Northumbrlan Hedgehog Rescue Trust
Reglstered Charlty No. 1152034
Trustees, Annual Report for the perlod I" Aprll 2023- 31" March 2024
Objectives and Activities
The Northumbrian Hedgehog Rescue Trusvs primary objective5 are:
l. to rescue, care for and rehabilitate Injured and sick hedgehogs, the ultimate aim being to
reintroduce healthy hedgehogs back into the wild, or into appropriate protected sites;
2. the education of the general public in the methods of treatment, nursing and conservation
of hed8ehogs.
The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's
General Guidance on Public Benefit when reviewing the Trusvs aims and objectives, and in the
planning of the Trusvs future activities.
The Trust has provided advice and education to the general public with regard to the care of
hedgehogs by means of tslks, attendance at selected events and the distribution of leaflets. Further
information has been provided on the Northumbrian Hedgehog Rescue Trusys website, via the press
and also uslng social media. Advice is also provided when the public visit theTrusYs Principal
Address for any reason and lastly, via telephone.
Care is provided to hedgehogs in accommodation at the Trusvs Principal Address by the Trust's
founder and Chair, Carole Catchpole, together with a group of volunteers. The Trust would be
unable to operate without the support and help provided by the dedicated group of volunteers who
assist with the cleaning out of hutches, fundraislng and many other duties as requlred. Foster carels
also provided by volunteers who care for orphaned or recovering hedgehogs within their own
carefully vetted properties. Some provide safe gardens and protected areas for hedgehogs that
cannot be introduced back into the wild.
Achlevements and Performance
The Trust has been In existence since 2013, taking over the previous activities, assets and liabilities
of Northumbrian Hedgehog Rescue. Since its inception, the Trust has continued to develop into an
essential element in the welfare provision for hedgehogs within Northumberland, Tyneside,
Wearside and County Durham. During this reporting period the Trust has administered care to 1138
hedgehogs in total which was significantly higher than previous years, predorninantly due to the
autumn weather conditions, which caused the Rescue to be extremely busy. The nurnber of hogs
taken into care is usually (changed from always) higher in the summer months when hedgehogs are
most active. the summer and autumn of 2023 was no exception with many hedgehogs remaining in
care over the winter period as continuation of their medical treatment was required. This prepared
many for release into the wild in spring 2024. There were 27 fosterers caring for 95 hedgehogs over
the winter period and approximately 151>2(X) hedgehogs at the Rescue over winter.

Volunteers attend the Rescue Centre on a daily basis and throughout the year. Approximately 39
volunteers supported the work of the Trust, in addition, fosterers provided an essential element in
providing additional care throughout the year.
The work carried out by the Trust remains funded entirely by donations frorn the public. Funds are
also raised by way of collection tins, raffles, other fundraising events and the sale of a small amount
of merchandise promoting hedgehogs.
Reserves Pollcy
Prior to 2021 a reserves figure of up to £40,000 had been considered adequate. In 2022 this was
increased to £75,000.
As at 31 March 2024 the total funds amounted to £135,623 with the reserves held at the same level
of £75,000 and the unrestricted balance being £60,623. Again, this figure is deemed sufficient to
meet approximately two years of expenses at the level 4ncurred to the ended 31 March 2024. The
Trustees are mindful of the cornlng increases to electrlc and heating costs, though at this point do
not wish to restrict further funds.
Spedal Thank5
The Trustees would like to thank all the volunteers who contribute to its work in any way, including
those who offer foster care. They would also like to extend thanks to Cheviot Vets In Powburn who
have provided veterinary support during the period covered by this report.
The charity would not be able to continue to care for the many hedgehogs who find themselves in
need of help without the continuing support of the regular donors who provide monthly standing
order payments, together with people who kindly donate rnoney and provide gift aid support for the
running of the charity. We are also grateful for those who provide collection tins at their premises
and raise awareness for the charity. Our humblest thanks go to you all.
Oeclaratlon
The Trustees declare that they have read and approve this Trustees, Report. Signed on behalf of
Northumbrian Hedgehog Rescue Trust's Trustees:
Signature:
Name:
Carole Catchpole
Position:
Chair
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Hogs brought from:
Coldstream & Leithholm (Berwick)
Shotley Bridge & Howden (Durham)
Brampton & Nenihead (Hexham)
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF
NORTHUMBRIAN HEDGEHOG RESCUE TRUST
I report on the Income & Expenditure of the Trust for the year ended 31" March 2024.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The ChariWs trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The Charity's trustees
consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 14412) of the Charities Act 2011 (the
2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to
Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
Follow the procedures laid down in the general directions given by the Charity Commission
under section 145(5){b) of the 2011 Act;
State whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examinerfs report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general directions given by the Charity
Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Charity and a
comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any
unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and. seeking explanations from you as trustees
concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would
be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts represent a
"true and fair vie￿, and the report 15 limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examinerfs statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
{1) Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
To keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act;
To prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the
accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met: or
{21 To which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn on order to enable a proper
understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signature:
Name..
ro l a.o¥<.......................................................................................
Date: