l Hartle,yFowler' Digitally Signed Document Document ID: B3BF5A059D5821 Al(OUHlittll Document Details Filename: Sustainable Mcrton FS25 public.PDF Client of: Hartley Fowlcr LLP Signature Details Andrca Wildman Eillail: chair@sustainablemerton,org Date & TiniL': 2010112026 08..37:17 AM (GMT) IP Addre5S: 149.86.19.68 Andrea Wildman confinns Ihat thc inforn]ation is correct and complete to thc best of thcir knowledge and b¢li¢f. SigninLy Stati'mL'nt: Digital Certificate ThL' uppi'oved PDF file has bLen digiilally certified. Please ¢hLck the Digital CLrlilicale infon)ialion in yoLii' PDF viewer to vcrily Ihc r)igital Q ertificale auilienlicily and the PDI.. not be¢n (iinpered willi. On beliall. of: Hartley Fowlcr LLP PDb di&Fital certitlLate: IRIS Software Group Limited Digital certili¢ate iSSULd b!.: Globalsign Please keep a copy of this document for your records. Hartley Fowler LLP is powered by IRIS Openspace.
REGisfERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1156639 REPORT OF THE TRusfEES AND FINANCIAL sfATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 FOR susrAINABLE MERTON Hartley Fowler LLP Chartered Accountsnts 4th FlIr Tuluon Hou 27-37 st George's Road Wlmbledon London SW19 4EU
susrAINABLE MERTON coKrENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENrs FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Page Report ofthe Trustees I to 9 Indyndent Examinerfs Report io Statofflent of Flnan¢i)l Actlvltles li Balance Shoet 12 Notss to the Finan¢lal Stataments 13 to 17
susrAINABLE MERTON REPORT OF THE TRusfEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 trustees psent their report with the financial ststemerts of the charlty for the year ended 31 March 2025. Tr truths have èdopted the provisiors of Accwnting and Reporting by Charities: Ststement of Recommended practi applicable to tharities preparirKJ their accounts In accoNJan with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Iretand {FRS 102) (effective l January 2019), OBJECTIVES AND AcrivrriES Objectives and aims Su5ts1nable Merton is Merton's local environment charity glving local resldents, community organisath)ns and buslnesses the opportuThty to stimulate prathcal acLion to make our area a sustsinable community. The thinking behind this is simply that a rough using energy resources in a sustainable way could, if well planned and deslgred, be more resillenL more alyjndart and mcfe pkasurable than at present. charltable wrp)ses of the charlty as set out in its goveming dc(ument are to promote for the benefit of the public in ar around the Lon(k)n rOUgh of Merton: (a) the conservationi prctsctlon and improvement of the enviri)nment, in partocular but not excluslvety, by enCou1n9 the prudent use of natural SUS, and rBi5ing awarene55 of envlronmental iss, (b) the a(fvancement of education of the public in the subiett of sustainable developmen¢ in parbcular, but not exduslveSy by ralsing awareness of the issues assc(Oated wlth peak oll and climate change aThJ the conwuert need tt) develq) a IN carbon, sustainable future. In eady 2024 our Trustees revlslted our Vlsbn and Misslon and deaded that we needed to allgn owselves more to the United Natlons's Sustslnable Development Goals. We have therefore revised our four key pillars to (l) protectlng natural resources and storfng biodlversity. (11) tsking attion on envlronmental risks to health aThJ wellbelrrfji (lil) creating a more sustalnable, connetted fccd system and addressing focd insecurity. (Iv) reducing waste arKI transiLloning to the orcular ecommy. We have continued to proactNely work in partnerthip with Merton Councll, aloThJ with many oryjanisations and groups in the bjrough to 5UPPOrt the communlty, to Influence tehaviour change arKI to inspire, to mobilise and to enable people to take part In tackling climate change. Internally, our trustees have contlnued to run regular worklng committees covertThJ finan, fundraisingi HR a1 risk assessment. overseen updates of ow polkies. and held a strateglc planning sesslon to develop our business plan, result1 in a stronger emphasis on increaslng non-stitcled incorrE and to secure grant fundlng to support our volunteer management and the development of our volunteer strategy. The Tnjstees met six Umes over the year to ensure our charlty continues to fit for purwse, has the rfght oryanl&itional structure in ple and is meeting Its obllgations as a Charity. Slgnificant activities A summary of the significant avItIeS In the year Is presented below. Our Communlty Fr contlnued to wovide vitsl supp)rt to local people experiencing focLI Insecurity. The proiert redUS food w35tage (which In turn would produce greenhouse gas emlssions contrlbutlng to the climate emergency) and tenefits local resldents With the supply of fresh and ambnt f¢))J as well as referrals to other partner organisauons who provlde additional VlIare. Our gron9 space activity In¢ased. Both Phipps Bridge Communlty Allotment and Mitcham Ci%nmunity Orchard and Garden, are green havens in dlfferent parts of Mitcham and provided opportunities for locèl reslL1ents to work together, benenting from s¢xial interaction, exercise and galning horticultural knowledge.we also organld volunteer plants'ng day5 at Canons House and intre initiatives to encourage people to grow their own frK*J, and supplies to the Community Frldge, thereby redwing focMI mlles. Merton Garden Streets plantlng days offered res"hJents scKial interaction and STr11 scale oUtdr projects which provided publlc benefit by beautifying Iccal Strts. TIE we[ projett, which 5UPPOrts wa&e minimisatlon and the circular economy, was laurKhed In sunvner 2022. The aim Is to encourage nerkIng and build capaclty in waste minimisatK)n and upycling projects across the borough, redLKlng waste and carLTh fcotprints of ic(al businesses, while Ireasing oppjrtunities for busIne5 to collaborate.
susrAINABLE MERTON REPORT OF THE TRusfEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 OBJEcfivES AND ACTivrrIES The Preloved Studio, based In Canons House in Mitcham, grew its textile reductlon activity as a destination for local residents in the under-served East of the Borough to gain practical, financlal and sooal benefits from leaming texUle skills. We also continued our work in Pollards Hill in Mitcham, delivering the WeRPollards waste mlnimisation project, in partnership with Moat Housirvj. Recent and current projects and actlvlties inclLide: The wh1, Merton's Community Fridge, Merton Garden Streets, Repair Cafes, Pollards Hlll Waste & Recycling Project, Mltcham Community Orchard & Gardens, Phipps Bridge Comrnunity Garden, The Preloved Stsjdio, Green Coffee, and Merton Green Parents. Publlc benefft In setting our objethves and planning our activlties we have grven CafvI considerduon to the Charty Commlssion's gukjance on public neffit. The Trustees ensure that our actSvities are in line with our charltable objertives and alms, to protect and improve the natural environment. We measure the environmentsl impact that each of our projrammes achieve, whlch are set out below. In additjon, many or the prcgrammes deliver added 5Klal benefits. As a result of our work.. Les5 waste Is sent to landfllllinclneration - in particular foc¥J, packaglng and fabrics. Greenhouse g05 emisslons are cut through reduced ergY use and reduced waste of fflaterlals and fcxxl, Le pollutlon is created including redUd pla5tlc pollutlon and air pollution. Our neighbJurho¢)Js are cleaner and Feople feel a sense of clvlc pride by partiapaUrvJ In our comrnunlty prokcts. People In hardship are glven 5UPPOT¢ for example through the provlsion of healthy food, and better access to support and advlce. People struggling with the cost of Ilvlng are provided good quallty fwd, COntriLtIng to their overall wellbelrwJ. People gain new skllls, knowÈdge and friends, contributing to the overall wellbeing of our community. Volunteers Without Its volunteers, Sustainable Merton could not achieve all that it does. Our volunteers Include our Fridge Friend5 as well as Growing SpKes and Merton Garden Streets volunteers, those volunteering at our Repalr Cafes, the Preloved Studio and at WeRPollards. We also have a number of volunteers that support us In other way5, contrlbuting to our business planning, our fundraising and our communicaYon5. The number of volunteers Increased to 341 and the number of hour5 glven by our volunteers was 19,198, ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Charitable activitles Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifylng the dlfference the charlty's work has made to the circumstsnces of its beneficiarleg and any wider benefts to society ag a whole. We continue to grow our ambltions to tske forward climate action projects, bring communitie5 togelher ond Influence people to change their behaviours to achieve a more sustainable lifestyle whllst Improving their health and wellbelng. We have done this In the context of the conlinuation of the cost of living crSsis and unpredictable energy costs, and we are very mindful that we should be encouragiro people to be community minded, have pride in their borough and be kind to each other and the world that we live In. We WO proactively in partnershlp with many organisations and groups In the borough to SLJPWrt our work in the Merton borough. PROTEcllNG NATURAL RESOURCES AND REsfoRING BIODIVERsrrY Merton Garden Streets In 2024, 5u5tainable Merton was awarded fundlng for Merton Garden Streets through the Merton's Civlc Pride Investlng in Neighbourhoods and Communlty Climate Artlon Funds. The projett's aims were to IncaSe plant biodiversity in Merton by planting wllinator friendly plants, to reduce the likelihood of flash ftc#)ds arKI to encourzge intergenerational social cohesion through volunteer-led planting initiatives at community planting days, 114 streets ggned up to Merton Garden Streets in 2024. Some of the previous year's sign-ups remained actlve vdunteers, but chose not to sign up in 2024 as they had well estsblished verges and did not need any plant supplies.
susrAINA8LE MERTON REPORT OF THE TRusfEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Three cornnnity plantuig days took place on the fourth weekend of May, June and July 2024. The first community planting day in May was preded ty a plant swap at Morden Baptist Church. Over 500 plants were swapped and the verge in front of the thurch was planted up. With a minimum average of 10 parbcipants per road (114 total signups), we can estimate that at least 1,140 volunteers partlclpated across the borough. Volunteers planted over 5,000 plants in tree pits, verges and front gardens across rton. Almost 2,000 plants were purch05ed, and 1,800 plants were donated from volunteers who propagated and grew their own plants. Approximately 500 plants and 500 bulbs were donated by Wimbledon Foundatlon, the Hampton Court Flower Show and Chelsea Flower Show and colEected by street coordinators w1 disirtbuted them via the network of volunteers who planted them across Merton. 300 plants We donated by Morden Hall Park Garden Centre. lal parks, whlch include John Innes. Wimbledon Park, South Park Gardens and Holland Garden who were turning over their ds, allowed volunteers to collect approximately 500 plants whSch were then planted on the verges instead of being turned into comp05t. In autumn, over 3,000 bulbs (six diffe nt varieties) were plant1 by volunteers acioss Merton In Ortober, November and December. At the same time, seed saving was erKouraged and lots of resource5 and advice shared on the Whats4pp group and scKlal m&Jia. A seed swap took Pla in November at Morden Park Baptlst Church. It was very well attended, and hundred5 of seeds were 50rted, packaged and shared. Another seed swap took pla in March 2025 at Wimbledon Library to make Seeds easity avallable for anyone wanting to green t1r streets in Spring. Over 50 volunteer5 and l(Kal residents attended. FabOok page: 130 likes, 183 followers Fab0k group: 747 rnembers Whatslpp group: 105 rnernbers Canons House Community Garden We cortinued our partnership, wlth Merton Councll, with grant fundlngi to lojk after and develop Canons House Communlty Garden, Twelve volunteer sessions were held between Juty and March. Thls included one blgger work day on 2nd July to clear up the site. Around 135 hours were gwen during the sesslons with more being volunteered from a Iccal school, charity friends groups, tending to their own plots. The Canons Community Garden WhatsApp group was re-established and currently has 20 memlRr5. Infonnation Is also shar&J on our Growlng Spaces sotial medla page and Sustainable Merton's 5c£ial medla pages, Flyers and posters were designed and distributed amongst the community in 2024 to cruit new volunteers and promote oppi)rtunltses, Sc(ial medla aets have al been des and are used regulady to promote each volunteer se55ion. We have been worf(ing with GOOgyM to recrult more volunteers SIn January 2025. ENVIRONMENTAL RIS<S TO HEALTH AND WELLBEING Due to lack of grant funding we have not been able to continue our Citizen Sdentt project focuslng on Air Quallty and th15 attivity ended in March 2024. We, however, wekomed the intr1)JtIOn of ULEZ in Merton, along with an increase In school streets, both of which have had a positive impact on the quality of the alr we breathe. The Cost of iivlng crlsls has continued to affect Merton resldents and our Ctynmunlty Fridge suppJrts people stnjggle wlth being able to buy suffiaent fd to 5tsy healthy. Evidence collected from all our projects demonstrate that our activity around connecting with nature, growing fcnd, foLKI insecurlty and takn'ng pjsiuve cllmate action and making new 9xial connections, ha5 a pjstive effert on people'5 overall health and wellbeing. FWD SYSTEMS AND FOOD INSECURy Merton's Community Fridge Our Community Fridge, run from Morden Baptlst Church, continues to be in demand and we are working to find loThJ temi furKling solutions to support this vil31 service. During Ihe year, we exrienCed a number of stsff changes, but managed to keep the service aLtive and we currenuy have a team consisting of a Manager, a CDJrdinator and two ebike couriers. We also have 65 volunteer Fridge Friends, who are central to our servlce, 9Jme of whom have been recipients and volunteer as part of their payback to 9)ty. Faong bnger term funding pressu, we laur(hed our first individual fundraising campatgn in NovemtRr 2024. We did a mini survey of members of the Fridge and had many who were willing to be filmed or give us audio clips. When combined with our corporate lundraising, we exeded our £10,000 goal and raised £12,000 - a fantasbc result for our first effort.
susrAINABLE MERTON REPORT OF THE TRusfEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 We were successful In a bid for Hubbub's Investment furKJ fc £5k to build a bike shed at the church. Unfortunatety, the cut in Merton Council furKSing for the 2025126 year meant we needed redireLt this to 5UPPOrt continued use of the trbike following the end of Hubbub's FoLKIConnert program in Marth 2025. The bike is ajrrently stored for fe at the storage cantainer at an Id Verde depot. A more SUable long-tsrm 9)lution rEeds to be found depending on the Ig-tem7 use of the e-bike traller. In February 2025 Merton Coundl annoUnd that they were changlrg their funding mcdel fvr 2025126 and required us to transition to a pantry Me1 of delivery. As our *rvice focuses on using fd that would otheThvise be thrown away and our belief that this should be re to our Fridge members, we decided not to adopt the pantry model and thls has resulted in a 700/0 fur¥Jing cut, To ensure the Fridge can remain cpen In 2025126, a redd schedule was agreed for the new financial year. As a sult of our funding cuts, we have also had to opt out of our coordlnats'on role for Merton's F¢x#J Response Nerk. In February 2025, Hubbub asked If they could visit the Fridge with their CEO and 2 reps from Sainsburvs. The visit was very successful and led to them askSng to film us for 1r new promo video which is on their website. We are thankful to our hosts at Morden Baptist Church for provtding Spa to dellver thls project and also to London Borough of Merton for providing addltional storage at the Civic Centre. Our Community Frldge has sn a fairly corslstsnt increase In visitors as well as fcod collected, Volunteer hours were somewhat erratic wlth lower hours following the staffing changes, and increasing again from Septemberloctober. We also began tracking fty)d waste (elther from explred fcod or fooj not suitable for distrIbUtn> aTrJ this averages 8-10¢/o per month). Durlng the year we had 10,949 vislts (almost IO% up on last year); redi5trlbuted 63,824 kg of surplus fo(>J, equfvalent to 153,178 meals; and saved 204,238 of C02 emlsslons. Our 65 volunteers contrSbuted 4962 how5. Mitchom Comfflunity Orchard and Garden Mltcham Communlty Orchard and Garden, a teauuful urban growlng Spa and peatrful haven for people and noture, rlght In the heart of MStcham, provldes a community-led green space Whe fwii and vegetsbles are grown uslng sustainable and organic methods and where a range of diffent habltsts are maintsined to support biodiversity whilst also providitYJ environmental benefits to Merton. The dedicatlon and commitment of our vdunteers ha5 seen Mltcham Orchard come along in leaps and bounds. 37 GrDwirwJ Frtday volunteer sessiorts and 10 Wkend Actlon Days were planned and delivered. Slgnificantly, we intr&duced community cookirwJ to our Saturday Actbn Days where we prepare cook nutritlous vegan fcoj, uslng prc<luts grown at the orchard, to share wth volunteers. aose to 2000 hours of volunteer tlme was gfven in 2024. We plann8J and delivered our regular sprfng open day on Ilth May and our harvest fe5b.val on 22nd Septemter. We alg) delivered an Informal wo55ail on Ilth January and a Blossom Walk and Talk on 26th Aprll, These events aim to bring Iccal Fwple into the Spo who may not able to, or want to, Join our gardenirvJ se55ions. We held 2 formal working group meetings online with our core group of 9 volunteers who commlt so much ts'rne and energy to the project. Work continued to promote our volunteer se551ons vla WhatsApp, Cial media and on our webslte, We entered Into the London In Bloom awards for the second tlme and achieved the highest level 'Outstanding' in the 'lVs Your NeighbJurho(xl' category. In terrr6 of Infra&rtUre, we created a new compOsj 5Y5tem, fixed the existing tap and added M extra siand pipes and created a new smaller rai5& bed for the roses. The pond has been developed with additional planting. We're also thrillgj to have brand-new outdoor shelter, thanks to the amazing generosity of GreenLlgh¢ a local busine55. Morden Hall Park Community Kitchen From November 2023 to February 2025, we transformed the kitchen garden in Morden Hall Park into a thriving and prcrfJuctive growlng space, supplying locally grown fresh produce to people experiencing fcth poverty in Merton. In the process, this green space became a community resource, providing volunteer opportunities for Merton residents and for schoo15 and corpjrate groups. Two regular weekly volunteer sessions were thlivered with volunte&s giving over 500 hours In time to help hjok after the gar(kn and care ft)r the crops. Our ambition for the garden wa5 to grow a meaningful annint of fresh fruit and vegetables for donation to our Community FrKlge and ne[k.We harvested and donated 222 kg of crop5, includlng brassicas, ri)ot crops, greens, onion5, bean5 and rhubarb.
SUSTAINABLE MERTON REPORT OF THE TRusfEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 The funding has now ended and fc has been handed back over to the National Trust to continue this gat work. Community Fo(xJ Growing Project Due to high demand from its street coordinators, Merton Garden Streets launched its new Community Food Growln9 ProJect In October 2024. FundiryJ until June 2025 was secured through the Hubbub Community Food Hub Grant. The project aims to bring together a community of food growers from across the borough and create connections for lotslly grown fcw)d to be shared within the community and wf(h Merton's Communlty Fddge Network At monthly events, Street C(rdinatOrS and local residents can am all about growlng fruit, vegetsbles, and herbs. Beiween Ottober 2024 and March 2025, 7 workshops took place with 95 residents attending (on average 13 per workshop). Merton's Green Soclal Prescriblng Project The nnal green Social prescriblng workshop 'Workirg with Natural Dyes, was held at Mltchom Orchard In Aprll 2024 and was great gJccess, This funding has now ended and a final report was sent to Merton Connerted who administered the fulIng. Phipps Brldge Communlty Allotment PhSpp5 Brid5 Community Allotment contlnued to offer twice weekly sesgon5 to volunteers from across Merton enabling pecple to learn about organic gardening and to enjoy fresh air and exerci as well a5 soclal contact. The demographlcs of the o sessions are dlfferent tlred people, part-time workers, vulnerable and disabled adults on Wednesdays and younger working adults on Sundays. thus we conslder it important to continue to offer the Sunday sesslon even though tw are less well attended. The totsl number of hours contributed was 1398 and the total welght of frult and vegetsbles was just over half a ton at 543kg. The pr(MjU is shared amongst volunteers and donated to Sustalnable Merton's Community Fridge. WE REDucfioN AND THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY Wh1 The Wh1 15 our drcular economy projett, originalty developed by Merton's aimats Actlon Group and has receNed grant funding from Merton Council. With our delivery partners we (kvehJp*d and managed the folknwlng inltiative5 and events..: * 5 Repair Cafés at Canons House, Cricket Green Ward {Mltcham), * l Repair Café at Moat'5 Wellbeing Studio, Pollord5 Hill Ward (Mitcham) * Additional and separate furniture repair and UkKyclifig workshop at NEMCA, Graveney Ward (Mltcham), i public film screening and panel dIScusOn event on envlronmental Impacts of fast fashlon at Vesty Hall, Crlcket Gen Ward (Mltcham) * I public panel discussion event on low waste living In a circular Lronomy at Merton Arts Space, Hillside Ward (Wlmbledon) * The creation cl 100 draught excluders made from xrdp and donated fabric5 for communlty use, * The creation of 100 reu&Hble fabric fooxl produce bags made from preloved and donated fabrics for communty itse,
ulated The Wh1 Website to signpjst residents to wasie redudon Cfjtions In Merton.
- Became an offlcial suppJrter of London Repalr W*k. Through these Inluatlves, Tr Wheel had 71 attendances acros5 6 Repalr Cafe5 and 135 attendan5 Including the repair team. Throvgh these inltiatives the Wheel diredy prevented 513 kg of waste with 38 unique volunteers givlng over 210 hours to the projert. The avoided GHG emlssions were estimat& (based on stated assumption5) to be 2,539 kg C02e. In addits'on to these impacts, the Initiative5 also contributed to a range of co-benents such as improved mentsl health & wellbeing, civic pride, soaal cohesion, buildlng green skills, behaviour change, and saved money through avoided cost of buylng new Item5 during an ongoSng cost-of-living crisls. Evidentr of co.benefits was gathed through participant satlsfactSon Surveys and written testimonials. Survey respondenis who attended our repair events estimat&l a totsl combined saving of £1,922 thanks to the free community repair an offer. The Preloved Siudlo The Preloved StLxlio is a community space dediGlted to textile paIr, reuse and repurposing. It is located wf(hin Canons House in Mitcham. This year, Su5tsinable Merton developed and marhiged tIE followlThJ artivities..
- 3 residency spaS for Iccal sustainable textile businesses (Baiiis, Llttle ARK and RE-RUNN CIC)
- Weekty SLKial sewing drop-in se55ions
- 6 free sewlng workshops to Upskill the local community
susrAINABLE MERTON REPORT OF THE TRusfEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 0 2 x Sewing Machlne 101 for Beginners (Delivered by Sustainable Merton) o Making LaVer Bags from Scrap Fabrlcs (Delivered by Llttle ARK CIC) o Maklng Bucket Hats frn Scrap Fabrics (Delivered ty Sustainatrfe Merton) o Tr Ancient Art of AFak Print uslng Preloved Fabrlcs (Deliver8J by Bariis) o Upcycled Fashlon (Delivered by RE-RUNN CIQ Through these actlvltles the PlOVed Studio directty wevented 323 kg of waste. The avoided GHG emissions were al estimated (based on ated assumptions) to te 1,024 kg. This was a sh3nificant over-delwery on the Preloved St110 proiett targets for 2024-25 of 200 kg avoided waste and 720 kg avolded C02 emisslons. Cer 360 people vislted the StLMlio and volurteers gave a totsl of 1360 volunteer hours. In addition to these Impacts, the actlvltles also contrlbuted to a rdnge of Cbeneflts sh as improved mtal health and wellbei, civlc pride, Sla1 co1510n, building green skills, behaVur change, and saved money through avokled cost of buyiThJ new Items durong an ongolrvJ co#-of-Ilving crls6. EVIden of co-benefits was gathered through participant satisfactlon surveys and written tesbmonkls. Survey restondents WI atteThJed workshopsi or regular I semi-reguiar attendees of drop-ln knial Sewlng Sesslons esb'mated a total combined saving of £1,980 thanks to Preloved Studlo activlts. WeRPollards Back in 2022, Moat and Sustainable Merton partnered to bring a recyclin9 and behaviour campalgn to the Pollard'5 Hlll estate in Mitcham. Now branded WeRpollards the goal was to recruit community waste champlons to help tsckle contsmination and dumplThJ tssues build a brand promoting responsibillty in wasts disposal. Fast forward to where we are now, the WeRt(Jllards campalgn has been a successful mc#Jel for changing attitudes and behaviours, has made slgnificant inroads in tsckling waste issues on the estate, as well as bullding a dedicated resident led communty and provlded a legacy for a new mojel for WeRPollards from Septemter 2025. Rlts Inde. - The group reformlng Sn the new Wellbeing St110 with a stronger emphasis on ojucatlon partlcularty arourKI the idea of resume, redu and recycle. - New partnershlps and collaborat&?n5. In Cktober 2024 we delivered Pollards Hill first ever Repalr Cafe which IrKluded tralnlng and delfvery ty our waste champions In Wellbelng StLJio. Residents brought alor¥J clothes and electrical items and were able to renew Items and s3ve money. Thls prevented 6kg of waste, saved 84 kg of c02 emisslons and saved reSents £135. In December we launched the Waste to Waves: Sea Llfe Sculpture challenge. Chiklren from Wllliam Rose Prlmary School used sustalnable materials to produ over 20 Scu1ureS. - In March we produced a display uslng the sculptures. 7 children helped bulld the dlsplay and it has Sn LEen displayed around the communlty. In April we completed a new of bin stkker Ir6Lallation, wlth arourKI 800/0 of the site now haviNJ Improved recyding messaglng and WeRPollards branding. COMMUNICATIONS, ENGAGEMENT & EVENTS In 2024-25, Su5tsinable Merton'5 communications and engagement activlty conknnued to raise awareness, strenglhen partnershlps, and inspire Ic(al act1( on sustsinabillty and community wellteing. Our storytelling, campaigns, event5 and media prence reached a wide Ic(al aalen, showrAsing the power of collettive communty actlon. We began the year by h05tyr¥J key public debates aThJ communty events to place sustsinability fimity on the b21 agenda. Our Elettoral Envlronmental Debate in partnership with Merton Friend5 of the Earth and Merton Cydists Group bught together over 80 SIdents to question LoThJon Assembty condidates, with press coverage in the South West Londoner, Our CEO, Diana Sterck, also chaired the Wimbledon Husting5 event ahead of the General Election, Suring environmental issues were at the forefront of ditical discussion. Our visibllty grew throwh strong media partherships. Diana appeared live on BBC Radio LorKlon, sharirwj how our 400 voluntr5 contribute over 19,OC(I hours annually - the equNalent of 10.5 fUll-Un staff - to projects from fojd growirvJ and wa reductlon to Merton's Community Fridge. We were a150 featured on BBC Radio 4 as part of The Orchard Proiecvs Radio 4 appeal, which was recorded with Julia Bradbury at Mitcham Communty Orchard & Gardens. Our work was recc4Jnised borough-wide when Sustsinable Merton was named "Charity of the Yeaff at the Me¢ton Best Business Awards 2024, a proud achievement reflecting the collethve impatt of our small team, volurteers, and SUPFQrters.
susrAINABLE MERTON REPORT OF THE TRusfEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Tfvoughjut the year, we engad the public thrDugh creative campaigrs, markets, and events that connected envIronnntal action with everyday life: Partnered with Love Wimbledon for Sustainable September and ran a stall at their Sustalnable Market on Wimbledon Pia2Za, where we launched our reusable water bottles to promote reusE and raise funds. Hosted our fIrst-er Greener Living Pop-up Market at Elysi Wimbledon, and later our Greerr Giving Holiday Pop-up at Wimbledon Quarter, both celebratlro local 5UStainable buslne55es arKI inspiring low-waste lifestyles. - Organlsed an exclusive sCenIng of "Fashion Re1Mlned" durlng Sustainable Fashlon Week, fdlowed ty a panel discussion with industry exFerts exploritYJ circular fashion. Partnered with Wimbl&lon Guild in Morden for our first photo exhibition at MetroTh)me coffee Shop, showcaslng the br&th of our volunteer-ted climate acuon procts, Our stwtelllng highlighted the social shje of sustainabilty. We celebratal Volunteer5, Week and proudty shared news of our volunteerg recognibon at the Merton Partnershlp Civlc Pride Volunteer Awards. We lau our vIde0-d "Feed Families, Flght Waste" campaign to ralse urgent funds for Merton'5 Community Fridge am'KI Increasong Ted, using real stories to show how the project is a Ilfeline for Icol fam115. The campaign was a success with over £12.400 beiTr3 generou51y donated to kP the Frldge open. Community and envlronmental impact We also recc•Jnlsed through awards, induding London In Bloom's 'Outstandlng" Tatyng for Mltcham Community Orchard and Gardens. We contlnued to grow public engagement through awareness campaigns sh as No Mow May, World Refill Day, and Clean Air Day. We strengthened relationships &ross the sector, welcoming vislts to Merton's Community Fridge from national environrnental tharlty Hubb and Sainsbury's, and connecting with IGral partner5 at community events and beyond. Flnalty, we launched our Fnends of Sustainable Merton membership scheme In March 2025, Inviting residents to Iorne part of growng movement for a more su5tsinable, equitsble, and resi1nt Merton. ThrOh dynamic (MUntIonS and meaningful engagemen¢ Su5ts1nable Merton has continued to bultd a strongi connected communlty that takes tarrfjible action for people and the planet. Fundraising artivities TrUStS set up a fundrdlsng committee In 2023 wlth the purp)se of increasing the charity's finandal resIllen by growing Its proportlon of unrEstrltted fuTrJlng. During the year, £18,717 was receivej from unrestricted donations and we are thankful to all those who Support us thrOh donations and LIty in klnd. Looking ahead, we have drawn up a 3 year fundralsing strategy with stretch targets for donations and unrestrlcted inctyne as well as th)nations In kind. FINANCIAL REVIEW Flnancial position Durln9 the year our grant Income decreased by 36% on the previous year to £235,949 and our overall income redwed to £26L,782 from £391,4H7, reflecting the competitiveness of bidding for grants withln the Charity sector, The trustee.led flnan committee continued to meet 3 times a year to review our financial pjsition In detsll, Including our reserves p051tion along with management accounts arKI the pr(xJuctsJn of annual accounts. We ralsed £25,833 In (bnatlons and other Strictsd and unrestricted IncorrE, a 15% increase on the prevlous year of £22,538. Trustees have apwoved a 3 year fundrai51ng strategy whlch aims to redLKe tr charity's relian on restricted grdrt income and indvjes stretch targets for unre&rlcted Inco. Charity remalns in acceptsble financial health with fund5 to cover its contractual commitrnent&
susrAINABLE MERTON REPORT OF THE TRusfEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 FINANCIAL REVIEW Prlncipal funding sources majority of our fundiNJ canE from grants, During this financial year Sustainable Merton dellvered grBnts awarded from: - Tr LOnn Borough of Merton - Clarion Futures Poilands Hlll Communlty InltlatNe Fund - Hubbub Foundatlc - Coop Community Fund Merton Giving Maglc Little Grant - Wandle Valley Forum Reserves pollcy Sustalnable Merton's ReseNes Policy was changed in 2024 and is to retsln unrestricted funds to the value of 6 months core exFenditure. amount Include5 non-proiett furKled salaries and Offi costs, enabling the charity to continue running durir¥J lean periods beeen award of gont5. Details of the amc4Jnt of reserves held (prior to the change In our Resepies Pollcy) are shown In the Ststement of Flnancial Actlvltles for tFE year a1 the balance sheet for the year end. srRucfuRE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENr Governing document charlty is corLStituted as a Charitable Incorporated Organssation (CIO) and is regulated by the Charlty Commlssion The activlties of the CEO are controlled by its constitukn'ng document which 15 based on the Charity Commission model association CIO con5tibJtion. Recruitment and appointment of new trustees New trustees are ctropted by the Board of Trustees during the year and confimied by election at the AGM. Oryanisational structure The Board of Trustees delegate the day to day running of the chadty to the CEO and team. Our CEO, Elana Sterck, oversees a team, which I1e$ a Communicatkjns Manager, Project Managers and Cwrdinators, each worklng on specific community projects. We also had 2 ebike courler5 and self emptoyed finan, project management and FR support. All our project managers are supported by a large Fool of local volunteers who are integral partners in projett delivery. We collaborate wlth local businesses, schools and other charfues withln the irJrcKffjh. In 2025 we had 4.5 full tlme equwalent staff. Induction and training of new trustees All rV trustees have recelved inductlon tralning on thelr governantt re5ponslbllltks, includlng flnandal controls, safeguardlng and other polkies, Wider network Sustainable Merton CEO Is responslble for managing the charity's operdtional activity, overseeing a team of staff, volunteers and lf-eMploYed contractors. Sustainable Merton take5 a very active part in the Ictal community and torough neOrkS, and much of Its attivity Is undertaken in partnership wlth bcal OrganitIOnS as ouvlned in the previous sections. Rlsk management We have one Trustee who takes the lead on our owanlsational risk assessment and he has worked with other trustees and the CEO to revlew our organisatkw)al and project risks. The report is revWed by all Trustees twth a year. We use the ri4( aSse55ment mettKMJolcgy recommeTrJed by the Natwol Council for Voluntsry Organisatlon5. Contrcls and mitigatlng actions are In pla to minimlse iisk5 in the areas of govemance, finan, operations, extemal faciors and regulatory and compllan activltles.
susrAINABLE MERTON REPORT OF THE TRusfEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 REFERENCE AND ADMINIsfRATIVE DEfAILS Registered Charity number 1156639 Principal address Old Boiler House Morden Hall Park Morden Hall Road )rden SM4 5JD Trustees A Wildman - Chalr (apwinted 1017125) R Baber- Secretary A S Randall - TaSurer DrJDBoyd S Klm-stroud A Laidler Dr G Leigh A Marles K Punungwe-mutsndlro (resigrEd 1215125) A Tacu M Cuddon - Chair (reslgned 1017125) Independent Examiner Harttey Fowler LLP Chartered Accountsnts 4th Fl¢X* Tuitson House 27-37 St George's Road Wimbkd( London SW19 4EU Approved by order of the ard of trustees on 15 January 2026 and signed on betr4rylf by: A Wlldrnan - Chalr - Trust
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRusfEES OF susrAINABLE MERTON Independent examlnerfs report to the trustees of Sustsinable Merton I reFK)rt to the charity trusiees on my eXamInatic cf the accounts of Sustainable Merton (the TNst) for the year ended 31 March 2025. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity tTUStees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordan with the reyuiremer of the Charities Att 2011 (the Acv). I report in re9Ject of my examination of the Trusvs accounts carried out under Settlon 145 of the Act and In canylng out my examination I have followed all applicable Dlrertions given by the Charity commissi under Section 145(5)(b) of the P£t. Independert examln*s statement Sintr your charity's gross income exceeded £250,0(M) your examiner must be a member of a listed b()Jy. I can confirm that I am qualifpd to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Instltute cl Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which ts one of the listed bL)JEs, I have completed my examination. I conflm that Thj matedal matters have conE to my attenyon In connection wlth the examlnation giving me cause to believe that in any matsal respeci: accounbng CordS were not kept In re5Fert of tFE TNst as requlred by Sertlon 130 of the kt; the accounts do not accord woth those records; or the accounts do not comply with the appllcable rg]ulrements COnMIng the forrn and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts glve a true a1 falr view whlch is not a matter consldered as part of an Independent examinatton. I have no COnrn5 and have come rosS no other matters In connection wlth the examlnation to which attentlon should be drawn in this report In order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Jonathan Askew Hartley Fowier LLP Chartered Accountsnts 4th Floor Tultion Hou 27-37 St George% Road Wimbledon London SW19 4EU Date.. -io-
susrAINABLE MERTON STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AcrIvrriES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 2025 Total funds 2024 Total futNfjs Unrestricted furnj Restricted fund Nckes INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM L%)natV3ns a1 lega5 18,717 19,097 20,396 Charitable activities General 5,532 235,949 241,481 370,756 Other trading activides Investment income 1,016 1,016 188 295 Totsl 25,453 236,329 261,782 391,447 EXPENDITURE ON Ra15ing fur•Js 1,015 Charitable actlvlties General 31,864 271,944 303,808 369,798 Total 33,313 271,944 305,257 370,813 NEf INCOMEI(EXPENDmiRE) (7,860) (35,615) (43,475) 20,634 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS T(tsl funds broughl ft)Thvard 75,723 56,075 131,798 111,164 TiyfAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 67,863 20,460 88,323 131,798 The notes form part of these financial ststerrents -li-
susrAINABLE MERTON BALANCE SHEET 31 MARCH 2025 2025 Totsl funds 2024 Total funds Re5tritted fund fund FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 2,164 2,164 4,136 CURRENT ASSErs SttKks Debtors Cash at bank 4n 6,505 98,921 473 9,505 147,909 3,000 48,988 22,284 171,679 105,899 51,988 157,887 193,963 CREDrroRS Amounts falllng due within one year (40,200) (31,528) (71,728) (66,301) NEf CURRENT ASSErs 65,699 20,460 86,159 127,662 rAL ASSEfs LESS CURRENT LIABILrrIES 67,863 20,460 88,323 131,798 67,863 20,460 88,323 131,798 FUNDS Unreslrlcted funds Re*rlcted funds io 67,863 20,460 75,723 56,075 T<yfAL FUNDS 88,323 131,798 The financlal staterrEnts were approved by the Board of TrusW and authorfsl for issue on 15 January 2026 and were slgned on Its behalf by., A Wlldman - Chair - Trustee The note5 form part of these financial 5tstEments -12-
susrAINABLE MERTON NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL sfATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 ACCOUNTING POUCIES Basis of preparing the financial statements financial statements of the charity, which is a wblK tenefit entity under FRS 102, have en prepared in accordance with the chareS SORP (FRS 102) 'AccountiThJ and Reportlng by Charlties.. Statement of Recommended Pratti apkllcable to Chare5 preparing thelr accounts in accordarKe with the Financial Fiewrting Stsndard applicabte in the UK and Republlc of Irela (FRS 102) (effective l January 2019),, Financial Repjrting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Stsndard applicable in the UK and Republic of IrelarKI' the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the hlstorical cost convention. Income All Income is recognised in the Ststement of Flnanoal Activltle5 On the charlty has entitlement to the funds, It Is probable that the income will be recelved and the amount can be measured reliably. Expendlture Liabllities are Cognised as exFenditure as soon as the Is a legal or construttive obllgatlon commlttlng the charlty to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benef1Ls wlll be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accrua15 basls and has been cla551fEd under headings that ag9gate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be dirertly èttrlbuted to particular headlngs they have een alIlted to activityes on a basis consistent with the use of resours. Tangible fixed assets Depreciatlon is provlded at the followlng annual rates in order to wrfte off each a55et over its estlmated useful Ilfe. 33% on cost 33% on cost Plant arKI mathinery Computer equlpment Where restrtcted fund5 are used to acquire assets for orYJolng use by the charity the exFenditure is includ&J as direct charltable expendSture of restricted funds w'f(h the restriction treated as having been met on acquisitlon. Where the assets remain withln the control of the charlty the as*ts are revalued based on thelr origirkil costs and tr&ited as unrestricted rixed asset additions. Depreciation Is charged on fixed assets from the dats on whlch tfrw a brought into use, No depreclatlon is charged where the assets are not brought into use wlor to year end. Stocks stccks are valued at the lower of cost and net alIsable value, after making due allowan for obsolete and slow movlng Items. Taxation The charity is exempt from tsx on its charltsbie acbvitles. Fund accountlng Unrestricted funds can tse used In KcordarKe wlth the charitable obJettlves at the disCtion of the trustees, Re51ricted furKls can only te used for partkular restrirted purposes wlthln the objects of the charity, Restrirtlons arise when specified by the donor or when fuThJs are raised for particular restricted purposes. Further explanation of the nature and puw of each fund is included in the note5 to the flnancial statements. Hlre purchase and leasing cornmitmerbts Rertals paid under operatlng leases are Char to the Statement of Flnancial Actlvlties on a stralght line basts over the period of the lease. -13-
susrAINABLE MERTON NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL sfATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 OTHER TRADING AcrIvtrIES 2025 2024 Merchandise Income 1,016 INVESTMENT INCOME 2025 2024 Deposit account Interest 295 TRusfEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS There were no trustees, remuneration or otr teneffts for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024. TtU9tees' expenses re were no trusteeg expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024. COMPARATIVES FOR THE sfATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AcfiviTIES Unre5trlcted fuTh Restrlcted fund Total furKIs INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacles 20,396 20,396 Charitable actlvltles General 3,432 367,324 370,756 Investment Income 295 295 Totsl 23,828 367,619 391,447 EXPENDrruRE ON Ralslng funds 1,015 1,015 Charitsble artlvities General 2,985 366,813 369,798 Trtal 2,985 367,828 370,813 NEf INCOMEI(EXPENDrnIRE) 20,843 (209) 20,634 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Totsl funds brought forward 54,880 56,284 111,164 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 75,723 56,075 131,798 -14-
susrAINABLE MERTON NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL sfATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSErs Plant ond machinery Cornputer equipment Totals COST At l Aprll 2024 and 31 March 2025 4,348 3,097 7,445 DEPRECIATION At l April 2024 Charge for year 1,092 1,092 2,217 880 3,309 1,972 At 31 March 2025 2,184 3,097 5,281 NEf 800K VALUE At 31 March 2025 2,164 2,164 At 31 March 2024 3,256 880 4,136 Fixed assets acqulr8J wlth restricted furnls are capitallsed wlth the rethdon treated as satlsfied on acqu151tlon. The purchase cost is refierted initlally as restrlcted expenditure wlth the assets acquired being revalued and Included as unrestricted flxed asset additions where tfw remain within the trol of the charty. srocKS 2025 2024 473 DEBTORS: AMOUNfs FALLING DUE wrrHIN ONE YEAR 2025 2024 Other debtor5 Accnjed Income Prepayments 2,290 3,000 4,215 14,5LIS 6,527 1,251 9,505 22,284 CREDrroRS: AMOUNTS FALUNG DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2025 2024 Trade credltors Taxation and sodal secu Other ¢yedltors 11,898 3,366 56,464 10,127 3,576 52,598 71,728 66,301 -15-
susrAINABLE MERTON NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - c{tinUed FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 io. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Net movement in funds At 114124 3113125 Unrestricted funds General fund 75,723 (7,860) 67,863 Restricted funds Restricted 56,075 (35,615) 20,460 TOTAL FUNDS 131,798 (43,475) 88,323 Net moverrEnt in funds, Included In the above are as follows.. Incomlng sources Resources experKled Movement in funds Unrestrlcted funds General fund 25,453 (33,313) (7,860) Restrlcted funds Restrlcted 236,329 (271,944) (35,615) TOTAL FUNDS 261,782 (305,257) (43,475) Comparatives for movement In fvnd5 Net movement in funds At 3113124 At 114123 Unrestricted funds General fund 54,880 20,843 75,723 Restrlcted funds 56,284 (209) 56,075 TOTAL FUNDS 111,164 20,634 131,798 Comparatfve net movement in fund5, incIled in the above are as follows: Incoming resource5 Resources expended Movemert in funds Unrestricted funds General fund 23,828 (2,985) 20,843 Restrlrted fund5 Rethcted 367,619 (367,828) (209) TiJfAL FUNDS 391,447 (370,813) 20,634 -16-
susrAINABLE MERTON NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL sfATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 ii. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES re were no related party tranCtior6 for the year ended 31 March 2025. -17-