Docusign Envelope ID: BD60AB5B-71A1-49F5-A36C-A937CB1B8682
The North Devon Biosphere Foundation
Annual Report and Unaudited Financial Statements
Year ended 31 March 2025
Company Registration No: 04462420 Charity Registration No: 1156589
Docusign Envelope ID: BD60AB5B-71A1-49F5-A36C-A937CB1B8682
The North Devon Biosphere Foundation
| Contents | Page |
|---|---|
| Trustees’ Annual Report (incorporating the Directors’ Report) | 1 |
| Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees | 5 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | |
| (incorporating the Income and Expenditure Account) | 6 |
| Balance Sheet | 7 |
| Statement of Cash Flows | 8 |
| Notes and Accounting Policies | 9 |
Docusign Envelope ID: BD60AB5B-71A1-49F5-A36C-A937CB1B8682
The North Devon Biosphere Foundation Year ended 31 March 2025
Trustees’ Annual Report
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements of the charitable company for the year ended 31 March 2025. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the Charities Act 2011, and 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 (FRS 102).
1. Objectives and activities for the public benefit
The objective of the North Devon Biosphere Foundation (“the Foundation”) is to promote sustainable development for the benefit of the public by the preservation, conservation and protection of the environment and the prudent use of natural resources; the promotion of sustainable means of achieving economic growth and regeneration; to advance the education of the public in subjects related to sustainable development, protection, enhancement and rehabilitation of the environment. In particular the Foundation works to develop partnerships and manage projects for a sustainable future within the North Devon Biosphere.
As Trustees of the Foundation we have given due consideration to the Charity Commission's published guidance on the Public Benefit Requirement under the Charities Act 2011. During the period the Foundation continued to support the aims and activities of the UNESCO designated North Devon Biosphere Reserve. We met this aim by managing external funds made available for a number of projects in the biosphere reserve, including those designed to reduce pollution in the estuary of the Taw and Torridge, reduce flood risk, and encourage sustainable stewardship of our rivers, wetlands and woods. The Foundation continues to hold funds from the former charity The Silvanus Trust, which it uses to support woodland development projects.
The Foundation is grateful for the continued support from partners, including Devon County Council, North Devon and Torridge District Councils. We were also delighted to receive assistance from Natural England, the Forestry Commission, the Environment Agency, the Woodland Trust and South West Water Limited and The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs towards development of our capabilities and for specific projects.
2. Achievements and performance
The Foundation continues to build on the successful business and deployment models of our previous work with the Environment Agency and has been able to win further funds to carry the projects on in different themes. The projects include the continuation of the Devon Woods project and the CRITTER project that supports the creation of new intertidal habitats in response to sea-level rise over the coming 100 years, which are now in their implementation stages
Further work has been undertaken in the Umber catchment on the North Devon coast, supported by Devon County Council and the Environment Agency has resulted creative restoration of historic features that have helped to reduce flooding and pollution in the village of Combe Martin. Our work in the Devon Flood Resilience project has extended this work to delivering flood resilience in the area for communities in the Little Dart Catchment and deployment of digital sensors to monitor the impact of the various interventions. We have also been working with the Woodland trust to support the restoration of ancient woodlands in the area through advice to landowners and accessing funds.
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Docusign Envelope ID: BD60AB5B-71A1-49F5-A36C-A937CB1B8682
The North Devon Biosphere Foundation Year ended 31 March 2025
Trustees’ Annual Report
We have now embarked on the National Heritage Lottery Funded programme called Biosphere Communities where we have 4 animateurs supporting 4 local communities initially, to help build capacity for actions to address the climate and biodiversity crises. The team and the NDBF have continued to provide support to the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve partnership in the operation and coordination of the reserve.
3. Financial review
The Trustees consider the financial performance by the Foundation during the year to have been satisfactory. The Foundation holds funds deferred for future periods, therefore no fundamental uncertainty exists over its ability to continue as a going concern.
At the balance sheet date, the Foundation held reserves totalling £870,049 (2024: £694,828). Of these, £415,845 represented restricted income funds and £454,204 represented total unrestricted funds of which £338,305 are Designated Funds. Restricted income funds are those held by the Foundation for a purpose specified by the donor or appeal, Designated Funds are earmarked by the Trustees for a specific purpose, usually in consultation with the donor.
The amount of reserves the Foundation held at the end of the reporting period after making allowances for any restricted and designated funds, was £115,899. The Trustees aim to have unrestricted reserves in excess of £70,000 to cover projected overheads for the next 12 months Any excess over this is intended to be used for capacity building to fund future growth. Annual contributions from North Devon Council and Torridge District Council, totalling to £33,180, contribute towards the Foundations overheads.
4. Structure, governance and management
The Foundation is governed by its Memorandum and Articles incorporated 17 June 2002 as amended by its Certificate of Incorporation on Change of Name dated 28 October 2010 and articles adopted by special resolution dated 26 February 2014 as amended by special resolution(s) dated 15 September 2017.
The Board meets regularly throughout the year, minutes are recorded and matters discussed include financial, operational, strategic and risk assessments. The Board invites operational members of the Biosphere Service to meetings as appropriate.
The Foundation is actively seeking new Trustees to ensure the skills at board level are commensurate with existing activities and plans for the future development. the year.
New trustees are provided with an induction programme to familiarise them with the Foundation and their obligations as trustees under the Charities Act 2011. New trustees are provided with copies of the minutes of previous Trustee meetings and are encouraged to consult with the pre-existing Trustees on any issues they wish to discuss.
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Docusign Envelope ID: BD60AB5B-71A1-49F5-A36C-A937CB1B8682
The North Devon Biosphere Foundation Year ended 31 March 2025
Trustees’ Annual Report
5. Reference and administrative details
Registered Number 04462420 Registered Charity Number 1156589 Registered Office Taw View North Walk Barnstaple Devon EX31 1EE Trustees and directors P R Byers R C Daniels R W Down T M Jones (Chairman) Rev N McKinnel (resigned 14 May 2024) C L Wright (resigned 1 June 2024) S Moulai (resigned 1 June 2024) D Watson (appointed 1 April 2025) D Harland (appointed 1 April 2025) S Stolliday (appointed 1 April 2025) Company Secretary P R Byers Independent Examiner Neil Hitchings FCA Francis Clark LLP Chartered Accountants Centenary House Peninsula Park Rydon Lane EXETER EX2 7XE Bankers Lloyds Bank plc Cross Street Barnstaple Devon EX31 1BE
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Docusign Envelope ID: BD60AB5B-71A1-49F5-A36C-A937CB1B8682
The North Devon Biosphere Foundation
Year ended 31 March 2025
Trustees’ Annual Report
Trustees’ Responsibilities in Relation to the Financial Statements
The charity trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing a trustees’ annual report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the charity trustees to prepare financial statements for each year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charity for that period. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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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 disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Small Company Provisions
This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions for small companies under Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.
Signed on behalf of the Board
T M Jones (Chairman) Trustee
12 November 2025
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Docusign Envelope ID: BD60AB5B-71A1-49F5-A36C-A937CB1B8682
The North Devon Biosphere Foundation
Year ended 31 March 2025
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees
I report on the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 March 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity’s trustees of the Charity (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 the Charity 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 Charity’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 am a member of the ICAEW, 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:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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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
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the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with 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 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.
Signed:
FitSigned999771DCB5C24BA...bitchingsby: Neil Hitchings FCA Francis Clark LLP Chartered Accountants Centenary House Peninsula Park Rydon Lane Exeter EX2 7XE
13 November 2025
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Docusign Envelope ID: BD60AB5B-71A1-49F5-A36C-A937CB1B8682
The North Devon Biosphere Foundation Year ended 31 March 2025
Statement of Financial Activities
(incorporating the Income and Expenditure Account)
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restricted | Unrestricted | Total | Total | ||
| funds | funds | funds | funds | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| INCOME | Notes | ||||
| Donations and legacies | 3 | - | 33,239 | 33,239 | 33,195 |
| Charitable activities | 4 | 433,434 | 366,874 | 800,308 | 835,226 |
| Interest Income | - | 9,198 | 9,198 | - | |
| ––––––– | ––––––– | ––––––– | ––––––– | ||
| Total income | 433,434 | 409,311 | 842,745 | 868,421 | |
| ––––––– | ––––––– | ––––––– | ––––––– | ||
| EXPENDITURE | |||||
| Charitable activities - projects | 5 | 341,984 | 259,804 | 601,788 | 688,318 |
| - other | 6 | - | 65,736 | 65,736 | 50,814 |
| ––––––– | ––––––– | ––––––– | ––––––– | ||
| Total expenditure | 341,984 | 325,540 | 667,524 | 739,132 | |
| ––––––– | ––––––– | ––––––– | ––––––– | ||
| Net Income/(expenditure) for the year | 91,450 | 83,771 | 175,221 | 129,289 | |
| Transfers between funds | 15 | - | - | - | - |
| ––––––– | ––––––– | ––––––– | ––––––– | ||
| Net movement in funds | 91,450 | 83,771 | 175,221 | 129,289 | |
| Reconciliation of funds | |||||
| Total funds brought forward | 324,395 | 370,433 | 694,828 | 565,539 | |
| ––––––– | ––––––– | ––––––– | ––––––– | ||
| Total funds carried forward | 415,845 | 454,204 | 870,049 | 694,828 | |
| ══════ | ══════ | ══════ | ══════ | ||
| 2025 | |||||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Represented by: | |||||
| Fixed assets | - | 40,084 | 40,084 | 88 | |
| Net current assets | 415,845 | 414,120 | 829,965 | 694,740 | |
| ––––––– | ––––––– | ––––––– | ––––––– | ||
| 415,845 | 454,204 | 870,049 | 694,828 | ||
| ══════ | ══════ | ══════ | ══════ | ||
| 2024 | |||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Represented by: | |||||
| Fixed assets | - | 88 | 88 | 123 | |
| Net current assets | 324,395 | 370,345 | 694,740 | 565,416 | |
| ––––––– | ––––––– | ––––––– | ––––––– | ||
| 324,395 | 370,433 | 694,828 | 565,539 | ||
| ══════ | ══════ | ══════ | ══════ |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
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Docusign Envelope ID: BD60AB5B-71A1-49F5-A36C-A937CB1B8682
The North Devon Biosphere Foundation 31 March 2025
Balance Sheet
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| Fixed assets | |||
| Tangible assets | 10 | 40,084 | 88 |
| Investments | 11 | 100 | 100 |
| ––––––– | ––––––– | ||
| 40,184 | 188 | ||
| ––––––– | ––––––– | ||
| Current assets | |||
| Debtors | 12 | 169,514 | 333,798 |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 884,313 | 455,841 | |
| ––––––– | ––––––– | ||
| 1,053,827 | 789,639 | ||
| Creditors- Amounts falling | |||
| due within one year | 13 | (223,962) | (94,999) |
| ––––––– | ––––––– | ||
| Net current assets | 829,865 | 694,640 | |
| ––––––– | ––––––– | ||
| Total assets less current liabilities | 870,049 | 694,828 | |
| ––––––– | ––––––– | ||
| Net assets | 870,049 | 694,828 | |
| ══════ | ══════ | ||
| The Funds of the Charity | |||
| Income funds | |||
| Restricted funds | 15 | 415,845 | 324,395 |
| Unrestricted funds - General funds | 15 | 115,899 | 82,533 |
| - Designated funds | 15 | 338,305 | 287,900 |
| ––––––– | ––––––– | ||
| Total charity funds | 870,049 | 694,828 | |
| ══════ | ══════ |
The trustees are satisfied that the charity is entitled to exemption from the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 (the Act) relating to the audit of the financial statements for the year by virtue of section 477, and that no member or members have requested an audit pursuant to section 476 of the Act.
The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for:
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(i) ensuring that the charity keeps adequate accounting records which comply with section 386 of the Act, and
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(ii) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity as at the end of the financial year and of its profit or loss for the financial year in accordance with the requirements of sections 394 and 395, and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Act relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charity.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions for small companies under Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
12 November 2025
These financial statements were approved by the members of the Board on ……………………. and are signed on their behalf by:
[Jones] |[Tim] DocuSigned by: T M Jones A25120A65D9D4A3... Trustee
Registered Company Number: 04462420
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Docusign Envelope ID: BD60AB5B-71A1-49F5-A36C-A937CB1B8682
The North Devon Biosphere Foundation 31 March 2025
Statement of Cash Flows
| Statement of Cash Flows | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | |||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | 428,472 | 370,126 | ||
| Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 16 | |||
| Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting period |
428,472 | 370,126 | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period |
455,841 | 85,715 | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period |
884,313 | 455,841 | ||
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Docusign Envelope ID: BD60AB5B-71A1-49F5-A36C-A937CB1B8682
The North Devon Biosphere Foundation 31 March 2025
Notes to the financial statements
1 Accounting policies
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, except for investments which are included at market value, and in accordance with 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" (FRS 102) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
The North Devon Biosphere Foundation meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historic cost or transaction value, unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note.
The North Devon Biosphere Foundation is a company limited by guarantee and therefore has no share capital.
The Charity was incorporated in England and Wales and details of the registered office can be found in the reference and administration section of the trustees’ report.
The functional currency of the charity is considered to be pounds sterling because it is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the charitable company operates.
The trustees are not aware of any material uncertainties in relation to going concern.
(b) Fund accounting
Funds held by the charity are either:
Restricted funds
These funds represent funds that can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Unrestricted general fund
Unrestricted funds are available to spend on any charitable purpose.
Designated funds
These are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular purposes.
9
Docusign Envelope ID: BD60AB5B-71A1-49F5-A36C-A937CB1B8682
The North Devon Biosphere Foundation 31 March 2025
Notes to the financial statements
1. Accounting policies (continued)
(c) Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets are included in the accounts at cost and are depreciated over their estimated useful lives at the following rates:
Plant & Machinery - 25% per annum on the reducing balance basis Equipment – 33% per annum on the straight line basis
Assets below the threshold of £1,000 are not capitalised.
(d) Income
Income is recognised where there is entitlement, certainty of receipt and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability.
Donated services and facilities are included income (with an equivalent amount in expenditure) where the benefit is reasonably quantifiable, measurable and material. The value of volunteer help is not included in the financial statements.
(f) Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis and includes irrecoverable VAT, reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates.
Expenditure on charitable activities comprises costs of delivering environmental projects and other support costs.
Governance costs are those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirement of the charity including independent examiners fees.
(g) Financial instruments
The company only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments which are initially recognised at transaction value. The company holds the following financial instruments:
- Short term trade and other debtors and creditors
2 Legal status of the charity
The charity is a private company limited by guarantee and has no share capital.
10
Docusign Envelope ID: BD60AB5B-71A1-49F5-A36C-A937CB1B8682
The North Devon Biosphere Foundation 31 March 2025
Notes to the financial statements
3 Donations and legacies
| Donations and legacies | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2025 | 2025 | 2024 | |
| Restricted | Unrestricted | Total | Total | |
| Funds | Funds | |||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Donated services and gifts in kind | - | 33,239 | 33,239 | 33,195 |
| –––––– | –––––– | –––––– | ––––––– | |
| - | 33,239 | 33,239 | 33,195 | |
| ══════ | ══════ | ══════ | ══════ |
Income from donations and legacies of £33,239 (2024: £33,195) is unrestricted.
4 Income from charitable activities
| 2025 | 2025 | 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restricted | Unrestricted | Total | Total | |
| Funds | Funds | |||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Environmental projects | 433,434 | 366,874 | 800,308 | 835,226 |
| –––––– | –––––– | –––––– | ––––––– | |
| 433,434 | 366,874 | 800,308 | 835,226 | |
| ══════ | ══════ | ══════ | ══════ |
Included in the 2025 total of £800,308 is unrestricted income of £366,874 (2024: £608,288) and restricted income of £433,434 (2024: £226,938).
5 Expenditure on charitable activities - projects
| 2025 | 2025 | 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restricted | Unrestricted | Total | Total | |
| Funds | Funds | |||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Environmental projects | 341,984 | 259,804 | 601,788 | 688,318 |
| –––––– | –––––– | –––––– | ––––––– | |
| 341,984 | 259,804 | 601,788 | 688,318 | |
| ══════ | ══════ | ══════ | ══════ |
Expenditure on Environmental projects was £601,790 (2024: £688,318) of which £259,804 (2024: £561,627) was unrestricted and £341,984 (2024: £126,691) was restricted.
6 Expenditure on charitable activities - other
| 2025 | 2025 | 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restricted | Unrestricted | Total | Total | |
| Funds | Funds | |||
| Support costs | £ | £ | £ | £ |
| General administrative costs | - | 57,114 | 57,114 | 47,108 |
| Consultancy | - | - | - | - |
| Legal and professional cost | - | 2,640 | 2,640 | 3,671 |
| Depreciation | - | 5,982 | 5,982 | 35 |
| ––––––– | ––––––– | ––––––– | ––––––– | |
| - | 65,736 | 65,736 | 50,814 | |
| ══════ | ══════ | ══════ | ══════ |
Included in legal and professional costs are Independent Examiner’s fees of £2,160.
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Docusign Envelope ID: BD60AB5B-71A1-49F5-A36C-A937CB1B8682
The North Devon Biosphere Foundation 31 March 2025
Notes to the financial statements
The charity has one employee.
7 Staff costs
| Salaries and wages Social security costs Pension contributions Average number of staff |
2025 £ 193,050 16,594 3,256 212,900 8 |
2024 £ 66,616 5,264 1,018 |
|---|---|---|
| 72,898 | ||
| 4 |
8 Taxation
The company is a registered charity, and its charitable activities are exempt from corporation tax.
9 Trustees’ emoluments and key management personnel
No remuneration was received by the trustees during the year and no trustees were reimbursed for expenditure (2024: £Nil reimbursed expenses). The key management personnel of the Trust comprise the trustees.
10 Fixed Assets – Tangible
| 10 | Fixed Assets – Tangible | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant & | ||||
| Equipment | Machinery | Total | ||
| £ | £ | £ | ||
| Cost | ||||
| At 1 April 2024 | - | 2,735 | 2,735 | |
| Additions | 45,978 | - | 45,978 | |
| ------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------ | ||
| At 31 March 2025 | 45,978 | 2,735 | 48,713 | |
| ==================================== | ==================================== | ==================================== | ||
| Depreciation | ||||
| At 1 April 2024 | - | 2,647 | 2,647 | |
| Charge for the year | 5,960 | 22 | 5,982 | |
| ------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------ | ||
| At 31 March 2025 | 5,960 | 2,669 | 8,629 | |
| ==================================== | ==================================== | ==================================== | ||
| Net book value | ||||
| At 31 March 2025 | 40,018 | 66 | 40,084 | |
| ==================================== | ==================================== | ==================================== | ||
| At 31 March 2024 | - | 88 | 88 | |
| ==================================== | ==================================== | ==================================== | ||
| 11 | Investments | |||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||
| £ | £ | |||
| Investments | 100 | 100 | ||
| ––––––– | ––––––– | |||
| 100 | 100 | |||
| ══════ | ══════ |
During the prior year The North Devon Biosphere Foundation subscribed to 100% of the share capital of North Devon Biosphere Enterprises Ltd, being 100 ordinary shares for consideration of £1 per share. At the year end the share capital was unpaid and is reflected as a creditor.
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Docusign Envelope ID: BD60AB5B-71A1-49F5-A36C-A937CB1B8682
The North Devon Biosphere Foundation 31 March 2025
Notes to the financial statements
| 12 | Debtors | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Due within one year | |||
| Trade Debtors | 21,801 | 72,935 | |
| Prepayments and accrued income | 87,369 | 206,949 | |
| Other debtors | 60,344 | 53,914 | |
| ––––––– | ––––––– | ||
| 169,514 | 333,798 | ||
| ══════ | ══════ | ||
| 13 | Creditors | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Amounts falling due within one year: | |||
| Trade creditors | 69,344 | 87,435 | |
| Accruals and deferred income | 134,670 | 7,318 | |
| Social security and other taxes | 8,419 | 146 | |
| Other creditor | 11,529 | 100 | |
| ––––––– | ––––––– | ||
| 223,962 | 94,999 | ||
| ══════ | ══════ |
Included in accruals and deferred income above is £129,389 received in respect of a S106 agreement from Torridge District Council. This has been deferred as the performance-related conditions attached to the agreement had not been met at the 31 March 2025.
14 Control
The charity is under the control of its Trustees.
15 Funds
| Funds | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 April 2024 |
Incoming resources |
Resources Expended |
Transfers | 31 March 2025 |
| Restricted funds: | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ |
| Pledge for Nature | - | - | (12) | - | (12) |
| Silvanus & SW Woodland fund | 33,837 | - | (240) | - | 33,597 |
| Taw Valley Facilitation fund | (39) | 36,147 | (34,842) | - | 1,266 |
| PAWS Challenge Fund | 25,979 | - | - | - | 25,979 |
| Natural flood management | 49,934 | - | - | - | 49,934 |
| DEFRA wood | 12,198 | - | (1,480) | - | 10,718 |
| River Axe Kilmington STW | 10,000 | - | - | - | 10,000 |
| Biodiversity offsets Boode Farm | 18,680 | - | - | - | 18,680 |
| Richard Parr Project | 82,000 | - | - | - | 82,000 |
| EA CCC Partnership Project | 6,038 | 41,276 | (36,244) | - | 11,070 |
| SPF – Tourism (Sarah) – E17 | 2,210 | 24,897 | (21,837) | - | 5,270 |
| SPF – Business Support E29 | 44,813 | 40,000 | (66,935) | - | 17,878 |
| Public Fundraising | 4,397 | 559 | - | - | 4,956 |
| Lottery Biosphere Communities | (149) | 224,813 | (117,534) | - | 107,130 |
| TDC BN/OUTM | 32,950 | - | (20,300) | - | 12,650 |
| UNESCO Shared Outcomes | - | 65,742 | (42,560) | - | 23,182 |
| Other restricted funds | 1,547 | - | - | - | 1,547 |
| ––––––– | ––––––– | ––––––– | ––––––– | ––––––– | |
| 324,395 | 433,434 | (341,984) | - | 415,845 | |
| 13 |
Docusign Envelope ID: BD60AB5B-71A1-49F5-A36C-A937CB1B8682
The North Devon Biosphere Foundation 31 March 2025
Notes to the financial statements
| Unrestricted funds: | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General funds: | 82,533 | 107,902 | (74,536) | - | 115,899 | |
| Designated funds: | ||||||
| Visitor investment | 16,697 | - | - | - | 16,697 | |
| Woodland enterprise zone | 25,017 | - | - | - | 25,017 | |
| Estuary project (*) | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Marine Management | Natural | 20,500 | - | - | - | 20,500 |
| Capital | ||||||
| Smart Biosphere | 34,477 | - | - | - | 34,477 | |
| CRITTER | 9,384 | 55,336 | (49,792) | - | 14,928 | |
| WEIF-BIRD Forest |
Project, | 59,785 | - | - | - | 59,785 |
| Combe Martin Planting | ||||||
| 2021/22 Development Fund | 17,712 | - | - | - | 17,712 | |
| Devon Woods | 24,579 | 158,606 | (127,026) | - | 56,159 | |
| CRF – Capacity Building | 11,755 | - | - | - | 11,755 | |
| Water Vole Reintroduction | 9,488 | - | (239) | - | 9,249 | |
| Torridge Nature Tourism | 7,484 | - | - | - | 7,484 | |
| Drip Umber Little Dart | (109) | 77,467 | (63,101) | - | 14,257 | |
| Sustainable Tourism (Explorer | 28,000 | - | (188) | - | 27,812 | |
| App) | ||||||
| Tests and Trials (ELMS) Phase | 537 | - | - | - | 537 | |
| 2 | ||||||
| Our School Out Worls Brighton | - | 10,000 | (9,800) | - | 200 | |
| and Hove | ||||||
| Other designated funds | 22,594 | - | (858) | - | 21,736 | |
| ––––––– | ––––––– | ––––––– | ––––––– | ––––––– | ||
| 370,433 | 409,311 | (325,540) | - | 454,204 | ||
| ––––––– | ––––––– | ––––––– | ––––––– | ––––––– | ||
| 694,828 | 842,745 | (667,524) | - | 870,049 | ||
| Total funds | ══════ | ══════ | ══════ | ══════ | ══════ | |
| 2024 | 1 April | Incoming | Resources | Transfers | 31 March | |
| 2023 | resources | Expended | 2024 | |||
| Restricted funds: | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Pledge for Nature | 11,499 | 6,810 | (22,613) | 4,304 | - | |
| Silvanus & SW Woodland fund | 29,090 | - | (150) | 4,897 | 33,837 | |
| Taw Valley Facilitation fund | 2,899 | 24,574 | (27,512) | - | (39) | |
| PAWS Challenge Fund | 25,979 | - | - | - | 25,979 | |
| Natural flood management | 33,215 | - | - | 16,719 | 49,934 | |
| DEFRA wood | 12,198 | - | - | - | 12,198 | |
| River Axe Kilmington STW | 10,000 | - | - | - | 10,000 | |
| Biodiversity offsets Boode Farm | 18,680 | - | - | - | 18,680 | |
| EA CDF DCIS Pipeline Project | 16,720 | 8,529 | - | (25,249) | - | |
| Richard Parr Project | 24,000 | 58,000 | - | - | 82,000 | |
| EA CCC Partnership Project | 4,700 | 28,863 | (27,525) | - | 6,038 | |
| SPF - Tourism (Sarah) - | E17 | - | 23,000 | (20,790) | - | 2,210 |
| SPF - Business Support | E29 | - | 72,500 | (27,687) | - | 44,813 |
| Public Fundraising | - | 4,662 | (265) | - | 4,397 | |
| Lottery Biosphere Communities | - | - | (149) | - | (149) | |
| TDC BN/OUTM | 32,950 | - | - | - | 32,950 | |
| Other restricted funds | 6,964 | - | - | (5,417) | 1,547 | |
| ––––––– | ––––––– | ––––––– | ––––––– | ––––––– | ||
| 228,894 | 226,938 | (126,691) | (4,746) | 324,395 |
14
Docusign Envelope ID: BD60AB5B-71A1-49F5-A36C-A937CB1B8682
The North Devon Biosphere Foundation 31 March 2025
Notes to the financial statements
| Unrestricted funds: | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General funds: | 72,130 | 92,348 | (72,977) | (8,968) | 82,533 | |
| Designated funds: | ||||||
| Visitor investment | 16,697 | - | - | - | 16,697 | |
| Woodland enterprise zone | 25,017 | - | - | - | 25,017 | |
| Estuary project (*) | (13,126) | - | - | 13,126 | - | |
| Marine Management Natural | 17,000 | 3,500 | - | - | 20,500 | |
| Capital | ||||||
| Smart Biosphere | 34,477 | - | - | - | 34,477 | |
| CRITTER | 5,884 | 29,101 | (25,601) | - | 9,384 | |
| WEIF-BIRD Forest |
Project, | 59,785 | - | - | - | 59,785 |
| Combe Martin Planting | ||||||
| 2021/22 Development Fund | 17,712 | - | - | - | 17,712 | |
| Devon Woods | 40,548 | 100,000 | (115,969) | - | 24,579 | |
| CRF – Capacity Building | 11,755 | - | - | - | 11,755 | |
| Water Vole Tourism | 9,488 | - | - | - | 9,488 | |
| Torridge Nature Tourism | 7,484 | - | - | - | 7,484 | |
| Sustainable Tourism | 720 | 165,526 | (166,355) | - | (109) | |
| Sustainable Tourism (Explorer | - | 28,000 | - | - | 28,000 | |
| App) | ||||||
| Test and Trials (ELMS) | Phase 2 | - | 217,408 | (216,871) | - | 537 |
| Tourism project | - | 4,600 | (4,668) | 68 | - | |
| In house Woodland Grant | - | 1,000 | (1,000) | - | ||
| Other designated funds | 31,074 | - | (9,000) | 520 | 22,594 | |
| ––––––– | ––––––– | ––––––– | ––––––– | ––––––– | ||
| 336,645 | 641,483 | (612,441) | 4,746 | 370,433 | ||
| ––––––– | ––––––– | ––––––– | ––––––– | ––––––– | ||
| Total funds | 565,539 | 868,421 | (739,132) | - | 694,828 | |
| ══════ | ══════ | ══════ | ══════ | ══════ |
Purposes and restrictions in relation to the funds: Restricted funds:
Pledge for Nature
Catchment plan writing/ Foundation capacity building Signage Pioneer Short Films Silvanus and SW Woodland Funds
Taw Valley Facilitation fund
PAWS Challenge Fund
Financing a campaign to galvanise community action for nature’s recovery.
To develop the economic impact of sustainably managed woodland.
To provide environmental signage. Financing the production of short films entitled Journey to the Sea. To support the aims of the former Silvanus Trust
Bringing over 80 farmers and foresters together to share experience and focus on collaboration to improve the natural environment at a landscape level.
To restore ancient woodland.
15
Docusign Envelope ID: BD60AB5B-71A1-49F5-A36C-A937CB1B8682
The North Devon Biosphere Foundation 31 March 2025
Notes to the financial statements
EA CDF DCIS Pipeline Project; this is a set of catchment studies that have been commissioned by the Environment Agency to determine nature based solutions to reduce flooding in a range of key catchments in Cornwall.
Richard Parr project is a contribution as part of an enforcement undertaking by a farmer. The funds when paid in total must be used to buy land for environmental improvements
Southern Catchment Feasibility: a range of studies commissioned by the Environment Agency to identify nature based solutions in catchments in south Devon.
EA CCC Partnership Project: funds from the Environment agency Coastal Coordination Champions to create a marine nature recovery plan that complements the land based nature recovery plan as leading our commitments to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity and address the ecological crisis locally.
TDC BN/OUTM This is a biodiversity net gain payment from a developer to guarantee nature improvements in compensation for a development in Appledore.
Lottery Biosphere Communities Climate Action Fund, community engagement project to promote climate action amongst local communities
UNESCO Shared Outcomes
Is a programme to work with a range of authorities in an interdisciplinary way that will develop policies and action that address climate change, biodiversity and human well being
DEFRA Woods Is a programme that will sustain the woodland planting and support ongoing management for a range of small woodlands that were established with a direct grant from Defra
River Axe Kilmington STW Is a fund being held to create new habitat that will mitigate pollution from agricultural sources using a nature-based solution.
Biodiversity Offsets Boode Farm A range of habitat improvements at a farm near Braunton were implemented with a developer contribution. These funds are for the ongoing maintenance of those features and the development of more biodiversity projects in the area.
SPF The Share Prosperity Fund was a grant from Torridge and North Devon District Councils that has been used to develop Nature-based tourism opportunities in the area that will support the restoration of the area as well as provide new experiences for all sectors of society (local and out of region visitors)
Public Fundraising Is a very limited activity for the Foundation. We have the facility for public donations but our main efforts are working with large organisations (private and public sector) to deliver larger scale projects. We are now registered with 1% for the Planet as a suitable charity where the private sector can make contributions to our work.
16
Docusign Envelope ID: BD60AB5B-71A1-49F5-A36C-A937CB1B8682
The North Devon Biosphere Foundation 31 March 2025
Notes to the financial statements
| Other restricted funds | Supporting developments in natural flood management; supporting |
|---|---|
| Including Natural Flood | the Devon Wildlife Trust Chair with joint administration of the North |
| Management; Nature’s Tonic; | Devon Catchment Partnership; contributing to a pilot approach to |
| Timber Girls; Diffuse Pollution; | increasing outdoor activity and a ‘connection with nature’ to improve |
| and, Year 2 Woods for Water | mental health and wellbeing; Providing farm advice and grant aid to |
| implement measures to reduce diffuse pollution; a project celebrating | |
| the WWI Women’s Forestry Service; and supporting Woods for Water | |
| related activities for Natural Flood Management benefits across three | |
| catchment areas. | |
| Designated funds: | |
| Visitor investment | To provide future business support. |
| Tarka Trail development | To increase the use of the Tarka Trail in a sustainable way. |
| Taw/Torridge Project | For projects in the Taw and Torridge estuary. |
| Climate friendly farming | To support the development of climate friendly farming methods. |
| Woodland enterprise zone | To support the establishment of a woodland enterprise zone. |
| Estuary project | To reduce pollution and improve flood management in the Taw and |
| Torridge estuary. | |
| Marine Management Natural | Supporting natural capital approaches to improving marine |
| Capital | environment as highlighted through the Marine Pioneer project. |
| In house woodland | Maintenance of leased woodlands |
| Sustainable Tourism | A programme to support ongoing work on the Nature Tourism offer |
| in the biosphere reserve (not the App). | |
| Sustainable Tourism explorer app | Maintenance of tourist app to support local business and encourage |
| tourism diversity. | |
| Tourism | Occasional sustainable tourism projects. |
| Tests and Trials | DEFRA contract to undertake pioneering research (now ended) into |
| private finance for natural capital markets. | |
| International Collaboration AB | Air travel expenses not claimed by AB to hold for future international |
| cooperation needs. | |
| Smart Biosphere | This is a fund to support the ongoing maintenance of the SMART |
| biosphere sensor network established in the area | |
| CRITTER | This is a capital programme funded by the Environment Agency to |
| help restore intertidal wetlands and linked grazing marshes in the Taw | |
| Torridge Estuary Complex |
DBRC Contribution to Nature Plan A fund to enable data requests from DBRC in our nature recovery strategies.
17
Docusign Envelope ID: BD60AB5B-71A1-49F5-A36C-A937CB1B8682
The North Devon Biosphere Foundation 31 March 2025
Notes to the financial statements
WEIF-BIRD Forest Project This project is to support riparian tree planting in the area to reduce bacteriological pollution reaching rivers.
Combe Martin Planting 2021/22 Development Fund
Funds from the CRF programme to support capacity building in the charity. This fund was not eligible spend and therefore may be required to balance the spend in the CIC) I think there were 2 funds from CRF here.
Devon Woods A capital fund from the Environment Agency to support woodland creation in phosphate failing catchments CRF Capacity Building Funds from the CRF programme to support capacity building in the charity. This fund was not eligible spend and therefore may be required to balance the spend in the CIC. Water Vole Reintroduction Funds to assist the ongoing site assessment of Braunton Marsh to be a place to re-stablish water vole populations. Our School Our World Brighton and Hove
This is a programme to support the development of climate curriculum in schools in the Biosphere Reserve
Torridge Nature Tourism The current program of promoting Nature Tourism in the Torridge area DRIP Umber Little Dart A time limited fund from Environment Agency and Flood defence research into natural flood management measures in the Little Dart and Umber catchments . Other designated funds Development of marine conservation zone; to produce a synthesis of Including Marine Conservation the local impacts of climate and the actions being undertaken by Zone; BR Climate Policy and partners in the area to mitigate and adapt at a local scale; to develop Evidence Contract; Braunton a biodiversity plan for the freshwater wetlands in the estuary area and Marsh Biodiversity Action Plan; secure a strategy for their effective re-location as sea level rise turns Biosphere Forum event; Pearl the existing marshes more saline; to support a public event for people Mussel Conservation; to learn more about what the Biosphere Reserve does and give their and, DCC Torridge on what it can do in the future; contributing to the Devon Freshwater Catchment Pearl Mussel conservation plan, including feasibility survey on the River Torridge; and, developing the catchment of Torridge.
(*) a temporary deficit is reported on designated funds for projects where expenditure has been incurred in advance of future funds to be claimed.
18
Docusign Envelope ID: BD60AB5B-71A1-49F5-A36C-A937CB1B8682
The North Devon Biosphere Foundation 31 March 2025
Notes to the financial statements
16 Reconciliation of net income / (expenditure) to net cash flow from operating activities
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| Net income/(expenditure) for the reporting period (as per the statement of financial activities) |
175,221 | 129,289 | |
| Adjustments for: | |||
| Depreciation charges Fixed asset additions |
5,982 (45,978) |
35 - |
|
| (Increase)/decrease in debtors | 164,284 | 204,152 | |
| Increase/(decrease) in creditors | 128,963 | 36,650 | |
| Net cashprovided by (usedin) operating activities | 428,472 | 370,126 |
17 Related parties
Biosphere Foundation CIC, a Community Interest Company of which the charity has Trustees that are also Directors of the company, owed £53,914 (2024 53,914) to the charity at the year end. The charity purchased consultancy services of £5,000 from R Jordan, a director of its wholly owned subsidiary North Devon Biosphere Enterprises Limited during the year.
18 Subsidiary undertakings
The charity wholly owns the UK subsidiary North Devon Biosphere Enterprises Limited. The subsidiary’s principal activity is the development of environmental products. Trading results for the year ended 31 March 2025, extracted from its accounts are shown below:
principal activity is the development of environmental products. Trading 2025, extracted from its accounts are shown below: |
results for the year ended 31 Ma |
|---|---|
| 2025 | |
| £ | |
| Turnover and other income | 110,429 |
| Cost of sales and administration costs | (110,169) |
| ––––––– | |
| Profit/(Loss) for the financial year | 260 |
| ══════ | |
| The assets and liabilities of the subsidiary were: | |
| Tangible fixed assets | 19,264 |
| Current assets | 51,310 |
| Current liabilities | (54,803) |
| Creditors due after more than one year | (15,411) |
| ––––––– | |
| Aggregate share capital and reserves | 360 |
| ══════ |
19