Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 1.4.2023 To 31.3. 2024
Charity name: LOVE HAMBROOK MARSHES CIO
Charity registration number: 1156473
Objectives and Activities
| Objectives and Activities | Objectives and Activities | Objectives and Activities |
|---|---|---|
| SORP reference | ||
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document Para 1.17 The Objects of Love Hambrook Marshes CIO are: “To protect, manage and preserve the Hambrook Marshes for the benefit of wildlife and for the public benefit.” These are delivered through the following detailed aims: 1. to ensure that the land remains open, undeveloped marshland; 2. to ensure conservation of the area through application of effective land management; 3. to protect existing vegetation and wildlife; 4. to guarantee controlled public access to the area, including free access to the cycle path; 5. to encourage participation of the local community. |
||
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. Para 1.17 and 1.19 The Trustees have continued to manage the land in conformity with Natural England requirements to protect and conserve it as wetland, protect wildlife, ensure continuity of grant income, and maintain public access. |
||
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | The Trustees, in promoting the objects of the CIO, have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Policy on grant making | Para 1.38 | N/A |
| Para 1.38 |
| Policy on social investment including program related investment |
N/A | |
|---|---|---|
| Contribution made by volunteers |
Para 1.38 | The CIO continues to use the assistance of volunteers for activities such as litter-picking and liaison with local schools. In 2023-2024 assistance was also provided by volunteers from the Kentish Stour Countryside Partnership. A new relationship was established with KSCP for 2024-2025 onwards and details are given below. |
| Other |
Achievements and Performance
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SORP reference
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| Achievements and Performance | Achievements and Performance | Achievements and Performance |
|---|---|---|
| SORP reference | ||
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. |
Para 1.20 | This review provides a summary of what has been achieved during 2023-24 mapped against each of the aims. AIM 1: Ensure that Hambrook Marshes remain open, undeveloped marshland (a) The continuing existence of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation ensures that, for the foreseeable future, this aim will be met. (b) Site insurance is in place for basic public liability, and for problems arising from contamination. (c) Trustees ensure that the site is managed as farm land in order to claim the annual Natural England Basic Payment Scheme to fund maintenance and infrastructure work on the site. (d) The CIO continued to receive funding from the Natural England Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier grant scheme on a year-by-year basis, and the site is managed to meet the requirements of the scheme to maintain the site as wet grassland. (e) A new agreement was established with the Kentish Stour Countryside Partnership to ensure a continuing future for the site and its management. See below. AIM 2 Ensure conservation of the site through effective land management (a) Cattle were brought in to graze the site in the summer, as required by Natural England grant conditions in order to maintain the site as wet grassland, but for a shorter season than in previous years. New arrangements |
will be made for 2024-25. (b) Maintenance work included the renewal and repair for stiles, fences and gates. (c) Hay was cut in August and September 2023 but was not suitable for a hay harvest. (d) Mowing of the riverside and cycle path margins was again undertaken. (e) Clearance of litter continued two or three times a week. (f) Site maintenance continued to be monitored in according with an annual Inspection Regime and a Calendar of Tasks. AIM 3 Protect and encourage plant and wild life (a) One of the trustees who has specialist knowledge of wildlife continues to perform the role of monitoring wildlife habitats and exploring opportunities for environmental improvement. (b) Flora on site included continuing populations of southern marsh orchids and snake’s head fritillaries, and particularly abundant growth of marsh marigolds and pale toadflax. (d) Willow was again harvested by local basket weavers. (d) Bird life included a great white egret, a new species for the site. The continuing decline in numbers of snipe was a cause for concern and further thought will be given to possible ways of improving the habitat for this species. AIM 4 Guarantee the existing public access to the site (a) The agreement with Kent County Council and Canterbury City Council for the operation and maintenance of the Great Stour Way as a permissive path for pedestrians and cyclists continued in place. (b) Permissive public access across the site via footpaths was maintained. (c) The CIO was again given a Green Flag Community Award. (d) The willow maze, which is a popular feature for visiting families, was repaired and renewed. (e) Fallen trees created access problems in certain locations, and have been dealt with to ensure continuing access.
AIM 5 Encourage community involvement in the site
(a) Monthly Newsletters containing updates on all site activities including wildlife reports, together with an Annual Report, were
circulated electronically and published on the CIO web-site. (b) Volunteers from Kentish Stour Countryside Partnership provided help with scrub clearance. (c) A team of volunteers has continued to provide help with activities which include litter picking and site maintenance. (d) FE students from Canterbury College helped with the planting of willow cuttings. (e) Art students from Canterbury College created an attractive mural on the brickwork of the old railway embankment, featuring wildlife and grazing animals.
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Achievements against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | See previous section. |
|---|---|---|
| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | Fundraising is not one of the objectives of the CIO. |
| Investment performance against objectives |
Para 1.41 | N/A |
| Other |
Financial Review
| Financial Review | ||
|---|---|---|
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | The charity has sufficient funds to continue for the foreseeable future which is important as it is dependent on grants and donations. |
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | The charity aims to keep a reserve higher than its annual expenditure as the repairs and improvements that are needed periodically are considerable and the income is limited. |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | £76.599 |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | N/A |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | N/A |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 | N/A |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
Para 1.47 | |
|---|---|---|
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | |
| Other |
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
||
|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document | Para 1.25 | Constitution |
| How is the charity constituted? |
Para 1.25 | CIO |
| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees |
Para 1.25 | Trustee vacancies are publicly advertised, and appointments are made by the existing trustees. Election to specific roles (e.g. Chair) is by the votes of the trustees. No new trustees have been appointed in the past year. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees |
Para 1.51 | |
|---|---|---|
| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
Para 1.51 | |
| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 | In view of the increasing demands on Trustees as a result of their direct involvement in maintenance activity, a thorough review of the arrangements was undertaken, and a decision was made to establish a new relationship with the Kentish Stour Countryside Partnership. It was decided that KSCP would take over primary responsibility for routine management and maintenance, in return for an annual fee. A Memorandum of Understanding was agreed with KSCP, to come into effect for the year 2024-2025. This will place the work to protect, manage and preserve Hambrook Marshes on a firmer and more secure footing. Trustees will cooperate with KSCP on strategic management issues, and will continue to exercise responsibility for other objectives including the financial viability of the CIO’s activities, reporting to the Charity Commission, and relations with the public and the local community. |
| Other |
Reference and Administrative details
Charity name Love Hambrook Marshes CIO Other name the charity uses LHM Registered charity number 1156473 Charity’s principal address 26 Orchard Street, Canterbury CT2 8AP
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
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Dates acted if not for whole Name of person (or body) entitled
Trustee name Office (if any)
year to appoint trustee (if any)
1 Jon Winder Chair
2 Hilary Adams Treasurer
3 Margaret Love Trustee
4 Richard Norman Secretary
5 Sian Pettman Trustee
6 Paul Roberts Land Manager
7 Michael Walter Trustee
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– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved
Director name
Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Description of the assets N/A held in this capacity Name and objects of the N/A charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for N/A safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
Type of Name Address adviser
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Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
N/A
Other optional information
N/A
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
| Signature(s) Full name(s) Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etc) Date |
J Winder R Norman |
|---|---|
| Jon Winder Richard Norman |
|
Chair Secretary |
|
| 16.8.24 | |
| 16.8.24 |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Charity Name|No (if any)|
|LOVE HAMBROOK MARSHES CIO|
|Receipts and payments accounts|CC16a|
|For the period|Period start date|Period end date|
|To|
|from|01-Apr-23|31-Mar-24|
|ee|ee|ee|_|
|Section A Receipts and payments|
|Unrestricted|Restricted|Endowment|
|Total funds|Last year|
|funds|funds|funds|
|to the nearest £|to the nearest £|to the nearest £|to the nearest £|to the nearest £|
|A1 Receipts|
|Donations|10,829|-|10,829|474|
|Grants|7,803|-|7,803|8,688|
|Grazing|-|-|-|900|
|Interest|464|-|464|358|
|Fund raising|-|-|53|
|-|-|-|-|-|
|-|-|-|-|-|
|-|-|-|-|-|
|Sub total|(Gross income for|
|AR)|[ 19,096 ]|-|-|19,096|10,473|
|A2 Asset and investment sales,|
|(see table).|
|-|-|-|-|
|-|-|-|-|-|
|Sub total|-|-|-|-|-|
|Total receipts|19,096|-|-|19,096|10,473|
|————|——|
|A3 Payments|
|Maintenance|3,522|-|-|3,522|1,515|
|Insurance|153|-|-|153|
|Administration|289|-|-|289|118|
|Workshop|92|2,457|-|2,549|570|
|-|-|-|
|-|-|
|-|-|-|
|-|-|-|
|-|-|-|-|-|
|Sub total|[ 4,056 ]|2,457|-|6,513|2,203|
|A4 Asset and investment|
|purchases, (see table)|
|-|-|-|-|
|-|-|-|-|
|Sub total|[ - ]|-|-|-|-|
|————|Total payments|4,056|2,457|-|——|6,513|2,203|
|Net of receipts/(payments)|15,040|- 2,457|-|12,583|8,270|
|A5 Transfers between funds|-|- -|-|-|
|A6 Cash funds last year end|61,559|2,457|-|64,016|55,746|
|Cash funds this year end|SS|76,599|-|- 76,599|]|S54|64,016|
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CCXX R1 accounts (SS)
19/08/2024
1
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
| Categories Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees B1 Cash funds B2 Other monetary assets B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use B5 Liabilities B3 Investment assets |
R Norman Signature J Winder Cafbank Metro bank Details Total cash funds (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) Details Details Details Details |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ 26,599 50,000 - - - 76,599 - OK OK Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - - - - - Fund to which liability relates Amount due (optional) - - - - - Print Name J Winder R Norman |
Endowment funds to nearest £ - - - |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | |||
| OK | |||
| Endowment funds to nearest £ - - - - - - Current value (optional) - - - - - Current value (optional) - - - - - - - - - When due (optional) Date of approval 16.8.24 16.8.24 |
CCXX R2 accounts (SS)
19/08/2024
2