2022-03-31-accounts

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enjoy nature

2021-22 Annual report

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make a difference
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get inspired

Message from the Chair 3 CEO's report 4 Why we do what we do: our purpose 5 Significant activities 6 Strategy to meet our purpose 8 Areas of focus for coming year & future aspirations 9 St Nicks: Key achievements in 2021-22 10 Achievements: Nature and wellbeing 12 Achievements: Natural habitats 14 Achievements: Waste minimisation 16 Achievements: Reducing carbon emissions 18 Financial activities 2021-22 20 Thank you to our key supporters 21 Who we are 22 Accounts 24 Independent examiner’s report on the accounts 25 Statement of financial activities 26 Balance sheet 27 Statement of cash flows 28 Notes to the accounts 29

Message from the Chair

For St Nicks, as across society, 2021-22 was a year where pandemic routines became either embedded or discarded. Our understanding of ‘normal’ evolved and was re-shaped often. Circumstances required us to adapt in line with the expectations of all those affiliated with us and be malleable in our delivery approach. Fundamentally however our strategic priorities – urban green space regeneration, naturebased wellbeing, and sustainable living - remained consistent.

Against this backdrop we are proud to have delivered a record year of strong growth. In fulfilling this latest phase of our aspirations, we broadened our reach and elevated our impact within the communities we serve. Our Green Corridors work has expanded further beyond the confines of the Nature Reserve and we have collected more recycling tonnage than ever before.

The support of our partners and grant providers has enabled many of the positive outcomes documented throughout this report but we know that the funding landscape is now more competitive than ever. We cherish our existing relationships and welcome new collaborative opportunities.

It has nonetheless been a year of transition, as we said a fond farewell to Tom Waring after 16 years with us, the last nine as CEO. Tom’s unwavering passion for the charity over this time has been instrumental in establishing much of what we are now tasked with building for the future. On behalf of everyone at St Nicks I’d like to express our thanks for his dedication and vision. During the latter part of the year Sam Taylor stepped up admirably on an interim basis alongside her primary role leading the Recycling Team and similarly is deserving of an expression of our gratitude.

Looking forward, we are delighted to welcome our new CEO, Ellie Stead, who joins us in April 2022. Ellie brings extensive commercial, community and fundraising experience across a diverse career including a more recent interim leadership role at the Yorkshire Air Museum. As Ellie joins us, our accomplishments in recent years have inevitably created some requirement for change whilst we continue to evolve. Our revised management structure will reflect this. We intend to devolve more operational leadership responsibilities across our wider management team to set ourselves up for future success.

More broadly, it is heartening to see environmental issues continue to be thrust into the limelight. Amongst all the fanfare of COP26 and the ballooning relevance of ESG strategies to UK businesses and those who invest in them, grass roots movements are finding an increasingly attentive and receptive public audience too. As part of this transition, it is incumbent on us to embrace and engage our volunteers and supporters in new ways, whilst remaining true to our core values.

To conclude, we have good cause to be excited about our next chapter but for now I’d like to close 2021-22 with a simple thank you – to all who play their part in keeping this green heart of York beating.

Stuart Leslie, Chair of Trustees March 2022

St Nicks’ Annual Report 2021-22

CEO's report

I’m delighted to be writing this report as the new CEO of St Nicks, having joined just a few weeks after the year end. I’ve been blessed to have inherited a strong legacy and even stronger community of staff, volunteers and participants with a vast wealth of knowledge across the different areas of our operation. I have grown to appreciate very rapidly the absolute magic that happens across so much of what St Nicks does every single day and the deep expertise of those who work with and for us. It is truly quite incredible how such a small team can make such a HUGE difference to the lives of so many!

Although some of the most challenging elements of the pandemic are now thankfully behind us, the legacy of impact it has left behind remains significant, particularly for those whose mental health was or is still affected or for those impacted by loneliness and isolation. Combined with cost of living and energy bills, there are still battles our communities are facing on a daily basis, with difficult choices and decisions to make. At St Nicks, whether it is to provide a moment of escape, clarity or connection or to provide a supportive and judgement free space to breathe and just “be”, we continue to be a beacon of light in the midst of some dark days.

We have been working hard to ensure we can truly articulate the value of what we bring... while there is a certain element of magic to our spaces and engagement, it’s important that we demonstrate and communicate exactly how much of a difference we are making using independent and rigorous methods. All charities across the UK are struggling postpandemic and we are no exception – with public purse strings tightened and funder’s focus becoming laser sharp, we want to ensure we can show just how worthwhile our programmes are and continue providing them to those in need.

The team at St Nicks are easily the most dedicated, committed and energetic I have ever worked with – they live and breathe the ethos of what we stand for and have moved mountains to ensure that communities and our volunteer opportunities could continue, no matter what barriers or challenges had to be overcome. I am proud to lead this team and we continue to foster an approach where we learn from each other constantly and share our stories and lived experience for wider benefit.

We have developed and cemented some incredible partnerships over the course of the year and beyond, working in concert to promote and implement sustainable ways of living and how to make these tangible and achievable to everyone, every day. We are keen to foster further relationships as we go forward, particularly with corporates and organisations that truly committed to their journey of Corporate and Social Responsibility

Why we do what we do: our purpose

If you look at the Charities Commission website or our Constitution, our stated purpose is to:

Preserve and conserve the area known as St Nicholas Fields for the benefit and education of the public
Educate the residents of York in principles and benefits of environmental and conservation issues and sustainability including recycling and waste reduction
Provide facilities for residents with the aim of improving their conditions of life through social welfare and leisure

We do so much more than this at St Nicks, because it’s not just the “what” we do, it’s the “how” we do it. We are deeply committed to creating, building and supporting communities through nature. Preserving and enhancing the habitats for over 2,000 species to ensure not only our urban nature reserve, less than a mile from the Centre of York, but that ALL green spaces that connect York and their associated communities can benefit as well. This is why we get out of bed, every day, come rain, shine, wind, snow and engage with the land and engage with the people – together, both can thrive.

– we are looking for partners who are willing to get their hands dirty (figuratively AND literally speaking!) and walk the talk, not just give lip service in their annual report or website but to engage and make a real difference. Greenwashing isn’t for us, so it’s very important that our partners align with our purpose and ethics.

As well as continuing to maintain strong ongoing execution of governance in all that we do, a key area of focus for me in my own journey with St Nicks is one of building awareness. Many people do not know we exist! We have already started to make inroads to ensure that more people, especially locally are not just aware of our name, or one of the activities we undertake, but understand and appreciate all that we offer. We have an eclectic and dynamic mix, creating positive impacts across our communities.

I have mentioned our people already, and we invest to ensure that ongoing development is part and parcel of everyone’s growth and personal journey with us. I’m proud to have Sam Taylor as part of my team – Stuart has already mentioned her above, but Sam was awarded the status of Churchill Fellow and was due to travel to San Francisco and Canada on a Zero Waste Cities project in 2020. Due to the pandemic this incredible opportunity to engage with practitioners to deepen understanding, foster innovation and share learning didn’t happen... until now. I’m delighted that Sam will be able to visit places and people in early 2023 to foster relationships and build knowledge that will support St Nicks remaining on the leading edge of waste minimisation practices.

St Nicks’ Annual Report 2021-22

Significant activities

We deliver our charitable aims in a number of ways:

Nature-based wellbeing

Ecotherapy: Positive contribution and impact to those suffering significant mental health challenges. Improving wellbeing of our participants through programmes which connect them to nature. We have courses that involve poetry and creative writing, willow weaving, Bushcraft, conservation and sustainable gardening skills and many others.

Thriving at Work: This funded scheme aims to help individuals and small to medium sized local businesses to bring nature connectedness into the workspace and equip businesses to better support their employee’s mental health needs.

Waste minimisation

Residential & commercial recycling collections: St Nicks has provided an eco-friendly kerbside recycling scheme for York since 2001. We currently collect recyclable materials from more than 2,500 households and 300 businesses in the city centre. Our unique, low carbon emission service uses an electric vehicle and load bearing tricycles to collect and sort recycling at the kerbside. This enables us to collect high quality recyclable materials and

make the recycling process as efficient as possible. All materials collected are recycled within the UK. The household collection service is funded through a service agreement with City of York Council.

Outreach and education: As well as our Nature Adventurer sessions for children, we offer school trips, Green Mentoring with local schools and Holiday and Food Clubs. Our engagements focus on building children’s knowledge of nature, resilience and confidence.

Terracycle drop offs: Thanks to a partnership with Terracycle, we accept extra plastic materials which are not normally recycled in York. As well as a monthly drop off at our Environment Centre, we work with several drop off locations across York.

Sustainable living – We run a dedicated Zero Waste York Facebook group with over 3,800 active members. Through this channel we have voted for and organised group litter picks, set up working groups to address common issues and surveyed residents for projects requiring priority.

Improving greenspaces

Green Corridors: As well as managing our 24 acre urban nature reserve a mile away from York Centre we work on a number of "Green Corridor" areas across York that connect multiple Greenspaces. These corridors create and are helping to restore bigger, better and more joined up habitats across three landscape scale corridors and 21 sites across York Local Authority Area, including floodplain meadow, hedgerows, woodland and riparian habitat of the critically endangered tansy beetle.

Reducing carbon emissions

Energy advice & support : From August 2021, we provide a free energy advice service for York residents who are either on a low income, or aged 65+ or experiencing a long term health condition or disability. This partnership between St Nicks and York Community Energy is funded through the Energy Industry Voluntary Redress Scheme, and supported by Yorkshire Energy Doctor as well as other local partners.

Natural habitats: We now maintain over 2,000 species at our nature reserve which was originally a landfill site until the 1970s. We have an active volunteering programme across all age groups. We provide support to floodplain meadow areas and groups. We work closely with City of York Council and many other organisations such as The Environment Agency in close partnership to ensure we can broaden the impact and results of our activities.

Ecology: We engage with local communities in relation to citizen science projects for our ecological and monitoring activities across multiple sites in York collecting species, habitat and condition data. Building this picture over time allows us to better understand how our habitats are changing and evolving. We have additional new partners and Universities about to commence projects with us in late 2022.

Fuel vouchers ; We can issue these on behalf of the City of York Council to qualifying York residents who need help with meeting their energy costs meeting energy costs.

Eco Homes events: Around a third of York’s carbon emissions come from the way we heat and power our homes. Making them much more energy efficient brings numerous benefits so we facilitate information sharing and understanding of energy saving home upgrades via our York Open Eco Homes event series.

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St Nicks’ Annual Report 2021-22

Strategy to meet our purpose

Areas of focus for coming year & future aspirations

Our vision is to enable thriving and connected biodiverse communities.

Our mission is to build and connect flourishing communities through urban greenspace regeneration, nature-based wellbeing and sustainable living.

Our activities are underpinned by our values : Collaboration, Integrity, Innovation and Professionalism.

Our strategy to meet and deliver to our purpose comprises of three core elements:

Urban greenspace regeneration: Nature
Improve wellbeing through nature connectedness: People
Empower communities to flourish sustainable: Planet

The key drivers for this strategic approach are embedded within and across all our activities:

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In the next few years, we will be focusing on taking our proven positive models, impacts and deliverables from our Ecotherapy and Green Corridor work and seeking to secure funding post March 2023 to ensure these key activities can continue to develop. For Ecotherapy we are keen to ensure we can deliver the capacity needed to match the high level of demand still present across existing and potentially future programmes as well as exploring the potential to have these services commissioned for longer term sustainability. We also wish to explore partnerships to allow us to offer further activities to children and young people and dementia sufferers and carers.

Nature

People

Planet

In starting to work on a redesign of our website, to make it more user-friendly, easier to navigate and a better reflection of the “persona” of St Nicks, we will also incorporate changes to enhance accessibility for all users and will seek to develop more inclusive approaches in general. We are already developing five different GPS trails throughout the reserve (with some to be delivered remotely) to cater to different levels of physical ability, and to support mindfulness and connectedness to nature for both adults and children.

We are conscious across both our Board and teams to better understand and demonstrate our commitment to Equality, Inclusion and Diversity, across all possible dimensions and definitions.

In the slightly longer term, we will also be seeking partnerships and funding to retrofit and possibly extend our Environment Centre to ensure it both keeps pace with our evolution as a charity, remains aligned with our “Planet” strategic driver and to ensure it can provide the best possible community hub in our area of operation, one which includes some of the most deprived postcodes in York and among the 20% most deprived in England.

St Nicks’ Annual Report 2021-22

St Nicks: key achievements in 2021-22

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569 tonnes of business and residential recycling 90+ live visits made to York Open Eco Homes
collected and hand sorted showcasing low carbon, cosy homes
sent for recycling
York Energy Advice
100% within the UK
launched with York Community Energy
to provide free support on energy
contamination so no issues to residents on a low income,
0% materials are rejected by 65+ or with a chronic condition
reprocessors and incinerated
Improving greenspaces
tonnes extra materials 300 households advised and supported over 7 months
participant course
3.5
recycled via Terracycle
hours delivered
58 hectares
homes had simple energy
of habitat restored and/or improved 24
crowdfunded for the saving measures installed
hours face-to-face mentoring across 21 sites around York
£13k Precious Plastics
mentoring
York project which launched public kWh - estimated
sessions on plastics reduction and volunteers participating in amount of energy
5,300
of social value delivered for every 180 conservation sessions
recycling saved per year thanks to the installed
delivered for every
energy efficiency measures
£1 spent on St Nicks Ecotherapy
hours of volunteer
time dedicated to
5,020
of external evaluation survey respondents restoring nature in York
survey respondents
notice and seek out nature more as
volunteer sessions run by
Minimising waste Reducing carbon emissions
a result of attending ecotherapy 320 staff or park rangers
say that attending Ecotherapy makes
species identified
Ecotherapy makes
and confirmed to
2,000
them feel less lonely. date at St Nicks Nature Reserve
Feedback from participants was gathered
by Converge Evaluation and Research
11
St Nicks’ Annual Report 2021-22 St Nicks’ Annual Report 2021-22
by Lewis Outing
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York Energy Advice launched with York Community Energy to provide free support on energy issues to residents on a low income, 65+ or with a chronic condition

Ecotherapy

participant course hours delivered 3,706 350 hours face-to-face mentoring £9.39 of social value delivered for every £1 spent on St Nicks Ecotherapy

homes had simple energy saving measures installed

kWh - estimated amount of energy 5,300 saved per year thanks to the installed energy efficiency measures

97% of external evaluation survey respondents notice and seek out nature more as a result of attending ecotherapy

83% say that attending Ecotherapy makes them feel less lonely.

Feedback from participants was gathered by Converge Evaluation and Research Team (CERT).

Achievements: Nature and wellbeing

Thriving at Work

This Department of Work and Pensions-funded scheme aims to positively impact a minimum of 20 individuals with mental ill health and 16 small-to-medium enterprises. The Nature Based Wellbeing Team help bring the ethos of nature connectedness into the workplace. The outcomes are designed to help individuals thrive at work and for workplaces to become safer and better equipped to support their employees’ mental health.

Education and Outreach: improving access and interaction with nature and St Nicks

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St Nicks has given me more than I can probably put into words. It’s encouraged me to meet and engage with others.

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Ecotherapy: improving wellbeing through nature connectedness

The Ecotherapy programme, funded primarily by the National Lottery Community Fund, continues to be in high demand with a steady stream of referrals and many groups being full and holding a waiting list. Participants in the groups have come to see these sessions and the accompanying mentoring as essential to their mental wellbeing. In addition, the groups are counteracting loneliness, positively impacting physical health and providing routine and resilience.

"St Nicks is safe. It’s a place I can come to on rubbishy days where everything feels bleak and I’m physically unable to settle, and it’s a place I can come to when I’m doing a bit better. However I am, I can engage as much as I want, or am able to, and that’s okay.”

In addition to the group sessions, we offer 1:1 mentoring on a drop in and appointment basis. The total number of quality mentoring hours delivered across the year is 350. This is high and is a reflection of the return to face-to-face meetings and possibly an indicator of how much the mental health of some individuals has worsened during the pandemic.

Education and Outreach has sustained a high level of activity both through term time and school holidays. The Green Influencer scheme has been the mainstay of yearround activity. This scheme is funded through the #iwill fund, National Lottery Community Fund and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and is delivered by the Ernest Cook Trust. It has involved our Green Mentor drawing together young people (10-14) in activity focused groups to deliver green and sustainable projects across York. So far our Green Mentor has

drawn together 10 groups totalling 172 children, already exceeding our target of reaching 120. The scheme has received extension funding to June 2023. Meanwhile, our holiday and food clubs funded by City of York Council focus on building children's resilience and confidence with nature connectedness.

“I wanted to reach out to you to say a huge thank you for your support, guidance, kindness and nurture to all our pupils (and staff) this year through the Green Mentors project. It has been hugely rewarding for all our pupils who have found a sense of belonging, purpose and sense of achievement... The impact on pupil's mental health has been considerable! This facilitation has developed confidence and trust in some our most vulnerable pupils... Setting up the community garden... has drawn plenty of admirers and has led to a real community spirit with neighbours and friends offering plants and further advice. It was so great to celebrate this at our community summer festival. The whole project has proven to be a springboard to further success and we would love to work with you next year and beyond.”

Ebor Academy

St Nicks’ Annual Report 2021-22

Achievements: Natural habitats

This year has been about growth. Growth in our reach and impact across the city and beyond, growth financially through grant funding and increased contract work, and subsequently growth in our Natural Habitats Team to deliver our vision. We have successfully made the jump from talking about the need for habitat connectivity and landscape scale management, to truly starting to deliver this as part of our Green Corridors York work. This has been a strategy we have been pursuing for the past three years to ensure our work can have a greater and more sustained impact.

To achieve this we are taking the successful model from the nature reserve and across Tang Hall and Osbaldwick Becks, to the Fulford Ings and Clifton Ings green corridors. This approach includes a range of accessible ways for people to get involved and have an impact on their local environment, such as supported practical nature conservation volunteering, a range of citizen science surveying and monitoring and other community engagement activities. It is also key that we work closely with those already working across these corridors, to ensure we can both support and complement existing work, as well as developing new projects to create new and restore existing habitats.

Our dedicated team and close to 100 amazing regular and group volunteers have helped improve and restore 58 ha of habitat for nature conservation, including improving habitat connectivity for tansy beetle along the Ouse. This work has taken place across a wide range of habitats including floodplain meadows, rivers, woodlands, as well as transforming several areas of amenity grassland for nature.

Case study – Hull Road Park river restoration

City of York Council (CYC), the Environment Agency (EA) and St Nicks have been working to take Osbaldwick Beck back to a more natural state from its original artificial construct, to create a more attractive and enjoyable park with better water quality and better habitat for plants and wildlife. The first phase of this work took place in autumn 2020 to partially remove the three weirs, reducing water levels allowing the beck to find a natural meandering course.

Within weeks the water was moving faster, carrying silt away downstream. The lower levels caused some areas of the wider pond section to dry out, creating ideal habit for birds, invertebrates and plants, and maybe one day water voles too. St Nicks were contracted to deliver the second phase of the restoration works due to our experience delivering habitat improvement and restoration projects in urban areas. During 2021 the following was achieved:

Practical Restoration

Creating new meanders and river banks
Improving habitat quality with management, plus planting and seed sowing
Managing invasive species
Cleaning out historic fly tipping and rubbish from the water
Improving connected habitat up and down stream through Green Corridors York

Ecological Monitoring

Surveying for freshwater invertebrates to understand how the river is recovering

Green corridors (GC) are pockets of land that act as connectors to larger green spaces. The GC project aims to join, connect and improve habitats across the York area. It brings together conservation groups, land owners and communities to generate greater positive impact on wildlife and habitats.

Surveying for water vole and American mink to monitor spread of species

Community engagement

Holding regular events to build interest and understanding in the project
3 engagement events attended by 59 people
3 beck walks attended by 34 people
26 volunteer sessions attended by 34 different people from the local community
Young Rangers group established by St Nicks and TCV attended by 13 local 9-12 ~~year olds~~

St Nicks’ Annual Report 2021-22

Achievements: Waste minimisation

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I keep on learning through [Zero Waste York] Facebook group. I am so grateful for this free information!

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Business and residential recycling

Due to various lockdowns business recycling saw a dip in the total volume of recycling collected in the previous financial year. However 2021-22 well surpassed our highest figures collected to date! Our previous record for business recycling was in 2018-19 when our intrepid team collected 117 tonnes of business waste by hand on our people powered, load bearing tricycles and fully electric vehicles. We are very proud that in 2021-22 we collected 142.5 tonnes of business recycling as well as 426.41 tonnes of residential recycling.

To help us meet increasing demand we were very lucky to work with i-Travel York to get funding to purchase two new electric assist tricycles. Whilst their capacity is the same as our previous tricycles, the boost means the team can get to and from the collection areas faster improving efficiency and number of loads we can complete every day. Our people powered trikes are still in use, with one donated to the Green Spaces team to help move tools and equipment to different Green Corridor sites when they are needed.

This year’s higher than ever volume means each team member sorted over 80 tonnes each of recycling by hand over the course of the year. No wonder we get through so many pairs of gloves!

Precious Plastic York

In December 2019 we launched our Crowdfunder to enable us to match fund a grant from the University of Hull’s SparkFund. We raised over £13,000 to purchase machinery to upcycle what would be waste plastics into new products. Due to continued Covid and Brexit related issues the machinery finally started arriving in the winter of 2021 and now the team have been busy getting to grips with it ahead of launching workshops and education events in the coming year.

We received some great accolades from the people of York, via the Big Thanks campaign, recognising those who came together to get through tough times:

“The St Nicks Recycling Team worked non stop during the pandemic, for many people they were the only people you were guaranteed to see and be able to talk to every single week. They kept an eye on my neighbours who were vulnerable and very anxious and clearly care about the people they came into contact with. They were always happy to chat and were still smiling even when people put disgusting things out for collection - even during a world wide health scare! Their service has always been consistent and they are always happy to answer questions and help anyone that needs it.”

“THANKS to St Nicks for carrying out Terraycle drop ins sessions during the pandemic. You helped my mental and physical health as I had to cycle 30 minutes to get to you and collect Terracycle waste before from the office and friends. I felt that this simple activity allowed me to have some control and positive impact in the unusual life during the pandemic. A BIG THANKS to Sam Taylor from St Nicks for running the Zero Waste at York Facebook Group. I learnt so much about specific recycling locations, zero waste refill shops and other tips and tricks. I particularly enjoy your Wanted Wednesday and Free Friday threads allowing me to declutter and to share items with locals, meeting new people and neighbours and sharing with them other ideas about reducing waste. I feel empowered to make a difference, every day, and to reduce my waste too.”

St Nicks’ Annual Report 2021-22

Achievements: Reducing carbon emissions

York Energy Advice

The human cost of energy inefficient homes is fuel poverty – a daily struggle to stay warm and keep the lights on. There are many reasons why increasing numbers of people can’t afford to heat and power their homes but the energy performance of a home is often a big factor. Those who can least afford it often live in leaky homes which cost more to heat, both in monetary and carbon terms. This year St Nicks teamed with York Community Energy to form York Energy Advice, thanks to funding from the Energy Industry Voluntary Redress Scheme.

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Thank you for organising such an inspiring event ... I found seeing some of the work done by . people made it feel more possible for me

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This free service provides support on energy issues to local vulnerable households including those on a low income, older residents or those with long term health issues. Between September 2021 and March 2022, we advised or helped almost 300 such households. We also installed some simple energy saving measures – from LED bulbs to draught-proofing – which are estimated to save over 5,300kWh per year. This will help reduce carbon emissions as well as save money and increase comfort. Working closely with a number of local partners, including City of York Council, Age UK and Older Citizens Advocacy York, we’ve also been able to help people access financial and other types of support in times of sharply rising cost of living.

For more information or referral, see yorkenergyadvice.org.uk or call 01904 922249.

York Open Eco Homes

One of the highlights of the year was the return of a live Eco Homes event, which attracted over 90 visits to four local homes. In conjunction with York Community Energy (as part of York Environment Week and the national Great Big Green Week), we also organised or contributed to two other events showcasing eco retrofitting (energy saving home upgrades). We put on a special visiting event for City of York Councillors and officers to help encourage a city-wide discussion on the challenges and opportunities in scaling up eco retrofitting so that it becomes the norm rather than a niche interest. We contributed to architect Phil Bixby’s “For the Future – what to know before you buy a new home” (which you can watch on YouTube).

Despite many individual differences there was a recurring theme for all the homes – increased home comfort. Eliminating issues with heat leaks, damp and cold clearly makes for much better homes; it benefits both people and the planet if done well. Given that one third of York’s carbon emissions arises from homes, home upgrades such as those shown in Open Eco Homes could help make the difference between York meetings its zero carbon targets or not. They would also massively improve lives through better health and reduced bills.

Ms G got in touch because her council house was cold and only partly insulated, which was impacting on her health. She was worried about turning on the heating due to the energy price rises. During a home visit we issued fuel vouchers, provided advice and referred Ms G to the council for improvements to her home insulation.

"Thank you very much for all the work you are doing, you've been amazing. The little smart metre display is so helpful and I would never have thought of using it if you hadn't come round. It's the kind of thing I would never have sorted out on my own but when someone's helping it's surprising what things you find out. I was shocked at the difference in prices, depending on whether the heating and other things are switched on. I thought it was not going to be a lot more but if I put the heating on plus shower or bath I'm looking at nearer £3 a day. The energy company forecast my usage at £80 a month so now I can budget for it and I'm glad I've got some credit with the fuel voucher. Once again thank you so much.”

St Nicks’ Annual Report 2021-22

Financial activities 2021-22

In 2021-22 St Nicks generated income of £577,865 against £350,287 in the previous year. Total expenditure for the year amounted to £509,376 (2020/21: £349,859), an increase of £159,517 compared with the previous year. The net result of the charity for the year is a surplus of £68,489 (2020/21: £428). This profit will be taken into reserves, though we have already earmarked a significant proportion of this to support a series of activities and continuation of support in the year 2022-23.

The team at St Nicks have worked incredibly hard in the last year following the challenges of the pandemic to further expand our reach across York via our Green Corridors initiative and in the provision of Habitat Services. Similarly, our Waste Minimisation activities have continued to grow, receiving great feedback for our support during periods of lockdown. Our Ecotherapy teams have continued to meet high demand levels as well as evolving our approach and activities during the fourth successful year of the programme.

We know that the coming year will be challenging as two significant programmes of funding are coming to a close – we are hopeful that our proven methodologies and strong, externally assessed results and testimonials enable us to provide a compelling narrative to future funding partners. We are extremely grateful to our staff, volunteers, supporters and funding partners for our results in this financial year.

Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended: 31 March 2022

Note Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies 3.1 Charitable activities 3.2 Other trading activities 3.3 Investments 3.4 Other 3.5 Total income 3 Expenditure on: Raising funds 4.1 Charitable activities 4.2 Total expenditure 4 Net income/(expenditure) Gross transfers between funds Net movement in funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward	Note Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies 3.1 Charitable activities 3.2 Other trading activities 3.3 Investments 3.4 Other 3.5 Total income 3 Expenditure on: Raising funds 4.1 Charitable activities 4.2 Total expenditure 4 Net income/(expenditure) Gross transfers between funds Net movement in funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward	Unrestricted Restricted Total Total funds funds 2022 2021 £ £ £ £ 134,313 278,634 412,947 224,603 119,212 - 119,212 101,131 45,175 - 45,175 16,611 24 - 24 30 507 - 507 7,912
		299,231 278,634 577,865 350,287
		415 - 415 - 228,551 280,410 508,961 349,859
		228,966 280,410 509,376 349,859

		70,265 (1,776) 68,489 428
		- - - -
		70,265 (1,776) 68,489 428
		85,461 311,437 396,898 396,470
		155,726 309,661 465,387 396,898

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2020-21 2021-22
2%
5%2% 7% 1%
21%
29%
Donations & Legacies
Charitable Activities
64%
Other Trading Activitie 71%
Other
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Thank you to our key supporters

Better Connect

Tang Hall Big Local

The National Lottery Community Fund The National Lottery Heritage Fund The Patricia and Donald Shepherd Charitable Trust

Brelms Trust City of York Council Cobb Foundation

Department of Work and Pensions Energy Industry Voluntary Redress Scheme Environment Agency Ernest Cook Trust Fishergate Ward Committee Garfield Weston Foundation Green Recovery Fund Growing Green Spaces (CYC) Guildhall Ward Committee Heworth Ward Committee Joseph Rowntree Foundation Kickstarter Programme Natural England Seed Corn Fund Neighbourly

Two Ridings Community Foundation Wates Foundation via TEWV York CVS

Yorkshire Water

Your Consortium Limited

Organisations donating funds or other support

Illingworths Insurance & Financial Services York CVS GoodGym

Persimmon Homes Postcode Local Trust

Special thanks go to Lewis Outing who took most of our great pictures.

St Nicks’ Annual Report 2021-22

Who we are

Management team at St Nicks (pictured from left to right): Jonathan Dent, Ellie Stead, Eliza Fergusson, Sam Taylor and Jo Young

Many people come together to make St Nicks work. During this last year we have trained two further Youth Park Rangers, our six month intensive volunteering programme available to all ages, which in recent years has provided a foundational basis for careers in habitat management and conservation. We have also successfully completed two Kickstarter programme appointments, one of which has moved onto a role at Natural England and another who is still with us!

We receive repeated and multiple comments about how inclusive our approach is at St Nicks, and how welcome people feel who spend time here. We remain mindful that our efforts for equality and inclusion can improve further and we welcome opportunities to ensure our team, Board and volunteers are truly representative of the communities we serve. We are currently seeking a Youth Trustee for our Board, to ensure future strategy and decision making reflects all generations who will enjoy St Nicks in years to come.

“There’s a real community. It’s the first place in a really long time where I realised that people notice if I’m there or not. Not only do they notice, but they care. They’re pleased to see you - and that’s a very strange thing to get used to when not used to it.”

Trustees

Maria Gill, Ecology Officer

Stuart Leslie (Chair) Sarah Middleton (Vice Chair) Judith Rigg (Secretary) Jonathan Exon (Treasurer, from May '21) Emma Beddington (from Jan '22)

Beki Hagger, Green Corridors Officer (from Sep '21)

Rachel Hall, Ecotherapy Assistant (from May '21)

David Hammond, Recycling Officer Charlotte Hanson, Recycling Officer Marc Hodgson, Recycling Officer Ivana Jakubková, Sustainability Officer Freya Lovett, Green Mentor Jane Mackay, Thriving at Work Officer (from Jan '22)

Nick Coad Lars Kramm Adrian Lovett Jane Thurlow Sebastian O’Connor

Patrons

Eithne Phillips, Project Officer Esther Smith, Charity Support Manager (until Dec '21) Kathy Sturgess, Ecotherapy Project Manager (until Jan '22)

Kate Pickett Anneliese Emmans Dean

Chief Officer

Ellie Stead (from April '22) Tom Waring (until Jan '22)

Sam Taylor, Recycling & Waste Minimisation Manager Eleanor Tookey, Ecotherapy Officer (from Jan '22)

Other staff

Mark Claridge, Caretaker

Jonathan Dent, Natural Habitats Manager Rebecca Dunn, Recycling Officer

Nicola Ward, Habitats Officer (from Sep '21) Stuart Watling, Recycling Officer Jo Young, Nature Based Wellbeing Manager (from March '22)

Eliza Fergusson, Charity Support Manager (from March '22)

Abi Gibbons, Community Engagement Officer (from Nov '21)

Anneliese Emmans Dean (1963 - 2022)

This year, we are sad to mourn the passing of one of our wonderful Patrons. Anneliese was a local poet and performer promoting sustainability through creativity and learning through laughter, rhythm and rhyme. In honour of her life and work, we have named our meadow area “The Big Buzz” Meadow. We will also add two brightly coloured benches to our reserve so that a little bit of Anneliese's vibrant personality can always be with us.

St Nicks’ Annual Report 2021-22

Independent examiner’s report on the accounts

I report on the accounts of: Friends of St Nicholas Fields for the year ended: 31st March 2022 which are set out on pages 28-39

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts inaccordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

Friends of St Nicholas Fields

(Charity Registration Number 1153739)

Trustees Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended

31st March 2022

I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 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 confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I a member of The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or
the accounts do not accord with those records

Charity accounts preparation & independent examination service

the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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.

I have no concerns 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.

Karen Wood (ACMA) (CGMA)

Date:

Outsource Independent Examination Service The Hiscox Building Peasholme Green York YO1 7PR

St Nicks’ Annual Report 2021-22

Statement of financial activities

Friends of St Nicholas Fields

(Charity Registration Number 1153739)

Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended: 31 March 2022

Note Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies 3.1 Charitable activities 3.2 Other trading activities 3.3 Investments 3.4 Other 3.5 Total income 3 Expenditure on: Raising funds 4.1 Charitable activities 4.2 Total expenditure 4 Net income/(expenditure) Gross transfers between funds Net movement in funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward	Note Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies 3.1 Charitable activities 3.2 Other trading activities 3.3 Investments 3.4 Other 3.5 Total income 3 Expenditure on: Raising funds 4.1 Charitable activities 4.2 Total expenditure 4 Net income/(expenditure) Gross transfers between funds Net movement in funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward	Unrestricted Restricted Total Total funds funds 2022 2021 £ £ £ £ 134,313 278,634 412,947 224,603 119,212 - 119,212 101,131 45,175 - 45,175 16,611 24 - 24 30 507 - 507 7,912
		299,231 278,634 577,865 350,287
		415 - 415 - 228,551 280,410 508,961 349,859
		228,966 280,410 509,376 349,859

		70,265 (1,776) 68,489 428
		- - - -
		70,265 (1,776) 68,489 428
		85,461 311,437 396,898 396,470
		155,726 309,661 465,387 396,898

Balance sheet

Friends of St Nicholas Fields

(Charity Registration Number 1153739)

Balance Sheet as at:

31st March 2022

Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 7 Current assets Cash at bank and in hand 8 Debtors & prepayments 9 Stock Current liabilities: amounts falling due within one year Creditors and accruals 10 Funds of the Charity 11 Unrestricted Funds (General) Restricted Funds 11 Total fixed assets Net current assets Total current assets Total Funds Carried Forward Net Assets	2021 £ 298,563 298,563 294,627 46,338 - 340,965 (174,141) 166,824 465,387 155,726 309,661 465,387	2020 £ 327,747
		327,747
		201,203 38,111 1,224
		240,538
		(171,387)
		69,151

		396,898
		85,461 311,437
		396,898

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on: 05/12/2022

And signed on their behalf by:

Stuart Leslie, Chair of Trustees

St Nicks’ Annual Report 2021-22

Statement of cash flows

Friends of St Nicholas Fields

Notes to the accounts

Friends of St Nicholas Fields

(Charity Registration Number 1153739)

Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended:

31st March 2022

Notes to the accounts for the year ended:

31st March 2022

1 Basis of preparation

Cash flows from operating activities Net income/(expenditure) for the year Add:Depreciation for the year Working capital changes (Increase)/decrease in stock (Increase)/decrease in debtors Increase/(decrease) in creditors Cash flows from investing activities Purchase of fixed assets Disposal of fixed assets Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year Cash and cash equivalents at 1 April 2020 Cash and cash equivalents at 31 March 2021 Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities	Total 2022 £ 68,489 29,184	Total 2021 £ 428 3,825
	1,224 (8,227 ) 2,754	0 (1,063 ) 62,764
	93,424	65,954
	- -	- -
	-	-
	93,424 201,203	65,954 135,249
	294,627	201,203

1.1 Basis of accounting

The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention and the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (Charities SORP (FRS 102)).

1.2 Change of basis of accounting

There has been no change to the accounting policies (valuation rules and methods of accounting) since last year.

1.3 Change to previous accounts

No changes have been made to accounts for previous years.

2 Accounting policies

Income and endowments

Recognition of income

These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when:

the charity becomes entitled to the resources;
receipt of the resources is probable; and
the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.

Incoming resources with related expenditure

Where incoming resources have related expenditure, the incoming resources and related expenditure are reported gross in the SoFA.

Grants and donations

Grants and donations are only included in the SoFA when the charity has evidence of entitlement to the resources and receipt is probable.

Volunteer help

The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the trustees' annual report.

Investment income

This is included in the accounts when receivable.

St Nicks’ Annual Report 2021-22

Expenditure and Liabilities

Expenditure

Raising funds

Cost of raising funds comprise those costs associated with attracting voluntary income.

Charitable activities

Charitable activities expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.

Liability recognition

Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources.

Assets

Tangible fixed assets for use by the charity

These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year and cost at least £2000. They are valued at cost or, if gifted, at the value to the charity on receipt, less depreciation.

Depreciation is provided at rates to write off the costs less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful life as follows:

Office equipment 25% straight line basis Project equipment 25% straight line basis Computer equipment 33.33% straight line basis Adventure playground equipment 25% straight line basis

Environment Centre

Depreciation is on a straight line basis in line with the lease length.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity.

Restricted funds are funds which can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor.

				Total	2021	£		574	160		23,008	-		1,898	10,000	514	400	-	-	873	-		121	1,500	-	-	3,750	-		162	-	-		13,292		-	-	4 136
			2021	Restricted	funds	£		-	-		-			1,898	-	514	400			873			121	1,500	-	-	3,750	-		162	-	-		13,292		-	-	4 136
				Unrestricted	funds	£		574	160		23,008			-	10,000	-	-	-	-	-	-		-	-	-	-	-	-		-	-	-		-		-	-
Friends of St Nicholas Fields	(Charity Registration Number 1153739)	Notes to the accounts for the year ended: 31 March 2022	3 Income and endowments 2022	Unrestricted Restricted Total	funds funds 2022	£ £ £	3.1 Donations and legacies	21,836 - 21,836 Donations	190 - 190 Gift Aid	- Grants:	33,125 - 33,125 CYC - Local Nature Reserve SLA	- *Grants -Central*	51,137 - 51,137 Centre	- - - Kickstart Tourism	- - - CYC -Emergency	- 67 67 Persimmon	- - - Neighbourly	17,500 - 17,500 Patsy Wood Trust	- 1,636 1,636 Pilotlight	- 2,310 2,310 Building Capabilities	- - *Grants -Volunteering*	- - - Volunteering	- - - Awards for All	- - - Jack Brunton Trust	- 2,073 2,073 Bettys Trees for Life	- 4,999 4,999 P&D Shepherd	- 6,250 6,250 Two Ridings Covid	- 1,000 1,000 Cobb	*Grants - Recycling*	8,134 - 8,134 Precious Plastic	- 2,500 2,500 RSA	- - - Residential	*Grants - Projects*	- 4,711 4,711 Action towards inclusion	- *Grants - Outreach*	2,290 - 2,290 Education	- 1,286 1,286 HAF	15 909 15 909 G i fl

St Nicks’ Annual Report 2021-22

- 8,352 8,352 - 305 305 - 1,483 1,483 - - - - 4,950 4,950 - - - - 42,561 42,561 - - - - 4,900 4,900 - - - - 29,465 29,465 - - - - 8,000 8,000 - - - - 2,443 2,443 - 4,581 4,581 - 5,432 5,432 - - - - 10,426 10,426 - - - - 1,446 1,446 - - - - 100 100 - 400 400 - 62,372 62,372 - 51,121 51,121 - - - 500 - 500 - - - 53,923 - 53,923 - 4,000 4,000 - - - - - - - 29,605 29,605 - 4,998 4,998 - - - - 4,969 4,969 - - - - 5,000 5,000 - - - - 200 200 - - - - - - - 570 570 134,313 278,634 412,947 88,165 136,438 224,603 3.2 Charitable activities 106,850 - 106,850 - 101,131 101,131 12,362 - 12,362 - - - 119,212 - 119,212 - 101,131 101,131 3.3 45 - 45 (173) - (173) 1,502 - 1,502 1,655 - 1,655 1,240 - 1,240 (65) - (65 ) 42,388 - 42,388 15,194 - 15,194 45,175 - 45,175 16,611 - 16,611 TRCF Covid Bettys 2 Trees for Life *Grants-Ecotherapy* Growing green HR park Kickstarter Yorkshire Water Brelms Trust CYC- Fishergate Ward Green recovery Postcode - Local Rivers NRN seed York urban becks Membership fees Other trading activities Recycling scheme JRF York committee TEWV Naturesave Recycling credits Educational, lettings & rentals CYC Nordic National Lottery Community Fund Educational events General sales NLCF Covid NLCF Uplift Tesco Covid Ways to wellbeing THBL Nordic walking 4 Expenditure Unrestricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Restricted Total funds funds 2022 funds funds 2021 £ £ £ £ 4.1 - - - - - - 415 - 415 - - - 415 - 415 - - - 4.2 138,086 194,197 332,283 101,580 176,637 278,217 3,171 6,544 9,715 385 1,185 1,570 448 2,830 3,278 - 144 144 3,504 340 3,844 243 330 573 1,595 206 1,801 95 1,297 1,392 13,590 989 14,579 584 1,684 2,268 1,941 1,246 3,187 495 1,751 2,246 1,002 1,019 2,021 504 2,964 3,468 122 26 148 144 35 179 9,540 2,042 11,582 810 8,622 9,432 650 - 650 448 1,049 1,497 11,434 38,251 49,685 7,976 24,530 32,506 6,032 12,931 18,963 992 5,665 6,657 819 86 905 3 - 62 59 14,451 11,573 26,024 198 3,407 3,605 800 - 800 720 - 720 30 282 312 44 370 414 - - - 5 103 108 - - - 183 796 979 21,336 7,848 29,184 1,250 2,575 3,825 228,551 280,410 508,961 116,653 233,206 349,859 228,966 280,410 509,376 116,653 233,206 349,859 Total expenditure Raising funds Charitable activities Other project costs Telephone Postage & stationery Insurance Marketing & publicity costs Purchases for resale Salaries Staff training & other costs Volunteer training & other costs Independent examiner's fee Health and safety & security Rent & rates Utilities Cleaning, repairs & renewals Depreciation Other sundry costs Bank charges Memberships & subscriptions Professional fees Resources & equipment Marketing & Publicity Bad debts provision	-	278,217 1,570 144 573 1,392 2,268 2,246 3,468 179 9,432 1,497 32,506 6,657 59 3,605 720 414 108 979 3,825	349,859		349,859

St Nicks’ Annual Report 2021-22

5 Expenses & fees

No trustees received a remuneration for services rendered during the year, nor were any trustees' out of pocket expenses reimbursed.

5.1 Fees for examination of the accounts Independent Examiner's fees for reporting on the accounts 6 Staff costs and emoluments 6.1 Staff costs Gross salaries Employers National Insurance Pension contributions Fundraising Charitable activities Governance Other Total 6.2 Average number of full time equivalent employees by department	2022 £ 800 2022 £ 308,540 18,141 5,602 332,283 2022 1.8 8.0 0.5 1.7 12.0	2021 £ 720
		2021 £ 254,661 18,732 4,824
		278,217
		2021 1.8 7.0 0.5 1.4
		10.7

No employee received remuneration in excess of £60,000 (2021:Nil)

7 Fixed assets

£ 324,111 - - Leasehold Environment	£ 8,863 - (8,863 ) Office equipment	£ 63,820 - - General equipment	£ 403,617 - - Total
324,111	-	63,820	403,617
- 26,192 -	8,863 - (8,863 )	60,184 2,992 -	75,870 29,184 -
26,192	-	63,176	105,054

297,919	-	644	298,563

£ 324,111 - - Leasehold Environment	£ 8,863 - - Office equipment	£ 63,820 - - General equipment	£ 403,617 - - Total
324,111	8,863	63,820	403,617
- - -	8,863 - -	56,359 3,825 -	72,045 3,825 -
-	8,863	60,184	75,870

324,111	-	3,636	327,747
Total	2022 £ 49,328 156,422 20,095 67,031 103 (76 ) - 1,017 137 570	2021 £ 76,790 55,869 20,094 47,009 - - 631 637 - 173
	294,627	201,203
	2022 £ 32,945 472 - 12,921	2021 £ 21,786 962 5,975 9,388
	46,338	38,111
	2022 £ 4,427 159,235	2021 £ 4,182 165,738

St Nicks’ Annual Report 2021-22

11 Movement of funds

11.1 Movement of major funds

Balance b/fwd 85,461	Incoming resources 299,231	Outgoing resources 228,966	Balance c/fwd 153,950
85,461	299,231	228,966	153,950
302,299 7,751 1,387 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	- - - 67 1,636 2,310 2,073 4,999 10,250 1,000 2,500 4,711 1,286 15,909 14,128 1,210 16,192 3,266 8,352 1,483 4,950 42,561 4,900 29,465 8,000 2,443 5,432 10,426 1,446 100 62,372 4,998 4,969 5,000 200	- - - 67 1,636 2,310 2,073 4,999 10,250 1,000 2,500 4,711 1,286 15,909 14,128 1,210 16,192 3,266 8,352 1,483 4,950 42,561 4,900 29,465 8,000 2,443 7,208 10,426 1,446 100 62,372 4,998 4,969 5,000 200	302,299 7,751 1,387 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
311 437	278 634	280 410	311 437

Balance b/fwd 89,396	Incoming resources 112,718	Outgoing resources 116,653	Balance c/fwd 85,461
89,396	112,718	116,653	85,461
302,299 6,557 (873 ) (1,829 ) - - 19 1,387 84 (570 ) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	- 101,131 873 13,291 121 1,500 417 - - 570 51,121 1,814 400 400 162 305 4,155 4,136 514 4,581 125 1,898 3,750 16,700 29,605	- 99,937 - 11,462 121 1,500 436 - 84 - 51,121 1,814 400 400 162 305 4,155 4,136 514 4,581 125 1,898 3,750 16,700 29,605	302,299 7,751 - - - - - 1,387 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
307,074	237,569	233,206	311,437

396,470	350,287	349,859	396,898

St Nicks’ Annual Report 2021-22

11.2 Details of Funds Held

Unrestricted Funds (General)

The General fund is unrestricted and available for the general purposes of the Organisation.

Restricted Funds

The restricted funds are only available for the purposes specified for each fund, which are:

Environment Centre

A fund used towards building of the centre to provide environmental educational facilities. Waste minimisation

Contracts to carry out kerbside recycling service, business waste recycling collections & events recycling

TEWV 2

To provide ecotherapy in a residential and an acute in-patient unit.

Persimmon

To support our education programme development.

Pilot light

Kickstarter

Government Initiative encouraging people back into work on 6 month contracts Yorkshire water

Restore and enhance habitats along urban reaches of Tang Hall and Osbaldwick Becks CYC Nordic

To provide Nordik walking sessions as part of our ecotherapy programme. National lottery community fund

Funding over 5 years (May 2018-May 2023) to fund the Ecotherapy Programme Wates/TEWV

Wates Foundation partnership project with TEWV - funding to provide weekly 1 hour Ecotherapy sessions for inpatients at Foss Park Hospital

Ways to wellbeing

CYC funding to facilitate network of providers across the mental health and wellbeing sector in York. THBL Nordic walking

Funding from Tang Hall Big Local to provide Nordic walking sessions as part of our ecotherapy programme

Green influencers scheme

Two Ridings Community Foundation funding which funds our Green Mentor to run organised Green Influencer groups with schools and other youth organisations

JRF York committee

To provide green wordworking activities to reduce isolation

Funded by Garfield Western Foundation to review and strategically develop our collective staff capacity and skills Building capabilities Supplementary to BLF2 to enable the organisation to build operational capability Bettys Trees for life

Funded by Two Riding's Foundation to create mini nurseries for growing wildflowers and trees

P&D Shepherd

To provide funding for Volunteer Coordinator post

Two Ridings Covid

To run introductory day and separate half-day sessions engaging people with Bushcraft as a new way to connect with nature. Funding will provide tools and time to keep volunteers supported and connected to the therapeutic benefits of nature and St Nicks community during COVID.

Cobb Foundation

To sustain the recruitment, support and leadership given to volunteers

RSA

Funded by Neighbourly to encourage zero waste behaviours in a variety of organisations

Action towards inclusion

Building Better Opportunities - working with those furthest from employment to build skills and experience in the conservation sector.

HAF

Funding by CYC for food and activity clubs in the main school holidays

12 Net assets between funds

Net assets between funds
Fixed assets Current assets Fixed assets Current liabilities Current liabilities Balances at 31st March 2020 Balances at 31st March 2022 Current assets	Unrestricted Funds £ 644 314,194 (159,112)	Restricted Funds £ 297,919 26,771 (15,029 )	Total 2022 £ 298,563 340,965 (174,141)
	155,726	309,661	465,387
	Unrestricted Funds £ 25,448 231,400 (171,387)	Restricted Funds £ 302,299 9,138 -	Total 2020 £ 327,747 240,538 (171,387)
	85,461	311,437	396,898

Energy redress

Partnership project providing quality advice directly to householders in vulnerable situations underpinned by a ‘whole house’ approach.

CYC Heworth ward

Green Influencer work at Heworth Holme

Thriving at work

Government funded programme which allows us to deliver mental health awareness and resilience to small/medieum enterprises and indivudals in work.

HLF Grassland Monitoring

National Lottery Heritage fund to create citizen science Grassland Quality Survey Pack

Postcode local rivers

Grant from Postcode Local Trust to encourage local community engagement along York becks.

Brelms Trust

Part fund salary of Natural Habitats Manager CYC Fishergate ward To develop habitats at Millennium Fields Green recovery National Lottery Heritage fund to kick start the creation and restoration of more, bigger, better and more joined up habitats across three landscape scale corridors and 22 sites across York Local Authority Area, including floodplain meadow, hedgerows, woodland and riparian habitat of the critically endangered tansy beetle

Growing green spaces

Funded by York CVS to develop community action to enhance habitats at Millennium Fields

St Nicks’ Annual Report 2021-22

By Lewis Outing

Report published in October 2022 by St Nicks

(a Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered as Friends of St Nicholas Fields, charity no. 1153739)

01904 411821 | info@stnicks.org.uk | www.stnicks.org.uk St Nicks Environment Centre, Rawdon Avenue, York YO10 3FW

Connect with St Nicks on our social media. St Nicks’ Annual Report 2021-22

2021-22 Annual report

Contents

Message from the Chair

CEO's report

Why we do what we do: our purpose

Significant activities

Nature-based wellbeing

Waste minimisation

Improving greenspaces

Reducing carbon emissions

Strategy to meet our purpose

Areas of focus for coming year & future aspirations

Nature

People

Planet

St Nicks: key achievements in 2021-22

Ecotherapy

Achievements: Nature and wellbeing

Thriving at Work

Ecotherapy: improving wellbeing through nature connectedness

Achievements: Natural habitats

Practical Restoration

Ecological Monitoring

Community engagement

Achievements: Waste minimisation

Business and residential recycling

Precious Plastic York

Achievements: Reducing carbon emissions

York Energy Advice

York Open Eco Homes

Financial activities 2021-22

Thank you to our key supporters

Tang Hall Big Local

Organisations donating funds or other support

Who we are

Trustees

Patrons

Chief Officer

Other staff

Anneliese Emmans Dean (1963 - 2022)

Responsibilities and basis of report

Friends of St Nicholas Fields

(Charity Registration Number 1153739)

Trustees Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended

31st March 2022

Independent examiner's statement

Statement of financial activities

Friends of St Nicholas Fields

Balance sheet

Friends of St Nicholas Fields

Balance Sheet as at:

31st March 2022

And signed on their behalf by:

Statement of cash flows

Friends of St Nicholas Fields

Notes to the accounts

Friends of St Nicholas Fields

Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended:

31st March 2022

Notes to the accounts for the year ended:

31st March 2022

1 Basis of preparation

1.1 Basis of accounting

1.2 Change of basis of accounting

1.3 Change to previous accounts

2 Accounting policies

Income and endowments

Recognition of income

Incoming resources with related expenditure

Grants and donations

Volunteer help

Investment income

Expenditure and Liabilities

Expenditure

Raising funds

Charitable activities

Liability recognition

Assets

Tangible fixed assets for use by the charity