ncing and planting, ponds cxnd leaky doms. We are also involved in the development of the Second phase of this project which involves working closely with Natural England, Environment Agency and the farmers and landowners olong Tom Rudd and Bitter Beck, to develop NFM solutions which hav8 multiple b8nefits for flood protection, nature and farming. Waver Wampool Farming Futures Funded primarily by the Waste and Resources Action Programme IWRAPI, with additional funding from United Utilities'Better Rivers Better North-west, and the Environment Ag8ncy's Wat8r Environn78nt Improvement Fund, the Trust is working closely with farmers, landownors and local eommurnitiès to improvè water quality and restorè riparian habitats, whiLst supporting farm businesses, in the catshments of the Rivers Waver and Wampool in the Solway area of north Cumbria. Bathing Waters Following the surnmer of watsr quality testing in 2024 by th8 Environment Agency, Derw8ntwatsr's bathing water was classed as poor with advice against bathing. The Trust continue to run the bathing waters steering group- Cherish Derwent Water- and have secured further funding from Cumberlond Council UKDPF fund to carry out further water quality testing at other popular swimming spots around the lake. Cumbria P8ople & Nature Network (CPNN) The CPNN is a forum that brings people of all backgrounds and cultures together who are involved in people and nature activity to grow relationships and partnerships, shore learning ond work collaboratively. and help more people connect with, benefit from, and take action for nature across Cumbria. The trust was instrumental in s8tting up the partnership along with Natural England and Cumbria Local Nature Partnership. The Trusts director Chairs the steering group and funding from Westmorland and Furness council and Cumberlond council have enabled the Creation of o website and colloborotive events to be run. Coast to Coast In July 2022 Natural England received Secretary of State approval to establish a new National Trail broadly following the route of the popular Alfd Wainwright Coast to Coast path from St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hoods Boy in the North York Moors National Park. As port of this opprovol, Natural En9lond was oworded cxdditional funding to offer a range of natur8 improvem8nt initiatives along th8 corridor of th8 route. The Trust received funding to produce a Biodiversity in Borrowdale Action Plan for nature, with a particular focu5 on salmon. The funding also created a unified approach to managing invasive species in the Borrowdale Valley and Derwent Water. Watery Walks Thè Trust has receiv&d funding from thè UK Shared Prospèrity Fund as part of the govornmornt Levelling Up fund, managed through Copeland Community Fund to give people the confidence to find new ways to o¢cess their local watery world by identifying, scoping and mapping 10 watery walks. View all WCRT'S Watery Walks h8r8.. Trails- River Walk5 Cumbria- West Cumbria Rivers Trust National Trust Species Survival fund The Nationol Trust Lake District Riverlonds Project and the Trust are delivering a programme of Engagement rynd Outreach activities to ¢or)nect people in Cumbria with the health of their rivers across the Derwent catchment. The project will also support the Derw8nt Invasiv8s Partnership, Riv8rf ly and th8 Trust's Youth Panel and is funded through the NT Species Survival Fund run through the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Replenish West Lakes TiS programme is funded by West Lakeland CIC using their Natural Environment Ir)vestment Readiness INEIRFI funded project. The airn of th8 programm8 is to d8v81op environmental restoration opportunities that have been put forward by farmer members. The programme will then match opportunities, for exampLe projects that would improve water availability, with private buyers. 43
WEST CUMBRIA RIVERS TRUST Accounts and Annual Report 2024- 2025 T: 017687 75429 E: info@westcumbriariverstrust.org westcumbriariverstrust.org @westcumbriariverstrust westcumbriart DIP Derwent Invasive5 Partnership 5s*1èwth Environment Agency Cumberland Council Heritage Fund FRESHWATER BIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION Forestry England Funded by UK Government WOODLAND TRUST SPECIES SURVIVAL FUND The Rivers Trust * United utilities Watsr for the North West Esmee Fairbairn Westmorland & Furness Council Lake Dirtrlct Notional Pork NATURAL ENGLAND UMPATVJN Environrnent Agency L4TLTrAI l Fcod & Rwa Affdrs nature inance rojects for Nature Landscape Recovery 44