Company registration number: CE000516
Charity registration number.. 1152615
Birds of Poole Harbour
(A Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
Annual Report and Financial Statements
Year Ended 31 March 2025
Charity registration number.. 1152615

Birds of Poole Harbour
Contents
Trustees. Report
1to22
Reference and Administrative Details
21
Independent Examiner's Report
23
Statement of Financial Activities
24to25
Balance Sheet
26
Notes to the Financial Statements
27to39

Birds of Poole Harbour
Trustees, Report
The trustees present the annual report together with the financial statements of the
charitable inGorporated organisation for the year ended 31 March 2025.
Objects:
Birds of Poole Harbour is a CIO based in Dorset. dedicated to understanding. improving
and interpreting the local birdlife through delivering local conservation and outreach
projects with national impact. We became established as a charity in 2013. with the
core objectives of:
Delivering innovative and high-impact conservation projects focused on reversing
ecological population decline as well as initiating habitat creation with project partners.
DelNering a calendar of public engagement events, outreach programmes including
school education programs. and improving engagement infrastructure across the Poole
Harbour area.
Developing a working knowledge of the bird populations and habitats within the Poole
Harbour area through commissioning and conducting studies and surveys
Introduction:
From P8uI Morton, Ch8ir of Trustees, and Liv Elwood. Charity M8n8ger
Once again, we have had our most successful year to date for Birds of Poole Harbour,
thanks to our dedicated team and generous supporters. With our strengthened
structure and increased size of our staff team. we have been able to build on previous
years, successes and continue to grow. particularly in the scale of our public outreach.
A testament to this success was the recognition we received at the Dorset Tourism
Awards 2024125, where we won the Gold Award for Experience of the Year for our
Osprey Cruises.
The Osprey Project has had another fantastic year. with the pair at Careys Secret
Garden successfully rearing four chicks. and another pair prospecting as a result of the
translocation project. With improvements to the Osprey webcams, we have seen a
fantastic number of people engaging wtth the nest at Careys. this year. benefiting also
from upscaling the tours running in partnership with Careys Secret Garden.
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Trustees, Report
We are also proud to have set up our new Young Birders Club. with support from the
Cameron Bespolka Trust, to provide more free opportunities for young people to engage
with nature and our local landscape. It has had excellent uptake and is a project we
intend to grow year-on-year.
Looking ahead to 2025126, we will be bringing on our seasonal Engagement and
Projects Assistant, Mya. into our permanent team, helping us continue this growth in
our engagement work and expand the impact of our conservation projects.
Whowe are:
Our Vision:
Insplrlng hope ft)r nature
Our vision is simple: that we are able to inspire people through our project work and
educational events, so that they feel hopeful for the future of nature in Poole Harbour
and beyond. Local nature recovery projects and high-quality. informative events
delivered with passion and enthusiasm are essentiaLto achieving this vision.
Our Mission:
To innovate and deliver bold projects and educational events that benefit Poole
Harbour's birdlife and (ocal community.
Our Values:
Authentic." BiTds of Poole Harbour {BoPH) was founded by people deeply passionate
about Poole Harbour's birdlife, and this passion resonates throughout our team and
volunteers. We value the individual personalities and opinions of each of our staff and
what they bring to their roles. We speak up for what we care about and believe in.
Kind.. We strive to always be kind. whether it's to our environment. employees or
customers. We appreciate that everyone comes from different backgrounds. has
various levels of experience and knowledge. and are joining our events for their own
reasons. We seek to make everyone feel welcome and ensure that they get the most out
of our events.
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Trustees, Report
Ambitious.. Our ambition is two-fold. Firstly, we aim to be innovative and bold with the
projects that we deliver to support our birdlife and the local environment. Secondly, we
are driven to run our events to the highest possible standard. working hard to keep our
information up to date. interesting. and engagingfor allwho attend.
Effective.. We operate as a small team. so being effective is essential. We don't want to
waste time or money getting tied up with unnecessary bureaucracy. We want to identify
ways we can support our local environment and its community. and make it happen.
Our Impact:
Conservation Projects:
Poole Harbour Osprey Project
The 2024 Osprey breeding season was the best we could have possibly hoped for. For
the first time ever. our resident breeding pair raised four chicks. This is an incredible
achievement for the project as all four
were maLe. meaning there's a high
chance one or two will return to the
Poole Harbour area to breed in future
years. Not only did we achieve success
here within Poole Harbour. we also
learnt that another of our male Ospreys
from the reintroduction program started
setting up a territory at a new location.
To aid the potential success of this new
territory. we liaised with a sympathetic
landowner who allowed us to build an
Osprey plattorm on his land. This had an
immediate effect as our male Osprey, ring number 374. immediately paired up with a
Rutland female. ring number 1 H1. and started nest building on the new nest during
August 2024. ALthough this was too late for a breeding attempt, it's an incredibly
positive sign that this pair may attempt to breed at this location in spring 2025.
TTUStee Paul Morton ringing the 2024 Osprey thc&s
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Trustees, Report
We also reached another milestone when our first ever wild fledged chick from the
Carey Secret Garden nest, female 5H1. returned for the first time as she spent the
summer roaming the country visiting Poole Harbour. the East Midlands and multiple
sites in Wales. This is another great sign that she'll look to set up a territory somewhere
in the country next spring. meaning thatwe could start to see multi-generational
success within our project. We also saw success in Wales where three of our females
from the reintroduction program nested at various sites. providing the connectivity
between populations that we hoped would happen. We decided to hold off carrying out
the Osprey translocation once again in 2024 due to the fact our toGal pair were raising 4
young so close to our original release site. We'll continue to monitor the situation
because we may find ourselves in the position over the next few years that we have
enough'wild nests. within the landscape. producing enough youngsters to re-establish
the population without having to collect more Osprey chicks from Scotland.
Fema￿ Osprey CJ7 piotecling hef first egg on the nest. 2r24 Brcox." L to 5R1 then 022 aTrJ GY7
takèn Bifds of p(￿le Harbour livestream webcam
Brittany's PhD
In 2024125, Brittany made excellent progress towards her PhD. completing analysis for
her first PhD chapter and writing up her results and methods. Her superdisors. Prof
Richard Stillman. Prof Ross Hill, Dr Pippa Gillingham and Dr Tim Mackrill, were all
pleased with her progress and were confident that she would be able to submit at least
one paper to a journal in the next academic year, to disseminate the research.
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Trustees, Report
Brittany also applied skills she has gained through her PhD to further our work in other
areas of the charity, particularly in the population and habitat analysis for our Purbeck
Chough Reintroduction Feasibility study. Additionally, in November. she gave
presentation at the British Ornithologists Union (BOU) Conservation Translocation
conference about the Poole Harbour Osprey Reintroduction Project.. the first time the
charity has given a talk at an official academic conference. This will help to build wider
contacts within the sector and to raise greater awareness of the charity and our work
nationally.
Recoverlng Populatlons:
Dorset Swift Communities
Introduction from 2023124: In February 2023. the Dorset Swift Network was established
to coordinate monitoring of Swift populations in Dorset and their conservation. The
network comprises of conservation partners across Dorset. including BOPH. BCP
Council. Dorset Council. Dorset Bird Club. Christchurch Harbour Ornithological Group,
Purbeck and Swanage Swift Group. Dorchester Bird Club. Dorset Wildlife Trust, the
Parks Foundation and Wimborne Swifts.
From 2024-2025, the Dorset Swift Network continued to provide an important
opportunity for groups to share contacts and advsce for Swift box installation,
conservation, and public engagement. Back in 2023. we fundraised through the Aviva
Save our Wild Isles Fund, raising £9.705. The funding criteria stated that the majority of
the money must be spent in areas of higher deprivation. to benefit local communities.
Data from Swift Mapper and Indices of Multiple Deprivation were used to produce
priority postcodes.
Swift Boxes Installed on
Poole Museum
Swift Network Partnership Image
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Trustees, Report
Between 2024-2025. £1,218 was spent, primarily on engagement materials like 250
leaflets and 2 'WelGome back Swifts, banners for Swanage and Wareham Swifts. We
also purchased 40 Swift boxes from John Stimpson for distribution to the network. The
annual Swift Awareness Week provided an opportunity for Swift Groups to engage with
their local communities through talks. walks. and surveying opportunities.
Looking ahead to 202512026, we plan to launch a free Swift box initiative, having
purchased 100 boxes from John Stimpson for delivery over Autumnlwinter. Boxes and
callers will be available free of charge for houses in priority areas and delivered by the
relevant local Swift Group.
Purbeck Chough Reintroduction Feasibility Study
Since 2022. we have been workingwith the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation. Natural
England and the National Trust to create a Purbeck Chough Reintroduction Feasibility
Study. Throughout this financial year. we continued working on this document.
particularly focusing on developing the methodology for the translocation of wild
Chough. In June. Brittany and Liv visited the Kent Chough Reintroduction Project to see
the captive rearing and release site facilities and learn from the husbandry approaches
used there. We also sought other expert feedback. giving updates at the Southern
England Steering Group and presenting our findings in online talks forthe Welsh
Chough Group, Scottish Chough Forum and a poster at the British Ornithological Union
{BOU) Conservation Translocation conference. This also formed part of our efforts to
establish contact with those monitoring potential source populations. Brittany and Sam
visited Jane Hodges and Bob Haycock in Pembrokeshire and Tony Cross in Mid-wales in
March to see Chough in a suitable habitat and disGUSS the potential for sourcing birds
from Wales.
Surveys:
WeBS (Wetland Bird Survey)
The Wetland Bird Survey IWeBS) scheme is managed nationally by the British Trust for
Ornithology (BTO). assessing the health of important wetland bird populations across
the UK. including Poole Harbour. through volunteer-led surveys. The winter assemblage
of wetland birds in Poole Harbour is a qualifying feature of the Poole Harbour Special
Protection Area (SPA). and so it is important that WeBS is accurately coordinated and
carried out each winter.
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Trustees, Report
Birds of Poole Harbour manage these surveys, giving us the opportunity to also educate
the public about the importance of WeBS and the impact of citizen science projects on
protecting our local landscape. The surveys themselves are carried out by 32 dedicated
volunteers, many of whom have been involved for over 10 years. Their contributions to
the WeBS surveys directly contribute to Poole Harbour's ongoing protection and
designation.
Our Impact= Public Engagement and Education
School Bird Boat Project
We have been delivering the School Bird boat Project since the charity was founded,
and view it as one of our most important pieces of engagement work. During the winter
and early spring. we offer local primary schools free 2-hour harbour boat trips. including
travel to and from Poole Quay. With an ever-improving landscape, we feel it's our duty to
not only inspire and enthuse the general public. but to also inform and showcase this
remarkable place to local school children. Over the last few years these trips have
evolved dramatically as we're now able to show the children the direct results of various
conservation projects including hunting Ospreys and fly-by White-tailed Eagles. This is
now starting to change the baseline
understanding for
what local
children consider as 'normal' within
their home areas. White-tailed
Eagles and Ospreys have been
absent from this landscape for
centuries. However, these Ghildren
will now grow up having experienced
these iconic species as being a part
of their natural heritage, effectively
re-setting a historic environmental
injustice.
Local PTimary Sch￿1 Children enp)yirw a School 8ird Boat
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Trustees, Report
On every trip this season we showed the children one or more of: White-tailed Eagle,
Marsh Harrier. Peregrine Falcon or Osprey. These exciting and charismatic species WILI
hopefully demonstrate nature recovery and the importance of conservation to all the
children on these trips. with memories theywill neverforget.
Education is a significant part of these trips. Each child receives their own pair of
binoculars for the duration of the trip. bringing them even closer to the birds. We
demonstrate and discuss with all the children the bountiful nature of Poole Harbour, the
important protections, and the busy human aspects of the area as well. Each child
Learns to identity a range of birds. interesting facts about the harbour and nature
recovery, while also having the opportunity to complete worksheets after the trips. All of
this works to give the children an engaging and inspiring outdoor education experience
focused on nature and birds.
We were able to run these trips free of charge again this year thanks to generous
sponsorship from cosmetics company Lush. This funding covered the cost of the boat
and coach hire. allowing children from local schools to attend free of Gharge. Lush has
kindly Gonfirmed that they will continue to sponsor the School Bird Boat Project in
2025-26.
Over the 2024-25 School Bird Boat Season. we carried out a total of 23 trips, engaging
with 1288 Ghildren as part of the funded project and ran a further 3 trips for schools
outside of the project.
Young Blrders
In September 2024. we launched a brand new project for young people. a Poole Harbour
Young Birders Club. This club aims to bring together a community of like-minded
13-18-year-olds. interested in birding and
conservation. Each month. we've put on
an exciting event based around birding,
nature recovery or conservation, all
completely free to the young people.
Pool• Harb(•ur Youn9 Bird•rs aub
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Trustees, Report
Young Birders Events - Left: YB Ringing Demo in
October 2024 Riqht: YB Winter Safari in January 2025
The project has been very kindly supported for 1 year by the Cameron Bespolka Trust,
who do a huge amount of work with young people and nature. They have provided
funding to allow us to run the project. host the events and provide equipment and
transport.
We've hosted a whole range of events aimed at giving young people the opportunity to
learn and access nature in a welcoming manner. These have included Bird Ringing
Demonstrations, a Birds and Conservation Cruise, Wild Woodbury Rewilding site visit,
Brownsea Island Visit and more guided bird walks
In the 2024125 season. we had over 90 young people sign up. and we ran six young
birders events. The project will continue to grow and develop. engaging with more young
people and running more inspiring events.
Our Event Schedule
Our education and engagement events have expanded significantly over the past few
years. educating and inspiring a wide range of people. We feel this is such an important
part of nature conservation, by providing uplifting. educational engagement. we are
hopefully encouraging more and more people to care about nature's recovery. Not only
this. but also benefiting people's learning and mental wellbeing. providing connection
and access to nature.
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Birds of Poole Harbour
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People are now travelling from across the country to see and learn about the pioneering
nature recovery work taking place here. whether it be species reintroductions, rewiLding
projects. or landscape-scale nature recovery. Our events interpret this nature recovery
in an inspiring. educationalway by providing examples of species recovery in action.
such as Osprey. White-tailed Eagle. and Spoonbill. We show people these charismatic
species of conservation importance while interpreting identification. ecology and
conservation in a relaxed and informative manner. We now know that a targe proportion
(around 51 %) of people travel from outside Dorset to attend our events. and many stay
for multiple nights in the local area. with the primary reason for travel beingto attend a
BOPH trip.
Top left. Holes Bay Pop Up Watch - January 2025. Top right. Autumn Safari -
October 2024. Bottom left" V¥hite Tailed Sea Eagle - Mark Wright. Bottom
nght" Uniinged Osprey SPK)tted from Osprey Cruise - August 2024, Mark
Wnght.
In the 2024125 season. we carried out more public engagement events than ever before,
running a total of 305 paid events. including 113 boat trips. engaging with 8533 people.
In addition to our paid public events. we think it's essential to offer a certain number of
free events to make BOPH events accessible to all. This year (aside from all our youth
engagement events), we held 13 free pop-up watches focused on Osprey and Eagle
Watches or Winter Bird ID hotspots. as well as 9 free urban birding walks.
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Birds of Poole Harbour
Trustees, Report
As our event programme has grown and the number of people we are engaging with. it
has been excellent to receive awards for
our work and events. In February 2025, we
were awarded the Gold Award for
Experience of the Year at the Dorset
Tourism Awards. This is a testament to the
hard work of the entire team. and to the
impact our events are having, both on
high-quality education and on ecotourism
in our local area. We were also awarded
the TripAdvisor Traveller's Choice award for
the third year running.
OnLlne Engagement and Slghttngs
Through our website and social media. we keep the public informed about our project
work and local bird news. and provide an opportunityfor thousands of people to engage
with wildlife via our webcams.
Website & Sightings Blog
We aim for our website to be a hub of valuable information to a range of people
interested in wildlife and birds. In addition to providing extensive intormation about
local birding sites, it is regularly updated with blogs about the Osprey project. keeping
the public up to date on the project's progress and the nesting pair.
Our sightings blog is completed daily. highlighting bird records from around the harbour
in an accessible way and showing the importance of our local area for nature and as a
birding destination. The blog is an essential part of public engagement, encouraging
birders to report their local sightings and providing write-ups of the wildlife we
experience during our events. It is also a valuable resource for revisiting historical
accounts and comparing annual records of bird sightings. We plan to update the
website in 2025 to make key information easier to find and better promote the charity.
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Facebook continues to be a popular plattorm for us to storytell. with 14k+ followers
actively engaging in our posts. We've also started utilising Instagram and TikTok. which
has generated a new set of followers
and audiences. which is being
converted into new customers onto our
events. On Jan 1 st 2024. we decided to
Leave Twitter due to the negative
change in content and algorithms that
were being seen on our feed, and have
since been using Bluesky. which is a
much more welcoming plattorm and
seems to be building in popularity.
Livestream Webcams
Our Osprey
continued to be an important source of
engagement, enjoyed by thousands of
peopLe online. and shown in schools,
off ices. libraries, shops. and hospital waiting rooms. We received lovely feedback about
the well-being impact of the cameras from several members of the public. including
several people who had been bedridden for several months and said that the
livestreams had helped them through this challenging period. A teacher of students
with Special Educational Needs also said that she played the footage to her class at the
beginning of each day. and that it had such a calming influence on them that other
teachers asked her what it was she was doing to help the students.
nest web
cameras
White Tailed Sea Eagle - Harry
McBride
The Brownsea cameras were streamed throughout the year. but continue to suffer from
dropouts due to power and network outages and the remote Location. Both cameras
were taken offline on several occasions between October and January whilst the Dorset
Wildlife Trust carried out upgrades to their hide and path infrastructure on Brownsea
Lagoon. and in February. they remained off due to essential electrical works taking
place on the island.
The Carey feeder camera connection was lost during a storm. and we were unable to
restore it. which likely caused damage to one or more pieces ol equipment. This could
not be fixed before the end of the winter. So this was a good opportunity to look for an
alternative location for the feeding station and camera, which we will aim to set up in
the next financialyear. pending funding.
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OurTeam & Partnerships:
Our Staff & Trustee Board
Staff
Mya Bambrick joined the team in April 2024 to support events. and later assisted with
the Dorset Swift Communities Project. Mya brings a wealth of previous experience in
youth engagement. including serving as a Youth Representative for the British Trust for
Ornithology in Dorset and Sussex, a Council member of the Sussex Ornithological
Society for over 6 years, and having shaped the Sussex Wildlife Trust's Youth
Engagement Strategy. Over the Summer. she led many of the Carey Osprey Tours and
assisted with all events. including our Young Birders Club.
Trustees
There were no Ghanges to the trustee board in 2024125. Thank you to all of our trustees
for the time they give to support Birds of Poole Harbour.
Volunteers
Much ofthe work that we do as a charity is achieved with the support of our generous
volunteers, including on our Osprey Project. School Bird Boat Project and Young Birders
Club. We are extremely grateful forthe huge effort made this year. with the following
hours given by our team of volunteers:
Osprey project
O Monitoring: 508 hours
O Events: 759 hours including Osprey Tours {492 hours), Pop-ups (33 hours)
and Cruises (234 hrs)
School Bird Boat and Young Birders hours
0 144 hours
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Birds of Poole Harbour
Trustees, Report
Partnership Working
Developing strong partnerships is an essential part of our charity's work. ensuring we
work towards a common goal with organisations to benefit both wildlife and people in
the local area. We have highlighted some of the key partnerships that have played an
essential role in our work this year.
Greenslade Pleasure Boats: We strengthened our relationship with our boat providers
this year. with Greenslade Pleasure Boats continuing to deliver our public trips, and
taking on our School Bird Boat delivery for the 2024-25 season. We are continually
grateful for the high standard of service that Greenslades deliver. allowing us to take
pride in the way we run our events with them.
Wareham Arc: Birds of Poole Harbour have sat on the PACEE and Species Recovery
sub-groups for the Wareham Arc Landscape Recovery Project planning phase. We are
very supportive of this ambitious initiative and Look forward to being involved in
2025-26.
Careys Secret Garden: We delivered several events in partnership with Careys Secret
Garden this year. including our new Carey Osprey Tours. as well as ringing
demonstrations and Osprey-themed events for their Migration Festival in January.
(Image.. Ringing Demo for National Trust 8t Careys Secret Garden)
Roy Dennis Wildlife Found8tion: The Foundation is a long-standing partner of Birds of
Poole Harbour, being key partners in the Osprey Project. This year, our relationship has
further developed through our work on the Purbeck Chough teasibiLity study.
Stour Ringing Group: We delivered our Sunnyside Ringing Demos in partnership with
Stour Ringing Group again this year. with the group receiving a share of the profit made
from these educational events. We're grateful tor their support with these events. which
wouldn't be possible without them.
Forestry Engi8nd.' The White-tailed Eagle reintroduction has been a huge success
already. galvanising people's excitement for nature recovery. The project was a joint
project between Forestry England and the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation. During the
course of the year we welcome the Eagle Project team. Steve Eggerton-Read and
Imogen Lloyd onto our cruises to talk about the project and how their work
complements ours here in Poole Harbour.
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The Nation81 Trust: The National Trust Purbeck team are responsible for a whole range
of great projects in and around the Purbeck landscape. They're also significant
landowners in this area: therefore. we've decided to partner with the NT Purbeck team
for our proposed chough reintroduction. We've worked closely with their team to
identity suitable release sites and to help build relationships with the Cornish NT teams.
Flnanclal Overvlew:
Summary of Income
With growing public interest in the charity and our events. we￿e had a hugely
successful year, allowing us to make a greater impact than ever before. This year
marked our best performance to date in terms of engagement and event income, with a
660/0 increase in gross profit from events compared to the previous year.
The growth was primarily driven by a 40% increase in public boat income compared to
the prior financial year. We also saw a significant rise in attendance and public interest
in our guided Carey Osprey Tours, run in partnership with Careys Secret Garden,
resulting in a 157% increase in revenue. We aim to continue offering these tours as
interest in the nesting Ospreys grows. providing a unique opportunity for people to learn
about these special birds in the setting of Careys Secret Garden.
Our corporate event offering also expanded, delivering a 55% increase in revenue
compared to last year. Paid talks proved increasingly popular. generating a 106% rise in
income. Additionally, changes in staff availability allowed us to run more courses and
NightjarwaLks this year. which contributed to an average revenue increase of 109%.
Income from donations and fundraising decreased by 15%. but this had minimal impact
due to the substantial increase in event revenue. Birds of Poole Harbour does not
employ professional fundraisers for its activities: as a result, with a busy event
schedule, it can be challenging to allocate time to fundraising research and
applications.
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Report Categories
202412025
202312024
Public Cruises
£204.926
£146,838
Carey OspreyTours
£27.202
£10.568
Corporate & Private Events
£12.460
£7,662
All Other Events
£8.216
£7.544
Merchandise and Other
£4.012
£257
£256.816
£172,869
The most significant cost increase was due to staff salaries. This has resulted in a 42%
increase in salary costs from £116.833 in 23124 to £165,397 in 24125. However. this was
a sound investment for BOPH as without the team and all their knowledge. expertise and
hard work. we wouldn't have been able to deliver such an extensive events and
engagement schedule. and maintain a high quality of project work. Our cost of sales for
events increased by nearly 2396 compared to the previous year, primarily due to the
delivery of more boat trips. which led to higher boat-hife costs.
To mitigate some of these increased costs, we increased our cruise ticket prices at the
start of 2025, keeping them still at excellent value for money. as was shown in our
customer feedback.
Our office spaces continue to be generously provided to us as a gift in kind, which
means our overheads remain low. Despite the cost increases. the overall retained
earnings (profFt) from our events still increased by 66% compared to 2023124, and our
financial position continues to strengthen year on year.
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Birds of Poole Harbour
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Expenditure
202412025
Salaries
£165.937
Cost of Sales
£76,978
Project Costs
£25.804
General Expenses
£53.268
Professional Fees
£11,918
Other {Bank Fees and Depreciation)
£13.001
Total
£346,726
Retros
ective VAT Re
istration
Due to a misunderstanding of the complex VAT rules governing taxable supplies for
charities, including the Tour Operators Margin Scheme (TOMS), we mistakenly relied on
historical advice indicating that a significant proportion of our supplies were outside the
scope of VAT.
Our external auditors identified this error during their examination of the 2023-24
annual accounts. We acted promptly to clarify our position and provide full disclosure
to HMRC. The correct effective date of registration was determined to be 1 September
2023.
Given the complexity of the TOMS rules, we engaged specialist third-party advisors to
assist with the VAT calculations for our initial return.
We subsequently wrote to HMRC to explain our circumstances and to request that any
penalties be waived. HMRC formally advised us that they did not intend to take any
action against BOPH in this matter.
To ensure ongoing compliance, we will annually review our VAT position with the
support of specialist advisors.
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Fundraisin
& Reserves
Fundraisin
Our most significant fundraising income is generated online, primarily through our
website using JustGiving Checkout. and via specific campaigns hosted on the
JustGiving Fundraising plattorm. We also fundraise at our events using donation
buckets and portable card machines. all ot which are optional and entirely donor-led.
In 2024125. we ran multiple fundraisers throughout the year via JustGiving, alongside
our JustGiving Checkout, which allows supporters to make either regular or one-off
donations.
Foi our Osprey Project fundraiser. donors could contribute through our publiG
JustGiving page or directly via the JustGiving Checkout on our website. Thanks to their
generosity, we raised £2,615 in total.
We also launched a public JustGiving campaign in December to raise funds for new
optics for our Schools, Birds Boat Project. which successfully generated £1.645 for the
charity.
In addition. our General Appeal through JustGiving Checkout raised £7.890 in
unrestricted funds.
Through Gift Aid. we reclaimed a total of £15.058 this year. Please note that this figure
does not necessarily relate solely to fundraising activities undertaken in 2024125. as Gift
Aid claims can take a significant amount of time to process and be received.
Birds of Poole Harbour does not employ professional fundraisers and does not operate
a membership scheme.
Reserves Statement
Birds of Poole Harbour has established a reserves policy whereby unrestricted funds
not committed or invested in tangible fixed assets should be maintained at a level
sufficient to address the red flag risks identified in our Risk Register. This amount is
currently set at £47.287.
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Looking ahead to 2025126, as our team continues to grow. we aim to increase our
reserves to cover approximately 3 months of staff salaries, thereby enhancing the
charity's financial resilience.
Acknowledgements
Thank you to all our supporters who have donated to the charity or attended our events
this year. Special thanks to the following people and organisations for their donations
and support this year.
The Beryl Evetts & Robert Luff Animal Trust
Lush Cosmetics Ltd
Love it Local
Mark and Mo Constantine
Mike Allen
BTO
Greenslades Pleasure Boats
Excelsior Coaches
Stour Ringing Group
Dorset Tourism Awards
Careys Secret Garden
DeterTech
Dorset Bird Club
Dorset Police
Dorset Wildlife Trust
Lord RockleyTrust
Roy Dennis Foundation
National Trust
Natural England
Fundacion Vida Silvestre Mediterranea (FVSM)
Wild Justice
The Cameron Bespolka Trust
Opticron
Osprey Europe
BCP Council
Page 19

Birds of Poole Harbour
Trustees, Report
Small companies provision statement
This report has been prepared in accordance with the small companies regime under the Companies
Act 2006.
The annual report was approved by the truSt￿S of the charity on 8 January 2026 and signed on its
behalf by:
Paul Morton
Chairman
Page 20

Birds of Poole Harbour
Trustees, Report
Reference and Administrative Details
Chairman
Paul Morton
Trustees
lan Alexander
Margaret Constantine
Sam Jolliffe
Charity Registration Number
1152615
The charity is incorporated in England and Wales.
Carey House
Carey
Wareham
Dorset
BH20 7PG
Principal Office
Independent Examiner
PKF Francis Clark
Accountants and Statutory Auditors
Towngate House
2 - 8 Parkstone Road
Poole
Dorset
BH15 2PW
Bankers
Co-operative Bank
1 Baloon Street
Manchester
M4 4BE
Metro Bank
One Southampton Row
London
WC1B SHA
Page 21

Birds of Poole Harbour
Trustees, Report
Statement of trustees. responsibilities
The trustees (who are also the directors of Birds of Poole Harbour for the purposes of company law)
are responsible for preparing the trustees. report and the financial statements in accordan￿ with
applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted
Accounting Practice), including FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and
Republic of Ireland".
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 satisfied that
they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable incorporated organisation and of
the incoming resources and application of reSoUr￿s. including its income and expenditure, of the
charitable incorporated organisation for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the
trustees are required to:
select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently-
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP"
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.
state whether applicable accounting standards. comprising FRS 102 have been followed, subject
to any material departures disdosed and explained in the financial statements" and
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume
that the charitable company will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that can disclose with reasonable
accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable incorporated organisation and enable
them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also
responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable
steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial
information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation goveming the preparation and
dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in otherjurisdictions.
Approved by the trustees of the charity on 8 January 2026 and signed on its behalf by:
Paul Morton
Chairman
Page 22

Birds of Poole Harbour
Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of Birds of Poole Harbour
('the Company,)
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended
31 March 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of Birds of Poole Harbour (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you
are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the
Companies Act 2006 {'the 2006 Act.).
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of Birds of Poole Harbour are not required to be audited
under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my
examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 {'the
2011 Act,). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity
Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
Since the Company's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body
listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confim) that l am qualified to undertake the examination
because l am a member of Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. which is one of
the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection
with the examination giving me cause to believe..
1. accounting records were not kept in respect of Birds of Poole Harbour as required by section 386
of the 2006 Act" or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records" or
3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act
other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view, which is not a matter
considered as part of an independent examination. or
4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance wtth the methods and principles of the
Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities [applicable to
charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard
applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)].
I have no concems and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to
which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the
accounts to be reached.
Adrian Way FCA (a Director on PKF Francis Clark
Accountants and Statutory Audilors
Towngate House
2 - 8 Parkstone Road
Poole
Dorset
BH15 2PW
8 January 2026
Page 23

Birds of Poole Harbour
Statement of Financial Activities
Year Ended 31 March 2025
(Including Income and Expenditure Account)
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Total
2025
Note
Income and Endowments from:
Donations and legacies
Charitable activities
Investment income
59,596
256,816
1,193
42.439
102,035
256,816
1,193
Total income
317,605
42,439
360,044
Expenditure on:
Charitable activilies
(317.809)
(28,917)
(346,726)
Total expenditure
(317.809)
(28,917)
(346,726)
Net (expenditure)lincome
(204)
13,522
13,318
Net movement in funds
(204)
13,522
13,318
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
100.962
28,347
129,309
Total funds carried forward
15
100.758
41,869
142,627
The notes on pages 27 to 39 foTh an integral part of these financial statements.
Page 24

Birds of Poole Harbour
Statement of Financial Activities
Year Ended 31 March 2025
(Including Income and Expenditure Account)
Total
2024
Unrestricted
Restricted
Note
Income and Endowments from:
Donations and legacies
Charitable activities
Investment income
98,406
172,869
733
34,747
133,153
172,869
733
Total Income
272,008
34.747
306,755
Expenditure on:
Charitable activilies
(231.008)
(30,114)
(261,122)
Total Expenditure
(231.008)
(30,114)
(261,122)
Net income
Transfers between funds
41.000
4.633
45,633
Net movement in funds
40.998
4,635
45,633
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
59.964
23,712
83,676
Total funds carried forward
15
100,962
28,347
129,309
The funds breakdown for 2024 is shown in note 15.
The notes on pages 27 to 39 foTh an integral part of these financial statements.
Page 25

Birds of Poole Harbour
(Registration number: CE000516)
Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2025
2025
2024
Note
Fixed assets
Tangible assels
26.606
33,516
Current assets
Stocks
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
12
13
834
4.732
213,797
3,736
160,066
219,363
163,802
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
14
(103,342)
68,009)
Net current assets
116,021
95,793
Net assets
142,627
129,309
Funds of the charity:
Restricted income funds
Restricted funds
41,869
28,347
Unrestricted income funds
Unrestricted funds
100,758
100,962
Total funds
15
142,627
129,309
The financial statements on pages 24 to 39 were approved by the trustees. and authorised for issue
on 8 January 2026 and signed on their behalf by:
Paul Morton
Chairman
The notes on pages 27 to 39 foTh an integral part of these financial statements.
Page 26

Birds of Poole Harbour
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
1 Accounting policies
Summary of significant accounting policies and key accounting estimates
The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statemenls are set out
below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise
stated.
Statement of compliance
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporling by
Charities.. Statement of Recommended practi￿ (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in
accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS
102)) (issued in October 2019) - (Charities SORP {FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Slandard
applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
Basis of preparation
Birds of Poole Harbour 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 staled in the
relevant accounting policy notes.
Going concern
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concem basis. The trustees consider there
are no malerial uncertainties about the charivs ability to continue as a going concern nor any
significant areas of uncertainly that affect the carrying value of assets held by the charity.
Exemption from preparing a cash flow statement
The charily adopled Bulletin 1 published on 2 February 2016 and have therefore not included a cash
flow statemenet in these financial statements.
Income and endowments
All income is recognised On￿ the charity has entitlement to the income. it is probable that the income
will be received and the amount of the income receivable can be measured reliably.
Donations
Donations are recognised when the charity has been notified in writing of both the amount and
settlement date. In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of
performance by the charity before the charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not
recognised until either those conditions are fully met. or the fulfilment of those condilions is wholly
within the control of the charity and it is probable that these conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting
period.
Page 27

Birds of Poole Harbour
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
Deferred income
Deferred income represents amounts re￿iVed for future periods and is released to incoming
resources in the period for which. it has been received. Such income is only deferred when:
The donor specifies that the grant or donation must only be used in future accounting periods. or
The donor has imposed conditions which must be met before the charity has unconditional
entitlement.
Investment income
Bank interest is recognised when it is received.
Charitable activities
Engagement centre sales are recognised when goods are sold.
Boat trips and tour income is recognised when the trips take pla￿.
Expenditure
All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is
probable seltlement is required and the arnount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to
the applicable expenditure heading Ihat aggregate similar costs to that category. Where costs cannot
be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consistent wilh the
use of resources. with central staff costs allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation
charges allocated on the portion of the asset's use. Other support costs are allocated based on the
spread of staff costs.
Charitable activities
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of ils activities
and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities
and those cosls of an indirecl nature ne￿SSary to support them.
Governance costs
These include the costs attributable to the chariWs compliance with constitutional and statutory
requirements. including audit, strategic management and trustees meetings and reimbursed
expenses.
Taxation
The charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010
and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes.
Accordingly. the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains
received within categories covered by Chapler 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section
256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992. to the exient that such income or gains are
applied exclusively to charitable purposes.
Tangible fixed assets
Individual fixed assets are initially recorded at cost, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation
and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.
Page 28

Birds of Poole Harbour
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
Depreciation and amortisation
Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost or valuation, less any
estimated residual value. over their expected useful economic life as follows:
Asset class
Office equipment and website
Fumiture and fixtures
Conservation assets
HQ equipment
Depreciation method and rate
3 and 5 years straight line
5 years straight line
3 and 5 years straight line
3 years straight line
Trade debtors
Trade debtors are amounts due from customers for merchandise sold or services performed in the
ordinary course of business.
Trade debtors are recognised initially at the transaction pri￿. They are subsequently measured at
amortised cost using the effective interest method, less provision for impairment. A provision for the
impairment of trade debtors is established when there is objective evidence that the charity will not be
able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly
liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an
insignificant risk of change in value.
Trade creditors
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or ServI￿S that have been acquired in the ordinary
course of business from suppliers. Accounts payable are classified as current liabilities if the charity
does not have an unconditional right. at the end of the reporting period, to defer settlement of the
creditor for at least ￿e1ve months after the reporting date. If there is an unconditional right to defer
settlement for at least twelve months after the reporling date, they are presented as non-current
Trade creditors are recognised initially at the transaction pri￿ and subsequently measured at
amorlised cosl using the effective interest method.
Fund structure
Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees. discretion in
furtheran￿ of the objectives of the charity.
Restricted income funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes. the
use of which is restricted to that area or purpose.
Pensions and other post retirement obligations
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions are charged in the
Statement of Financial Activities as they become payable in accordance with the rules of the scheme.
Page 29

Birds of Poole Harbour
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
2 Income from donations and legacies
Unrestricted
funds
General
Restricted
funds
Total
2025
Total
2024
Donations and legacies-
Donations from individuals
Gift aid reclaimed
44,538
15,058
42,439
86,977
15,058
118,817
14,336
59,596
42,439
102,035
133,153
3 Income from charitable activities
Unrestricted
funds
Designated
Total
2025
Product Sales
Public Bird Boat Income
Other income
939
204,926
50,951
939
204,926
50,951
256,816
256,816
Unrestricted
funds
General
Total
2024
Product Sales
Public Bird Boat Income
Other income
257
146,838
25,774
257
146,838
25,774
172,869
172,869
4 Investment income
Unrestricted
funds
General
Total
2025
Total
2024
Interest receivable and similar income-
Interest re￿1vable on bank deposits
1,193
1,193
733
Page 30

Birds of Poole Harbour
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
5 Expenditure on charitable activities
Total
2025
Total
2024
Purchases
Delivery charges
Books
Light, heat and power
Insuran
School boat trip costs
Surveys
Conservation work
Repairs, renewals and equipment
People engagement
Telephone costs
Travel and subsistence
Computer cosls
Printing, postage and stationery
Training
Refreshments
Equipment hire
Public boat trip costs
Other costs
Publicity
Consultancy
Recruitment cost
Student Grant costs
Wages and Salaries
Bank charges
Credit card charges
Governance costs ( see note 6)
Depreciation
VAT adjustment relating to prior period
41
15
18
45
3,610
9,430
8,036
4,571
16,359
6,111
2.199
1.961
1.701
1,022
1,819
6,790
675
2,343
938
1,272
72,338
11.837
3.081
1,135
555
2,163
165,937
265
4,640
11,918
12.736
12,327
548
1,508
1,457
892
5,661
871
4,408
493
1,860
65,612
6,097
1,344
40
504
2,163
116,833
282
3,814
8,342
17,231
346,726
261,122
Page 31

Birds of Poole Harbour
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
6 Analysis of governance and support costs
Governance costs
Unrestricted
Total
2025
Total
2024
General
Independent examiner fees
Examination of the financial statements
Accountancy Fees
5,940
5,978
5.940
5.978
5,400
2,942
11.918
11.918
8,342
7 Net incomingloutgoing resources
Net incoming reSoUr￿S for the year indude:
2025
2024
Depreciation of fixed assets
Independent Examination Fee
Accountancy Fees
12.736
5.940
5.978
17,231
5,400
2,942
8 Trustees remuneration and expenses
No Irustees, nor any persons connected with them. have re￿iVed any remuneration from the charity
during the year.
No trustees have received any reimbursed expenses or any other benefits from the charity during the
year.
Page 32

Birds of Poole Harbour
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
9 Staff costs
The aggregale payroll costs were as follows:
2025
2024
Staff costs during the year were:
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs
151,962
8.693
5.282
108,158
5,171
3,504
165,937
116,833
The monthly average number of persons (including senior management I leadership team) employed
by the charity during the year expressed as full time equivalents was as follows-
2025
2024
Average number of employees
No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 during the year.
10 Taxation
Birds of Poole Harbour is a registered charity and its activities are therefore exempt from taxation.
Page 33

Birds of Poole Harbour
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
11 Tangible fixed assets
Office
equipment
and website
Motor Furniture and Conse
vehicles
fixtures
Cost
At 1 April 2024
Additions
54,372
12,500
1,034
Al 31 March 2025
54,372
12,500
1,034
Depreciation
At 1 April 2024
Charge for the year
54.372
104
1,250
1,034
At 31 March 2025
54,372
1,354
1,034
Net book value
At 31 March 2025
11,146
At 31 March 2024
12,396
Page 34

Birds of Poole Harbour
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
12 Stock
2025
2024
Stocks
834
13 Debtors
2025
2024
Trade debtors
Prepayments
932
3.800
280
3,456
4.732
3,736
14 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2025
2024
Trade creditors
Other taxation and social security
Pension scheme creditor
Accruals
Deferred income
10,368
11.983
889
20,428
59.674
7,565
834
14,366
45,244
103,342
68,009
Page 35

Birds of Poole Harbour
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
15 Funds
Balance at 1
April 2024
Incoming
resources
Resources Balance at 31
expended
March 2025
Unrestricted funds
General
General Funds
100,962
317.605
{317,809)
100,758
Restricted funds
Osprey Infrastructure
Swift City Project
PHD - Osprey
School Bird Boats
Gull Survey
Young Birders Club
Holesbay Platform
School Binocular Fundraiser
7.039
9.610
9,487
2.211
2.936
(5,692)
(1.436)
(2,161)
(17,017)
(350)
(616)
4,283
8,174
7,326
238
15,044
350
2,464
20,000
1,645
1,848
20,000
1.645
Total restricted funds
28,347
42,439
28,917
41,869
Total funds
129,309
360.044
(346,726)
142,627
Page 36

Birds of Poole Harbour
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
Balance at
1 April
2023
Balance at
31 March
2024
Incoming Resources
resources
expended
Transfers
Unrestricted funds
General
General Funds
59,964
272,008
(231,008)
(2)
100,962
Restricted
Osprey Infrastructure
Swift City Project
PHD - Osprey
Chough Reintroduction
Project
Nature Heals Project
Eagle Nest Infrastructure
School Bird Boats
6,469
12,531
9,610
(12,696)
735
7,039
9,610
9,487
11,650
(2,163)
2,436
365
867
1,925
(2,436)
(365)
(650)
(11,804)
516
12,090
(733)
2,211
Total restricted funds
23,712
34,747
(30,114)
28,347
Total funds
83,676
306,755
(261,122
129,309
The specific purposes for which the funds are to be applied are as follows:
Osprey Project - A pioneering 5-year reintroduction program, trying to restore Osprey, a large fish
eating bird of prey, to its former breeding grounds after a 200-year absence. The project see's 6 week
old Osprey chicks brought down from Scotland and raised and released here in Poole Harbour, in the
hope they'll eventually breed here. As part of this project we have launched a fundraiser to cover the
cost of some of the infrastructure to help us monitor and engage with the public in the future. Part of
this is our Osprey cameras.
Osprey Cameras - A public fundraiser campaign was started to raise funds for SMS trail cameras to
be bought and pla￿d on our Osprey nest platfonns around Poole Harbour to monitor Osprey activity
and behaviour on our nests.
The Swift City Project - Swifts are summer visitors to the UK, retuming in late April to nest in
crevices of older buildings. Sadly, their population has declined by more than 50 % in the past 20
years, primarily due to reduced food supply {insects) and loss of suitable nesting sites. Modern
building designs no longer provide the cavities swifts need.ln response, Birds of Poole Harbour
partnered with saI￿ater Stone in 2019 to launch the °Swift Ciw project. installing nest boxes across
Old Town Poole and other key sites.
Page 37

Birds of Poole Harbour
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
In 2024, Ihis initiative was expanded through the Dorset Swift Communities Project, supported by the
Aviva "Save Our Wild Isles Community Fund." Funds raised were used to purchase and install swift
boxes in priority areas across Dorset, identified by the Dorset Swift Network-a partnership including
Birds of Poole Harbour, Dorset Bird Club, Swanage Swift Group, Christchurch Harbour Ornithological
Group, BCP Council, and Dorset Council. Through this project, 150 nest boxes will be made and
offered free of charge for homeowners and building owners in targeted areas. while also encouraging
communities to take ownership of local swift populations through engagement, monitoring, and
long-term protection efforts.
Osprey PHD placement - For the first time, we have been able to provide funding for a local student
to pursue a postgraduate degree in avian biology. Brittany Maxted is a member of the Birds of Poole
Harbour team, who has been involved in the Osprey Project since its inception and has managed the
translocations for the last three years. The funding we provide covers the costs of her research and
tuition fees, whilst she remains employed full-time at Birds of Poole Harbour, dividing her time
between work and research. and allowing her to maintain her current role as Osprey Project Officer
alongside her studies.
School Bird Boat Project - Our School Bird project continues to go from strength to slrength, and is
designed to connect local school children with their local environment. Poole Harbour is an important
habitat for a range of species but also for industry and tourism. The focus of the trips is to highlight the
link between all of the harbours imporlant dynamics and how those relationships are managed in.
Young Birders Club At Birds of Poole Harbour, we recognise the Importan￿ of inspiring the next
generation of conservationists. Our Young Birders Club, for ages 13-18, provides a welcoming
community for young people passionate about wildlife. The club runs free events throughout the year,
including guided bird ID walks, bird ringing demonstrations. wildlife cruises. and talks from
conservationists. Members also gain insights into ecology, bird identification, and conservation
practices. No prior experien￿ is required from our members, and we provide assistance with local
transport to ensure inclusivity- This initiative has been made possible thanks to the generous support
of the Cameron Bespolka Trust.
Holes Bay Platforn) - We are in early discussions with BCP Council regarding the installation of a
new public viewing platform overlooking Holes Bay, one of the most important areas of the harbour for
birdlife, especially in winter. Similar to the Ham Common Viewpoint. the structure would provide an
accessible way for the local community to connect with the area's wildlife. Costs are estimated
between £18,000-£30,000. We are grateful to a generous member of the public who has pledged
£20,000 towards this project.
School Bird Boat Binoculars Fundraiser - For the past 11 years, our charity has run School Bird
Boats, giving up to 1,200 local primary school children each winter the chance to explore and learn
about the unique wildlife of Poole Harbour. These trips are provided free of charge thanks to the
generous sponsorship of local cosmetics company Lush. Each two-hour trip, run in partnership with
Greenslades Pleasure Boats from Poole Quay. takes children across the harbour's diverse habilats.
Led by our staff and volunteers, the experien￿ introduces pupils to topics such as bird migration,
species adaptations. human livelihoods, and the harbour's designation as a Special Protection Area
(SPA).
Page 38

Birds of Poole Harbour
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
In recenl years. sightings of White-tailed Eagles. Marsh Harriers. and Peregrine Falcons have
become highlights of the School Bird Boats. These encounters not only inspire young people but also
demonstrate the reality of species recovery and reintroduction projects, bringing conseNation to life
for the next generation.To ensure every child has the best experience. we provide each participant
with a pair of binoculars. After more than a decade of use. many of our school optics had become
damaged or worn. While Opticron kindly replaced nearly half of the binoculars free of charge in 2023,
we still needed to update the remainder.
In December 2024, we ran a public fundraiser to repla￿ the remaining sets. Thanks to the generosity
of supporters, we were able to secure new. high-quality binoculars well-suited to young birders. Any of
our usable older binoculars have since been donated to schools for use in classrooms, lessons. and
holiday birdwatching kits.
16 Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted
funds
General
Total funds
at 31 March
2025
Restricted
funds
Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
26,606
177.494
(103.342}
26,606
219,363
103.342
41,869
Total net assets
100.758
41,869
142,627
Unrestricted
funds
General
Tolal funds
at 31 March
2024
Restricted
funds
Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
33,516
135.456
{68.009}
33,516
163,802
68,009
28.346
Total net assets
100,963
28,346
129,309
17 Related party transactions
There were no related party transactions in the year.
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