2024-03-31-accounts - Western Sussex Rivers Trust

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Wcstcrn Susscx Rivers Trust Western Sussex Rivers Trust (Formerly The Arun & Rother Rivers Trust) Annual Report 2023-24

Western Sussex Rivers Trust Annual Report 2023-24

Western Sussex Rivers Trust (WSRT) formerly The Arun & Rother Rivers Trust (WSRT) is a member of the Rivers Trust network in England and Wales, helped and supported by the national umbrella body The Rivers Trust www.theriverstrust.org.

WSRT covers the whole catchment of the “Arun and Western Streams” – the Rivers Arun and Rother and the coastal streams which feed Pagham and Chichester Harbours. WSRT works with farmers and landowners, statutory agencies, anglers and other recreational users, community groups and NGOs. By applying for funding, working in partnership and offering advice and practical support we help promote local action to look after and to improve the rivers within our catchment.

The Trust was formally launched at a public event in Pulborough, West Sussex, on 15th June 2011 when the original 12 Trustees signed a Memorandum of Understanding and Articles of Association. The Trust was registered in England & Wales as a Company Limited by Guarantee on 18th November 2011, Company Registration No: 7853698. It became a Charity when it registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales, entered on the Register of Charities on 28th May 2012 as Registered Charity No: 1147477. The Trust changed its name from The Arun & Rother Rivers Trust (ARRT) to Western Sussex Rivers Trust (WSRT) & updated the Articles of Association, these changes were registered with Companies House on the 9th September 2024. WSRT’s Registered Office is c/o The Barlavington Estate Office, Duncton Mill, Dye House Lane, Duncton, Petworth, West Sussex GU28 0LF.

The Articles of Association set out the Objects for which the Charity is established:

(1) To conserve, protect, restore and improve the rivers, streams, and other waterbodies of the Arun and Western Rother catchments and other rivers and tributaries in Sussex and elsewhere in the Environment Agency's Southeast region as may be deemed appropriate, for the advancement of environmental protection or improvement for the benefit of the public. (2) To advance the education of the public, or any association, institution, voluntary organisation, company, local authority, administrative or governmental agency or public body or representative body in: -

(a) The understanding of rivers, river corridors and river catchments, including their fauna, flora, biodiversity, economic or social activity, and river catchment management.

(b) The need for, and benefits of, conservation, protection, rehabilitation and improvement of aquatic environments.

WSRT is governed by its Trustees, who are Members of the Company and constitute the Board of Trustees of the Charity.

As at 31[st] March 2024, the Trustees of the Trust were:

Charlie Baker – Chairman Dave Brown Dave Cooper Nicholas Cross Dave Green Andrew Lee Martin Willing Tony Whitbread

Trustee & Staff Changes

Trustee Changes

Trustee Resignations:

Stephen Simmonds – 11 September 2023 John Whiting – 19 September 2023 Sebastian Anstruther – 31 March 2024 Richard Hammond – 31 March 2024 Martin Willing – 20 April 2024

Trustee Appointments

Nicholas Cross – 20 September 2023 Andrew Lee – 19 March 2024 Sian MacLeod – 7 May 2024

Staff Changes

Trust Manager Sandra Manning Jones resigned in May 2023, Trustees extend their thanks for Sandra’s dedication and hard work.

The Trust welcomed Aimee Felus as Trust Manager, Aimee brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to WSRT along with enthusiasm, passion and drive for our riverscapes and the continued development and growth of the Trust.

Chairman’s Report

2023-2024 has seen changes of people and changes of emphasis compared to previous reporting periods. I must pay tribute to the work and dedication of Sandra Manning-Jones who resigned as Trust Manager in May ’23. Her outstanding contribution enhanced the name of the Trust across all stakeholders in the catchment. She is now working as a contractor for the Trust.

The appointment of Aimee Felus as Trust Manager in July 2023 saw a change in emphasis, bringing an energetic and inclusive management style. Having a company office for the first time, initially at Parham, has updated and improved the working arrangements of all concerned and increased the interaction between Trustees and staff.

The Rother Partnership which came into being in 2023-24 is a very ambitious and wide-ranging Trust led partnership with the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) and Southern Water as the principal leaders along with Chichester District Council. More details in the Project report but the aim is to ‘clean up’ the Rother, preserving the healthy and beautiful stretches and restoring the derelict and ugly ones. This will include the removal of redundant structures and obstacles to natural flow.

Fundraising, particularly for unrestricted funds, is one of the most pressing needs and most challenging tasks of all rivers trusts and it was widely perceived that The Arun & Rother Rivers Trust (ARRT) was an unhelpful title for donors to understand and appreciate the value and motivation of the trust and it’s financial needs.

Following the appointment of an agency, WayForward Group, the proposal was made to work on a new title for the Trust and then to launch a professional fund-raising campaign. After professionally chaired sessions it was decided by a fully representative meeting to change from ARRT to WSRT, Western Sussex Rivers Trust. The name change was almost in place by the year end in April 2024. Fund-raising campaigns are planned to take shape in Autumn 2024.

Liaison with the Rivers Trust and exchanges of expertise and ideas have improved during the year. However, the inability of the Rivers Trust to help with such matters as insurance and other potential standardisation remains a frustration.

Andrew Lee has joined as a Trustee after a long and distinguished career in the environmental sector; latterly with the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) as Director of Countryside and Management.

We mourn the death of John Whiting following his resignation. He gave his energy, knowledge and experience to the Trust in its early years which was invaluable.

We salute the retirement of Sebastian Anstruther, Richard Hammond and Steve Simmonds. Sebastian founded the Trust in 2011 and chaired it until 2017. His leadership was inspirational and his contribution was immense. Richard was Vice Chairman until his retirement and ran the Finance and Administration. His experience and wisdom were legendary throughout. Steve was active on matters regarding fishing, and we wish him well in retirement.

Charlie Baker - ARRT Chairman

Chief Executive’s Report

Arun & Western Streams Catchment Partnership:

The AWSCP has been reinvigorated this year with regular in-person partnership meetings, along with a field visit to learn about a neighboring catchment partnership project – Watercress and Winterbournes, a highly valuable day which enlightened us all. Members also benefitted from a Natural Capital Mapping workshop.

Some of the attendees at the Watercress and Winterbournes visit – March 2024

The Catchment Management Plan was progressed and drawn together into an interactive pdf.

Following consultation and surveys undertaken at CP meetings work was begun to redesign the AWSCP website including new features to better allow partners to make use of the excellent information contained within the Catchment Management Plan, as well as hosting the plan itself.

The value of Catchment Partnerships was clear with a number of sub-catchment groups emerging, notably for the Rother and Arun, as well as providing a point of further crosspollination between organisations for working up future projects.

Ambersham:

Working with our neighboring Rivers Trust OART, in October 2023 we removed the sluice gates on the Ambersham Loop to allow flow into the previously redundant channel. Monitoring of flow, morphology and fixed-point photography continued, demonstrating that the Ambersham Loop began to naturalise well. There were no changes along the canal which still channeled the majority of flow. All evidence suggests a positive outlook for when the full sluice is removed in the coming year. This will open up 14km of river to fish passage up and downstream, as well as restoring this important habitat.

Team briefing on the banks of the Rother at Ambersham - October 2023

CaSTCo:

Our CaSTCo (Catchment Systems Thinking Cooperative) project became well established. The Citizen Science water quality testing programme was launched in January with well-attended and inspiration volunteer workshops, and later named River Guardians by the volunteers themselves. It has proven very popular, with approx. 50 volunteers signed up by the end of March 2024. Our account with Cartographer was set up so volunteers can submit their data for display on the map, which will be incorporated into our new website. We invested in the Better Impact volunteer management system.

Our Demo+ soil health project was named SoilSmart, and held its first farmer workshops, which were well received with some in-depth and honest discussions to begin the process of cocreating the citizen science soil health testing. Together the staff team and farmers began the process of deciding which platform and app to use to log data collected and began considering options to expand the programme to other citizen scientists beside land managers.

Downs to the Sea:

Planning continued in the development phase of the NHLF project which would give WSRT two Water Champions to focus on engaging schools and parish councils – much needed roles. Consultation was undertaken with schools, and a mapping and prioritisation exercise undertaken to plan initial approaches to schools and parishes should the project be successful.

Example prioritisation map – Top 50 schools based on closest accessible watercourse

Ems:

The Ems Catchment Appraisal and Restoration Plan were completed thanks to Sandra ManningJones and the input of many members of the Ems community. Regrouping with Portsmouth Water and the Environment Agency allowed us to re-focus on the Ems and jointly plan next steps priority actions under the EA chalk stream funding.

Chichester District Council indicated positive support for our chalk streams which would support additional officer time on the Ems, allowing us to dedicate next year’s EA Chalk Stream funding to deliverables and capital works.

We keep in mind John Whiting’s wish for us to look after the Ems as the driving spirit spurring us onwards.

Fittleworth’s Climate Resilient Playground:

This project is showcasing SuDS, climate adaptation and nature recovery in the first climate resilient playground in West Sussex. Landscape Architects completed initial feasibility studies

and began work on outline design, with school staff and students being involved through the design process. Fun workshops engaged children with climate resilience, ecosystem services and sustainable water management.

Hope Farm:

Following an approach from a landowner we embarked on investigating feasibility for restoration of a significant meander on the Upper Arun near Billingshurst. Supported by our neighboring Wessex Rivers Trust a storymap was developed outlining opportunities, challenges and next steps for restoring the ‘Lost River of Hope Farm’. Bringing in colleagues from the EA and Sussex Wildlife Trust, it was agreed that this presents a fantastic opportunity for river restoration for multiple benefits. Next steps are to seek seedcorn funding to further develop the project.

Lavant:

We were shocked and dismayed to discover the extent and severity of Southern Water’s overpumping practice on the Lavant. Press coverage was good both nationally and locally, with our social media seeing an exponential increase in the days and weeks following the release, and the EA taking enforcement action. This scenario demonstrated that we need greater focus on the Lavant, and a sub-catchment group of interest parties began forming from parish councillors, local residents and representatives of Goodwood, West Dean and the SDNPA. We have applied to CDC for funding to provide some officer time for the Lavant. There is so much potential here for us to seize upon and help be a catalyst for action.

Liss NFM:

We partnered with a member of the Selborne Landscape Partnership to deliver NFM in Empshott. Hardy volunteers worked in sometimes rather horrible conditions, and we spent tiring but very satisfying days on site. We have built a good relationship with the landowner and are already making plans for further NFM work together.

Outfall safari:

Cartographer is set up to receive data and the volunteers are all trained to undertake Outfall Safari, primarily on the Aldingbourne Rife. However, this investment from the EA has allowed us to put in place the foundations to run more outfall safaris for other catchments with minimal funding in future.

Rother Partnership:

Following an excellent ‘Rother Summit’ organised by the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA), a collective has been established to draw together a shared vision and action plan for the Rother. WSRT drew together a library of data and evidence which will set the path for action. A Board has been formed with SDNPA, South Downs Trust, Southern Water and Chichester District Council to steer the project, and MoU signing is imminent.

Sussex Black Poplar:

This year’s black poplar season was a great success with 509 trees planted.

Communication and rebranding:

This year saw a process of rebranding better allow us to communicate with a wider range of audiences and funders, furthering our objectives to advance education in the understanding of rivers, and need for, and benefits of, conservation, protection, rehabilitation and improvement of aquatic environments. It was economically efficient to undertake this exercise at the same time as the redevelopment of our website. Both have been well received with many positive comments, particularly on the ease of use and comprehensive information found on our website.

Reserves policy:

Reserves are running low in comparison with our target of 3 months’ salary and operating costs. We are working to increase this, including in conjunction with professional fundraisers Wayforward.

Risk management:

Risk management is controlled through our risk register and updated at each Board meeting, with significant risks discussed, including in project updates via email or in discussion with the Chair between Board meetings as the need arises.

Future plans:

Our targeted activities for the year 24-25 include:

Completion of the new AWSCP website
Full removal of Ambersham sluice to reinstate loop
Increase volunteer activity, recruiting new volunteers, increasing our coverage and offering a larger suite of activities for volunteers
Expand SoilSmart to new catchments and communities
Secure funding for Chalk Stream Resilience staff and projects on the Ems, Hambrook and Lavant, and recruitment of staff for these posts
Creation of two Water Champions posts to work with schools and parishes (dependent on successful funding decision due Sep 2024)
Construction of Fittleworth’s climate resilient playground
Continued development of plans to restore the ‘Lost River of Hope Farm’
Completion of Liss NFM project including creation of scrapes and ponds
Completion of outfall safari on Aldingbourne Rife and roll out to other catchments
Recruitment of Rother Partnership Coordinator, reinvigoration of partnership and initial work with landowners and stakeholders
Securing of funding to enable distribution and planting of more Sussex Black poplars
Further promotion to a wide range of audiences and fundraising focus, particularly on core and reserves.

Aimee Felus – Chief Executive

REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 07853698 {Englaryd and Wales} REGISTERED CHAIUTY NUMBER: 1147477 CHARITY COMMISSION REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 FOR IVESTERN SUSSEX RIVERS TRUST FORMEL Y THE ARL.N AND ROTHER RIVERS TRUS FI CKT Limited Flat 24 Wellingtonia Court Laine Close Brighton BNI 6TD

WESTERN SUEx RIVERS TRUST FORMELY THE ARULY AND ROTHER RIVERS TRUST CONTETrrrs F THE FINANCIAL STATEMENrs FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Report of Ihe Trnsttts Statemetht of Trustee81 Responsibilltles lttdependent ExaThiu¢r'$ Report Ststsment of FiJJ*nel$l Aetlvitl&s Balance Shttl 6 to 7 Notes to the Financlal Ststements 8 to 18

WEST RN SUSSEX RIVERS TRUST FORMELY THE ARUN AND ROTH TRUST REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 The trustees who are also dtrectors of the charity foT the pu4)oses of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the ¢hariry for the y¢ar ended 31 March 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in a¢cordance with the Financial Reporting Sialldard applicabl¢ in the UK 2nd Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (¢ffective l January 2019). OWECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Objectives and aims The object of the chlty is to conserve, protect. restore and improve the rivers and streams of the Arun and W¢stern Rother catchments and other rivers and tributaries in Sussex and elsewhere in the Environment Agency'5 South East region. The charity also aiins to advance the education of th¢ public and other organisations in under8iamdg the river systems and the need for it's consetvation. Public benefit The trustees hav¢ paid due regard to the Charity Commission's guidan¢e on public benefit. The activities of the tnist advance the environmental protection of the riv¢r catchment of th¢ Arun and Western Rother rivers. It a150 advances the ¢du¢ation of the public and 211 other organisation5 in the und¢rstandÉng of rivers and their catchments inclllding their fauna, flord. bio-diVelty, OnOmiC or social activity and the need for an benefits of conservation, protection. rehabilitation and improvement of aquatic environments. ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE ChAritable activities The detailed annual report is attach¢d as an appendix to the accounts and sets oul in detail the charitable activities undertaken in the p¢riod under r¢view. FINANCIAL REVIEW Financial positio During the period grants Wtalling £283,343 (2023 . £358.951) all of which were restricted in nature were received. A deficit on unrestricted reserves of £6,272 was incurred during the yw and this has ell deducted from the reserves brought forward of £57,072 to leave £50,800 to be catTied forward. Reserves policy It ss ihe policy of the trust to maintain the free reserves of the trust at a level to provide sutricient funds to cover anag¢TnenL administration and support Costs. As at 31 st March 2024 the ttwst had funds of £431.662 (2023 £401,285) of which £380,842 (2023 £344,213) were of A restrieted nature. The unrestricted reserves at 31st March 2024, not represented by f¢d assets, were £48.261 (2023 £56,804). STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document Th¢ charity is controlled by 115 governing document, the Memgrandum and Arti¢les of Asso¢iatiOll dated 18th November 2011, and constiuites & limiied company, limited by guarantee. as defined by the Companies Act 2006. On the 9th S¢ptember 2024 the ¢harity changed its narne from The An and Rother Rivers Trust to W¢stern Sussex Rivers frust. Charity constitution The compally ivas registered as a Charity with the Chayity Commtssion on 28th May 2012. Recrnit¢t and appointment of new tru$tee5 Trustees are appointed by the Board in accordance with the Memorandum and Articles of Ass12tiOn. Page I

WESTERN SUSSEX RIVERS TRU FORMELY T E ARUIY AND RO TRUST HER RIVERS THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEA ENDED 31 H20 REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Company llumber 07853698 (England and Wales) Regt5tered Charity nuJDber 1147477 Registered olee Barlavington Estate oifice Dye House Lane Dun¢ton Petworth W¢st Sussex GU28 OLF TTUStee8 S P C Anstruther (r¢signed 31.3.24) C Baker D Brown Dr A M whitbad Dr M J Willing (r¢$igned 20.4.24) R W R Hammond (resigned 31.3.24) J Whiting (resigned I9.9.) S P Simmond$ D A Green D J Cooper (appointed 28.7.23) N S Cross (appointed 20.9.23) A R Lee (appointed 19.3.24) S Macl¢od {appoint¢d 7.5.24) Independent Examiner Christopher Robert Tyler FCA DChA FCIE FI CRT Limited Flat 24 W¢llingtonia Court Laine Close Brighton East Sussex BNI 6TD Approved by order of the bo& of trustees o d signed on its behalf by.. C Baker- Trust¢¢ Page 2

WESTERN SUSSEX RtVERS TRUST FORMELY THE ARUN AND ROTHER RIVERS TRUST STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES, RESPONSIBILITIES OR THE YEAR ENDED31 MARCH 2024 The trustees (who are also the directors of Wes*rn Suss¢x Rivers Trust for the purposes of company law) are responsible for pr¢par5ng the Report of the Trustres and the financial statements in accordan with applicable law and United Kingdorn Accoullting Standards (United Kingdom Gen¢rally A¢¢ettsl Accounting Practice). Company law requires th¢ twst¢es to prepare financial sthments for ea¢h financial year which give a tNe and fair view of the state of atFdirs of the charitable company and of the incotning resources and application of resources, including the incolne and expendifur¢: of the charitsble company for that period. Jn preparing those fllwicial ststements, the trustees are required to select suitable Accounting policies and then apply them consistenily" observe the methods #nd principles in th¢ Charity SORP. rnake judgements and esiimaies that are reasonable and prudent; pr¢pare the f]nancial ststements on the going ¢oncern b&si5 unless it Rs itiappropriate to presume that th¢ charitable company wAiI contillue in business. The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records whi¢h di5c105e with ronable accuracy at any time the financia] position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the f]Dancial statements comply with the Cotnpanies Act 2(M)6. They are also r¢sponsibl¢ for Safeguarding the &ets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps forthe Prev¢mic and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF WESTERN SUSSEX RIVERS TRUST Independent examiner's report ¢0 the trnstees of Western Sussex Rivers Trust ('the Company,) I report to the ¢ty fDJSte¢s on my examin10 of the accounts of the Company for the yeat endoj 31 March 2024. Responsibilittes and basts of report As th¢ charity's trust¢¢s of the Cornpany (and also its directors for the puws of company law) you ar¢ r¢SnSibl¢ for th¢ pr¢poration of th¢ a¢Unts Én acwrdance WRth th¢ requirements of the Companies Act 2006 Cthe 2006 Act). Having satisfied myse]f that the accounts of the Company are not required to k audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent eXam1tlIOn. I repon in respect of my ea]natIOn of your charity's accouIit$ 8$ carried out under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (Ibe 2011 Arf). Rn YIng ouc my ¢xamina(ion I have followed the Directions given by the Charity ComEDis$ion under Se¢tion 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act. IDdependent exsminer's sgternent Sin¢e your charity's gTQSS illcome exceedd r250,000 yow ¢xamiTrer must b¢ a member of a Itsted body. I confft that l am qualified to undertake the examination becale l am a of the lll5titute of Chartered Ac£ouThtants in England and Wales, whi¢h is one of the listed toJie5. have cornplet¢d my examinalion. I confirni that no have come to my atttioll in connection with the examination giving me Cause to beli¢ve-. a¢¢ounting Ye¢ords were notk¢pt in r¢4)ect ofthe Company as required by Section 386 of the 2006 ACL or the aeeounts do not aeeord with those records. or the a¢counts do nol CQTnply with the accounting req[rements of Section 396 of the 2006 Art other than any requ5rement that the accounts give a true and fair view which 15 Ilot a tnatter considered as p&rt of an indep¢ndent examtnation: or the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methcJs and prtticiples of the Statement of Recommended Practi¢¢ for accounting and r¢poning by charities (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Rerting Stsndard applicable in the UK and Republtc of Ir¢land IFRS 102)). I have no ctsncerns and have ¢ome across no othermatters in ¢onn¢¢tion with the exorninaiion to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understrnding of the accounts to be reachd. Christopher Robert Tyler FCA DChA FCIE The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wai FI CRT Limited Flat 24 Wellingtonia Court Laine Close Brighton East Sussex BNI 6TD Date.. Page4

WESTERN SUSSEX RIVERS TRUST FORMELY THE ARUN AND ROTHER RIVERS TRUST STATEMENT OF FtNANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 2024 Total funds 2023 Total funds Unrestrict¢d fid$ Restricted funds Not¢s INCOME Af4D ENDOWMEIYTS FROM Donations and legacies 986 88 1,074 39,318 Cbarit*ble act&vities River conservation 283,343 283,343 358.951 Investment income 99 99 77 Total 283 431 398 346 EXPENDITURE ON Charitable Aetivities River conservation 41.293 254 159 158246 NET INCOMEI{EXPENDITURE) Transfers betwttll furtds (40,208) 70,565 30.357 240,100 15 Net movement in funds (6272) 36,629 30,357 40,100 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 57,072 344.213 401285 161,185 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 50.800 380 842 431.642 401285 The notes form p&t of these financial statements Page 5

WESTERN SUSSEX RIVERS TRUST FORMELY THE ARUN AND ROTHER RIVERS TRUS BALANCE SHEET 31 MARCH 2024 2024 225 Total funds Unrestricted funds R¢strs¢ted funds Total funds Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 12 2,539 2,999 5.538 268 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Prepayments and accrued income Cfjsh at bank 13 13,145 1,464 35.1(X) 48.245 1,464 396.307 71,980 1,577 347 673 355 888 55,028 390,988 446.016 421,230 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 14 (6,767) {13.145) (19,912) (20,213) NET CURREIYT ASSETS 48,261 426.104 401017 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 50,800 380,842 431.642 401.285 NET ASSETS 50,800 380 842 401285 FUNDS Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 15 50,8(M) 380.842 57,072 TOTAL FUNDS 431642 401 285 The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 March 2024. Th¢ memb¢]s have not required the company lo obtain an audit of 11$ fmaneial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 in accordance with Section 476 of the Con)panies Aci 2006. The trustees acknowl¢dge their responsibilities for (a) ensuring that the tharitable company keeps accounting records that ¢omply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affair5 of th¢ charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of lis surplus or defi¢it for each financial year in accordance with the r¢quirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Compani¢s A¢t 2006 relating to f]nallckal statrments, $0 far as applicable to the charitable ¢ompany. (b) The notes forni part of these finon¢ial statements Page 6 continued...

WE$"1.K SU55EX RIVERS TR15ST FORMELY THE ARUN AND ROTHER RtVEKS TRUST BALANCE SHEET- continued ARCH 2024 These fancial slatetA¢S have been prepfittd in accord with the provisions applicable to charitabl¢ companies subject lo the small companies regime. The financial statements were apwoveAI by the Board of TnS and authorised for issue on and were siglled on its behalf by". C Baker- Trustee The Dotes fornt pt of these financial statements Page 7

WESTERN SUSSEX RIVERS TRUST FORMELY THE ARUN ND ROTHER RIVEILS TRUST NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEi¥fENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of preparing the finaD¢ial statements The financial starements of the clwitable ¢ornpany, which is a public benefft entity under FRS102. have been prepared in a¢cordan¢e wtth th¢ Chariti¢s SORP ffRS102)'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Stetement of Recommended Practice applicable lo charities preparing their accounts with the Financial Reporting Srandard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ilalld (FRS102) (effective l January 2019),, Financial Reporting Standard FRS102 The Finan¢ial Reporting Srandard appltcable in the UK and Republic of Ireland, and the Companie5 Act 2006. Th¢ financial statements have been prepared under the histori¢at cost Convention. The accounts are prepAr¢d in sterlin& which is the fuD¢iiOAl ¢urrtt)cy of th¢ ¢harity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are round¢d to the near¢st £. The t]uste¢51directors consider that th¢re 8re no material UertaintIes about the Compart5 ability to continue as a going concem. IDeome Granis Grdnts are recognised on an accruals basis, accounted for in relaiion to the period thai they rela*. Where grants have been re¢eived for capitsl items th¢ totsl grani has been disclosed tn the SOFA and depreciation, in a¢¢ordane¢ with the accounting PK>licie& h&8 been char8ed against that in¢ome over the estimated useful economic life of the assth. Wh¢re grants are receivel during the year under review but relate to a later period the amount is deferred under Grants in Advance to the Balance Sheet. Other Income All other in¢omin8 resources are included in th¢ Sthtemeni of Financial Activities when the charity is legally eniitled lo ihe income aT]d the amount is deferred under Grants in Advance in the Balanee Sheet. Exp¢ndlture All expendiwre Is accounted for on an accnwls b&sis (including irrecoverable VAD and has been classified under the relevant headings. (I).Co$ts of 8en¢rating fund$ ¢ those ¢05ts incurred in attra]ng grants. volunl4ry illcom¢ and f¢¢s. (2).Charitable expenditure compri8e5 those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of tts activitie5 and services for its beneficiaries. li includes Ix)th costs that can be allo¢ated dIreCY to such lIVEtleS artd those osts of an indirect n&tur¢ ne$sry to supm them. (3).Suppon costs include those incurred in th¢ govemance of the clwity and its &ssets and are primarily 8SSOCiated wilh constitutional and statylory requirements. Tan8lbl¢ nxed aM¢ts Tangible fixed &ssets are stated at cost less depre¢iaiioD. Ikpreciation is provided in order to writ¢ off each asset over its estimaied useful Itft. Computer equipment: 25% OD Cost Fixtures and fittings: 25Y• on ca Taxatlon The Charity is cottsidered to the tests set out m Paragraph I Schedule 6 Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the d¢finition of a rlwitabl¢ company for UK corp)ration tsx purposes. Accordingly the charity is potentially exempt from raxation in respect of income and gains received within cat¢gories covered by Chapter3 Part I I Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Sectlon 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such in¢ome or gatn5 are appli exclusively to charirable purposes. ge8 continued...

ESTERN SUSSEX RIVERS TRU FORMELY THE ARUN AND R THER RIVERS TRUST NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEME FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 - contilllled ACCOUNTING POLICIES- continued Fund accounting Unrcstricied funds ¢aTt be used An accordance with the charitable objectives * the disctttton of the trustees. Restiicted funds can only be used for Wicular restrictrd PUTposes within the objects of the charity. Restrt¢tions arise wh¢n specified by the donor or wh¢n fjjnds are raised for panicul8r restri¢Ted pujposes. Further explanation of the nature and puryxw of each fimd is illcluded in the notes to the financial statements. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES 2024 2023 Donation5 and le8a¢ies Grants 1,074 4,318 Grants receive4 included in the alM)v< are follows: 2024 2023 Garfield Weston 35.000 The grant of £35,CK)O from Garfield Weston in 2023 previously been included within Donations and L¢8acies irt that y¢ars published accounts. INVESTMENT INCOME 2024 2023 Deposit account int¢r¢st 99 77 INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES 2024 2023 Activity River COnatiOn Grants 283 343 358951 Grants received, in¢luded in the above. are as folknys: 2024 2023 Brighton & Hove City Council Chichester Distrtct Council Environment AsLY Kim Polman Portsmouth Wat¢r The Rivers Trust Rural Payments Ag¢n¢y Souih Downs National Park Southern W*er Services Lirnited 13,930 203 50,1(K) 4,(M)6 29,990 24,920 7,000 36,145 4,654 Carried f¢)rward 90.955 145.489 Page 9 continued...

WESTERN SUSSEX RIVERS TRUST FORMELY THE ARUN AND ROTHE TRUST RIVERS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- eon¢iDued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAR H 2024 INCOME FROM CHARITABLE AcrtvrrIES- tontlnued 2024 2023 Brought forward United Utilities 90.955 192 388 145,489 283,343 358 951 CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS Dire¢1 Costs (see note 6) Support Costs (see nole 7) Totals River conservation 254,159 DIRECT COSTS OF CHARITABLE A1VITIEs 2024 2023 Consuliancy fee5 Project Costs Travel and mileage 1,600 78.962 8,610 78,039 SUPPORT COSTS Governance o$ts Management Totals Riyer ¢onservation 165 157 166657 Support ¢0514 irtcluded in the abov< are as follows: 2024 River conservation 2023 River La)nservation Staff costs Insurance Office costs Adverti3in8 Administration suppc*t Subscriptions Bank charges Bookkeeping Int¢rest Training R¢cruitsnent DepreciatÈon of tangibl¢ and heritsge Lssets IDt¢rest payable and similar charges Independent exatnination 139,536 1.786 7.276 754 52,343 1,612 3,192 1.740 2.600 586 83 2,444 173 120 ,572 164 2,426 95 4.262 7,123 1,877 22 166 657 69,059 Page 10 continued...

WESTERN SUSSEX RIVERS TRUST FORMELY THE ARUN AND ROTHER RWERS TRUST NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 NET INCOMEI{EXPENDITURE) Net tncomel(expenditur¢) is stated aft¢r chargingl(cr¢diting)'. 2024 2023 Depreciation- owned assets Independent Examination 1,877 164 2,430 TRUSTEES, REMUNERATION AIYD BENEFtTS There were no trustees, remun¢ration or other benefits for the yvdr ended 31 March 2024 nor for the year ended 31 March 2023. Trustees, eAp¢nses There w¢re no 31 Mar¢h 2023. truste¢s' expenses paid tor the year ended 31 March2024 nor for the year ended io. STAFF COSTS Staff costs during the year were &9 follows.. 2024 2023 Wages and salaries Social security costs Pension costs 128,080 11,398 50.397 4.185 144,5)6 56,528 Employment allowanc¢ Average number of employees The charty considers its key rnanagem¢nt txrsonnel to be the trustees who receiv no remuneration. 2.33 No employee received emoluments ITh excess of £60,000 (2023.. none). COMPARATtVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES Unrestrirted ds Restricted funds Total funds INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and lega¢i¢s 39,316 39,318 Cbarlt¥4ble activÉtles Rtver conservatÉon 358,951 358,951 Investment incorne 77 77 Total 358 953 398 346 EXPENDITURE ON Charithble aetivitÉe8 Riv¢r conservation 131 158 70 46 Page 11 continued...

WESTERN SUSSEX RIVE TRUST FORP*lELY THE ARUN AND OTHER RIVER TRUS NOTES TO NANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 11. COMPARATIVES VOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AcfiviTIES- continued Unrestricted RestTiCted funds funds Total fidS NET INCOME Transfers between funds 12,417 12.684 227,683 12.684) 240,100 Net movement in funds 25,101 214,999 240,100 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS rotal ndS brought forward 31,971 129.214 161,185 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 401285 12. TANGIBLE FtXED ASSETS Fixtures Computer equipment fittings Totals COST At l April 2023 Additions 1,406 1,406 At 31 March 2024 7270 DEPRECIATION At l April 2023 Charge for y&2r 1,138 1,556 1,138 321 At 31 March 2024 321 NET BOOK VALUE Ai 31 March 2024 962 4,576 5.538 At 31 March 2023 268 268 13. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2024 2023 Trade debtors Due from projects 2n deficit 35,100 57,942 48.245 Page 12 cot]tinued...

WESTERN SUSSEX RIVERS TRUST ORMELY THE ARUJ¥ AND ROTHER R TRUST NiyfES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- eontinued FOR THE YEAR EF4DED31 MA H 2024 14. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE wrrHIN ONE YEAR 2024 2023 Trade credito So¢ial security and other Pensions Due to generdl fillad AecTued expenses 1,329 3250 688 13.145 2,304 1,056 323 14,039 Page 13 continued..

WESTERN SUSSEX RIVERS TRUST FORMELY THE ARUN AND ROTHER RIVERS TRUST NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued FOR TH YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 15. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Net movement Trdnsf¢TS bettveen funds At 31.3.24 At 1.4.23 Unr¢$tricted funds General fund Operating fijnd 46.5¥7 10.485 (18.715) 21.493 22.928 50,8(M) 57.072 (40.208) 33,936 50,8LKI Restricted funds ARRT Appeal Launth Fund AldingEA)urne Rife Ambersham- River Rother Fish Passag¢ Project ARC Geographieal lllfonnalion SystemslCABA Data Trnining Arun & Wesiern Stream5 Caichrnent Partnership- Water Environment Irnprovetnent Fund 2023-2024 Barnham Rife Cornmunity Project Catchment Systems Thinking Cooper&ive Catchm¢nt Systems Thinking Cwpa*ive Demo Plus Downs to the Sea Ems Biodiversity Net Gaiti River Suryey Floodplain Meadows Ford & Brookfields Fann Hope Farni Liss Naturdl Flood Managernent Petersfi¢ld and Rother Environment Project River Ems River Ems 2023 Rother Partnership Roth¢r Summit Rother Valley Farniers Group Facilitstion Fund 2018-2021 Rother Valley Fanners Grovp Soil Health Project Southern Water l Anm & West¢rn Streams Catchment Partnerthip Stedham Mill Sussex Black Poplar SW Wetland Fwibility West¢rn Streams Outfall Safari W¢stern Str¢8ms Water Quality Testing (2,(XM)) 60,808 (23,192) 37,616 11232 (7.648) (416) 3, 168 1200 (1,200) 2,072 (2.072) 3,030 42.330 3,030 9,330 (23.695) (9.305) 154.434 115,015 61 (14,112) 255.337 61 1.788 (i) 18.658 (1.788) (220) (968) 3508 18,438 (968) S.388 1.880 (lJ16) 10.103 (149) 834 1.316 227 834 (834) (1.150) 9,180 685 3,130 3.130 2.937 (2,936) 35,423 191 1.322 (11,552) {2,778) (191) 21.093 (250) 1.072 (i.ow) (617) li.12 1294 10,575 344 380.842 TOTAL FufADS 401285 30 431,642 Page 14 continued..

WESTERN SUSSEX RIVERS TRUST FORMEL Y THE ARUf4 AND ROTH TRUST R RIVERS NOTES TO THE FINAN JAL STATEMENTS- coTrtiDtsed FOR THE YEAR END D 31 MARCH 21n4 15. MOVEMEr IN FUNDS- CODtinu¢d Net movement in funds, included in the alx)v¢ are &$ follows: Incoming Resources exFtnded Movement in funds Ullre5trirted funds Generdl fund Operatins fund 985 (19,700) (18,715) 21.493) 1.085 Restricted funds Aldingbourne Rife Ambersham. River Roth¢r Fish Passag¢ Project Arnn & Western Stteajlls Catchment Partnership- Water EnvironmeATrÉ Improvement Pund 2023-21r24 Catchment Systems Thinking cPe1Ve Caichm¢nt Systems Thillking Coopttative Demo Plus Downs to the Sea Ford & Brookfields Farn] Hope Farm Liss Natural Flood Matt2g¢tnent River Bms River Ems 2023 Rother Partnership Rother Sutnrnit Rother Valley Farniers Group Soil Health Project Southern Water l A]wJ & Westem Str¢ams Catchrnent Parthership Sussex Black Poplar SW Wetland Fe&sibility Western Streams Outfall Safari Western Streams Water Quality T&stiti8 (41,293) (40,208) (23,192) 123,192) 5.ItX) (12.748) {7,648) Is,(} (12.8) (29.695) 2,072 (23,695) 192J88 1265 (77.373) (1,204) (220) (4,974) {10,421) {1.316) {5.101) (149) (2,557) 115,015 61 (220) (968) 3,508 (I.316} 10.103 (149) 834 13,929 15204 3 J91 11.062 (13.998) (2,936) (11,552) (336) (11,552) (250) 1,000 11,192 86 15.OlX) (3.808) 283431 TOTAL FUNDS 284.516 254,159) 30,357 Page 15 continued...

ESTERN SUSSEX RIVERS TRUST FORMELY THE ARUN AND ROTHER RtVERS NOTES T THE FINANCIAL STATEMEBS- FOR THE YE ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Dtlnued IS. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS- fontinual Comparatives for movement In fuThds TTansfers between fid5 movement in fund8 At 31.3.23 At 1.4.22 Unrestrieted funds G¢t)¢rdl fulld Operating fund 14.933 17.038 22.845 10.428 8.809 3.875 46.587 31.971 12,417 12.684 57,072 Restrieted funds ARRT Appeal Launch Fund Aldingbourne Rife Ambersham- River Rother Fish Passag¢ Project ARC G¢ographical Jnfomation Sysi¢mslCABA Data Training Arun & West¢rn Streams Cchment Partnership- Catchment Managemeni P]a ArLm & Western Stream5 Catchment Partnership- Water Environment Improvernent Fund 2020-2021 Arun & Western Streams Catchment Partnership- Water Environment Improvement Fund 2021-2(r22 Arun & Western Streams Catchment Partnership- Water Envwonrnent Improvement Fund 2022-2023 Arun Water Environment Grydni Barnham Rife Commwiity Proj¢rt Catchrnent System5 Thinking COOatiVe Catchment sYst¢s ThiDking C(wr3tive Demo Plus Ems Biodiversity Net Gain River Survey Floodplain Meadows Ford & Brookfi¢lds Fann Li5s Natllral Flood Management Petersfield and Rother Envir{ent Project River Ell River Ems 2023 Rother Valley Farnicrs QryTrup Facilitatlon 2.000 60,808 74.195 (13,387) 9267 2,465 (5LKI) l 1232 1200 (s,6) 3,846 7.610 17.610) 394 (394) 6,163 12,998 (00) 44270 (6,163) (405) (12,593) 3,030 42,330 (1.940) (560) 156.771 1.788 (402) (1.777) 154.434 1,788 400 18,658 1,880 8288 4.016 18.658 1.880 (2.667) (13.572) (1.150) 15,620) 9.556 (1.150) Fund 2018-2021 Rother Valley Famers Group Soil Health Project Southern Water l Arun & Western Streams Catchment Par(Der5hip StedhaTn Mill Sussex Black Poplar Western Streams wer Qualty Testmg 3,625 (495) 3.130 2.937 2.937 37,500 (2,077) 35,423 191 1,322 5,000 191 3,108 (1,786) 129 12.684 TOTAL FUNDS 161.185 401,285 Page 16 consinued...

WESTERN SUSSEX RIVERS TRUST FORMELY THE ARUN AND ROTHER RIVERS TRUS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Is. MOVEMENT UY FUNDS- continued Comparativ¢ net movement ID fund4 in¢luded the aknye are as follows: Incoming Resour¢e5 resources exp¢nded Mov¢ment in fimds Unrestricted funds Get)eral fuDd Opernting fjjnd 39,397 (16.552) 10,424 22,845 Restricted funds Aldingbourne Rife Ambershatn- River Rother Fish P&wg¢ Proj¢ct Arnn & Western Streams Catchment Partnership- Catchment Managem¢nt PlaD Arun & W¢stem Streams Catchment Partstership- Water EDvironment Improvement Fund 2022-2023 Arun Watrr EnvitThllnent Grant Bamham Rife Community Project catc1neI Systems Thinking Cooperative Catchment Systerns Thinking CperatiVe Demo Plus Em5 Biodiversity N¢t Gatn RiY¢r Survey Floodplain Meadows Peiersfield and Roth¢r Environment Project River Ems River Ems 2023 Rother Valley FaTmet5 Group Facilitatson Fund 2018-2021 Roiher Valley Farn]er5 Group SOAI Health Project Southern Water / Anm & We5tem Strean Catchment Partnership Sussex Black Poplar Westem Streams Water Quality Testing 39,393 (26.976) 12,417 (i) (13,386) (13,387) 14.W) (12,525) 2.465 (8,6) (s,6) 15,(M)O 36,146 (8,837) (23,148) (60) (6,741) 6,163 12,998 (60) 44,270 51,011 162,451 9,920 (i) (5,680) (8,132) {401) (2,668) (23,573) (1,150) 156,771 1,788 (402) {2,667) (13,572) (1,150) 10,001 (495) (495) 16,935 (13,998) 2,937 37.51KJ 37,500 {1,786) (1,786) 5,000 358 953 131270 227.683 TOTAL FUNDS 398,346 158 246) Where grants are re1ved for specific projetts those monies are allthJ to a r¢stricted fijnd against which all reIevant exp¢t]dimre is charged. Trnn$feTS between fuDd3 On closure of a project any surplus OT deficit in funds of less than £250 ar¢ transferred to or frotn the general fimd. Where th¢ surp19 or deficit Is greater than £250 the b)ard of tnEst¢e5 decides on how to proceed wilh the balance.many donors recognise the contrtbution made by volunteers and tmstees at no financial cost to the Trust enablillg th¢ Ttust to div¢rt thatrhed grant funding to a more 8¢netal PUryKFSe. Page 17 ¢ontinued...

WE TERN SUSSEX RIVERS TRUST FORMELY THE ARUN AND ROTHER RtVERS TRU NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL ST ATEMENTS- coBtitiued FO THEY AR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 I& MOVEMENT IN FUNDS- ¢ontinued Funds ID defid¢ Where r¢stri¢t¢d fimd5 in deficit bank reserves from the general fund are used to finance the short tenn deficit on the5¢ projects. 16. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURF Ther¢ were no retsted party ts8nsactioDs for the ye4r ettd 31 March 2024. Page 18