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← East Mercia Rivers Trust

2024-03-31-accounts

EAST MERCIA RIVERS TRUST

Charity No. 1157922

Company No. 08613863

Trustees' Report and Unaudited Accounts

31 March 2024

EAST MERCIA RIVERS TRUST Contents

Pages
Trustees' Annual Report 2 to 9
Independent Examiner's Report 10
Statement of Financial Activities 11
Summary Income and Expenditure Account 12
Balance Sheet 13
Notes to the Accounts 14 to 23
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities 24 to 25

Page 1

EAST MERCIA RIVERS TRUST Trustees Annual Report

The trustees, who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Company No. 08613863

Charity No. 1157922

Principal Office

Loddington House Main Street Loddington Leicester LE7 9XE

Registered Office

Loddington House Main Street Loddington Leicester LE7 9XE

Directors and Trustees

The Directors of the charitable company are its Trustees for the purposes of charity law. The following Directors and Trustees served during the year:

M.J. Ballard M.J. Bills J.S. Birch J. Bolland R. Dyson M. Hatfield (Resigned 20 September 2023) J.K. Leventhall A.S. Morriss

Key Management Personnel

Chair Andrew Morriss

Accountants

Brooks & Partners Accountants Ltd 22 St Peter's Street Stamford Lincolnshire PE9 2PF

Page 2

EAST MERCIA RIVERS TRUST Trustees Annual Report

Bankers

The Co-Operative Bank PO Box 101

1 Balloon Street

Manchester M60 4EP

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. The Trustees 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.

The above report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime as set out in Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 and in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102).

Signed on behalf of the board

A.S. Morriss Trustee

13 November 2024

Page 3

CHAIR’S REPORT ..............................................................................................................................................2 TRUSTEES REPORT ...........................................................................................................................................3 RISK & GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE ............................................................................................................................. 3 RECRUITMENT AND APPOINTMENT OF NEW TRUSTEES .................................................................................................... 3 INDUCTION AND TRAINING OF NEW TRUSTEES ............................................................................................................... 3 RESERVES POLICY .................................................................................................................................................... 3 MISSION & AIMS .............................................................................................................................................3 MISSION ............................................................................................................................................................... 3 AIMS .................................................................................................................................................................... 4 Aim 1: Resilient Rivers ................................................................................................................................... 4 Aim 2: Rivers for Life ..................................................................................................................................... 4 Aim 3: Building Collaboration ....................................................................................................................... 5 Aim 4: Creating Security ................................................................................................................................ 5 PROGRAMME ACTIVITIES UPDATE ...................................................................................................................5 RESILIENT RIVERS .................................................................................................................................................... 5 RIVERS FOR LIFE...................................................................................................................................................... 6

1

CHAIR’S REPORT

The building blocks implemented during the last financial year, have enabled East Mercia Rivers Trust (EMRT) to increase income by over 50% and to reach the million-pound income milestone. Funds from grant sources remained high and EMRT has embarked on a new strategic partnership with Anglian Water.

EMRT, along with the Environment Agency, Wild Trout Trust and South Kesteven District Council, was a finalist in the prestigious River Restoration Centre’s Annual River Prize with a programme of work that focused on the Upper Witham. Although the partnership did not win, it was very encouraging to be amongst much larger commercial organisations and demonstrated the growth of the trust over the last two years.

The team grew from seven to nine employees, adding experience and skills, particularly in ecological surveying and community engagement. There is a new Senior Management Team in place leading the direction of the Trust. The Board continues to dedicate resources to staff training to develop the skills of the team. The board is very confident that these changes will enable the trust grow and become more effective in the coming years.

A new financial management system was successfully put in place, which has simplified accounting and greatly improved monitoring and control of project expenditure.

The Resilient Rivers Programme habitat priorities remain unchanged, principally the Welland and Witham upper reaches, limestone becks and chalk streams with a particular focus on invasives. EMRT has successfully upscaled restoration efforts on the globally rare chalk streams, securing the second largest project for community engagement and habitat enhancement from the UK Prosperity Fund, which is administered jointly by East Lindsey District, Boston Borough and South Holland District councils. This programme was further bolstered by Anglian Water’s Get River Positive fund.

Both catchments were badly affected by Storms Babet and Henk and EMRT provided information on the website to help communities prepare for flooding in the future. The flooding impacted the progress of several projects and particularly the main restoration project on Langton Brook, a key Welland tributary.

The Rivers Academy continues to gain support, with funding secured to continue to grow this aspect of the trust’s work. Community engagement remains at the heart of all EMRT’s projects.

One trustee stepped down from the board in the year and one new one, with a water sector communications and advocacy background, joined.

Although many challenges lie ahead, the board is optimistic that EMRT will continue to be able to successfully work to improve the streams and rivers in its catchment areas.

Andrew Morriss Chair September 2024

2

TRUSTEES REPORT

The Trustees present their Annual Report together with the financial statements of the Trust for the year April 2023 to March 2024. The Annual Report serves the purposes of both a Trustees’ report and a directors’ report. The Trustees confirm they both comply with the statutory requirements, the requirements of the charitable company’s governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102).

Governance

East Mercia Rivers Trust is a registered charity governed by a Board of Trustees. The charity is controlled by its Articles of Association, and constitutes a company limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.

The day-to-day operations are led by the Executive Director with support from a Senior Management Team of two and a financial and administrator officer, the technical team grew from seven to nine during 23/24. EMRT remains part of the national Rivers Trust movement, which is growing and to date has around 70 member trusts.

Risk & Governance Committee

The Committee has provided support on overhauling EMRT’s policies and procedures during this financial year, which also included a full legal and risk register.

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

The recruitment of Trustees is by invite from East Mercia Rivers Trust Trustees. Subject to the Articles of Association, selection is based on expertise that is judged to add value to the activities and growth of the Trust. A trustee with communications and advocacy expertise was invited to join the Board in early 2024.

Induction and training of new trustees

The training and induction provided for new Trustees will depend on their existing experience. Where necessary, induction will be on an informal basis and tailored specially to the individual. Newly appointed Trustees receive a letter of appointment and a copy of EMRT’s Trustee Manual and Policy Manual.

Reserves Policy

EMRT maintains a minimum of one year’s reserves (unrestricted funds) that are freely available to spend on the charity's purposes.

Mission & Aims

Mission

Bringing rivers back to life for nature and communities.

3

Aims

The headline KPI achievements for the aims are identified below.

Aim 1: Resilient Rivers Achievements 2023 - 2024
To create and protect healthy,
clean, and resilient watercourses
by,
 restoring
and
enhancing
habitats,
 increasing water storage,
 improving water quality and
 controlling
and
removing
invasive species.		  Delivered river restoration and enhancement
projects included.
o Buckminster Estates floodplain reconnection,
1.2KM restored
o Chapel Hill fish refuges
o Kibworth & Smeeton Nature Project (KSNP)
(partially delivered due to Storm Babet)
o Nocton Fish pass (delivered by Wild Trout Trust)
 Volunteer work parties across the Limestone
Becks focused on invasives
 Secured funding for multi-year & 2024/25 projects
o UKSPF for Horncastle Riverscape to deliver
enhancements & engagement
o Get River Positive Anglian Water programme for
Witham & Welland
o Rauceby Estate for NFM measures
o Chalk streams first stage Expression of Interest
for Esmee Fairbairn successful (with Norfolk &
Great Ouse Rivers Trusts)
o Limestone becks first stage Expression of
Interest for National Lottery Heritage Fund
successful (with Wild Trout Trust, Environment
Agency & Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust)
Aim 2: Rivers for Life Achievements 2023 - 2024
To inspire local communities,
landowners, businesses, and
recreational river-users to act for
rivers by,
 building data and evidence,
 delivering educational activities
and advisory services,
 Improving access to nature,
and
 raising awareness.		  Completed a feasibility study and business plan for
the Rivers Academy & secured funding for
equipment & PPE from UKSPF
 320 adults & 562 children along with 61 vols
attended various work parties & events of these
79 children, 28 adults & 14 volunteers attended
Rivers Academy
 Earthwatch water quality monitoring & invasive
removal along with Academy workshops were the
main activities.
 Spalding Reconnected project delivered Eels in the
classroom

4

Aim 3: Building Collaboration Achievements 2023 - 2024
To advocate the catchment-based
approach by facilitating the
Welland Valley and Witham
Catchment Partnerships.		  New meeting regime agreed with the
Environment Agency with an annual Summit
planned for each catchment in F/Y 24/25
Aim 4: Creating Security Achievements 2023 - 2024
To build organisational stability
and relevance by,
 diversifying
projects
and
donors,
 positioning as the knowledge
centre for the catchments,
 creating a high profile, and
 investing in staff.		  Income percentage increased from non-
governmental sources including private sources.
 Number of all year-round projects increased.
 Staff training budget remains high.

Programme Activities Update

There are over 120 watercourses within the Welland and Witham catchments, EMRT is operational in five counties: Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, and Rutland.

Resilient Rivers

The upper catchment headwater programmes aim to increase water storage, slow water flow, and improve the water quality through large-scale restoration works such as reconnecting floodplains, reinstating paleo channels, installing back channels, wetlands, and scrapes or smaller scale natural flood management measures and in-channel installations such as berms.

1. Voice for the Limestone Becks

2. Rejuvenating Lincolnshire’s Chalk Streams

3. Upper Witham Headwaters Programme

5

The Upper Witham is an important limestone watercourse forming the headwaters of the Witham catchment. The project is part of a strategy to restore the Upper Witham sub-catchment at a landscape level. Floodplain reconnection on Buckminster Estates successfully implemented and programme of landowner engagement in place.

4. Upper Welland Headwaters Programme

EMRT secured funding from Stamford Town Council to trial the release of Weevils to address the water fern that had infested the Millstream.

  1. Floating Pennywort Project

  2. An on-going Environment Agency partnership agreement with additional funding provided by the Canal and River Trust.

Rivers for Life

The main activities of this programme are centred on developing a Rivers Academy.

  1. Rivers Academy

  2. Located at the National Trust's Belton House near Grantham, it is set to be the UK’s first permanent rivers school. The National Lottery Heritage Fund, which funded the feasibility study, business plan and nine pilot educational workshops was successfully completed. Funding from UK SPF through South Kesteven District Council for equipment was secured during this year, to be pulled down in next financial year.

  3. Volunteer Activities

Volunteer activities were mainly around invasive removal work parties and water quality monitoring on the Upper Witham, Limestone Becks, Chalk Streams, Spalding town and Rockingham Forest Vision project.

6

EAST MERCIA RIVERS TRUST Independent Examiners Report

Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of EAST MERCIA RIVERS TRUST

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the financial statements of EAST MERCIA RIVERS TRUST for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity's trustees of the company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act.

Having satisfied myself that the financial statements 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 financial statements 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

As 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 ACCA, which is one of the listed bodies.

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

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 financial statements to be reached.

Kate Fleming ACCA Brooks & Partners Accountants Ltd 22 St Peter's Street Stamford Lincolnshire

PE9 2PF

27 September 2024

Page 10

EAST MERCIA RIVERS TRUST Statement of Financial Activities

for the year ended 31 March 2024

Notes
Income and endowments
from:
Donations and legacies
4
Other trading activities
5
Total
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
6
Charitable activities
7
Other
8
Total
Net gains on investments
Net income
9
Transfers between funds
Net income before other
gains/(losses)
Other gains and losses
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
180,560
3,029		 Restricted
funds
2024
£
788,721
-		 Total funds
2024
£
969,281
3,029		 Total funds
2023
£
440,295
5,046
183,589
1,878
29,038
24,536		 788,721
-
708,638
-		 972,310
1,878
737,676
24,536		 445,341
1,185
378,225
20,301
55,452
-		 708,638
-		 764,090
-		 399,711
-
128,137
26,854		 80,083
(26,854)		 208,220
-		 45,630
-
154,991 53,229 208,220 45,630
154,991
176,770		 53,229
66,341		 208,220
243,111		 45,630
197,481
331,761 119,570 451,331 243,111

Page 11

EAST MERCIA RIVERS TRUST Summary Income and Expenditure Account

for the year ended 31 March 2024

Income
Gross income for the year
Expenditure
Depreciation and charges for
impairment of fixed assets
Total expenditure for the year
Net income before tax for the year
Net income for the year		 2024
£
972,310
972,310
763,513
577
764,090
208,220
208,220		 2023
£
445,341
445,341
399,217
494
399,711
45,630
45,630

Page 12

EAST MERCIA RIVERS TRUST Balance Sheet

at 31 March 2024

at 31 March 2024
Company No.
08613863		 Notes 2024 2023
£ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 12 1,650 824
1,650 824
Current assets
Debtors 13 330,281 103,877
Cash at bank and in hand 155,310 145,090
485,591 248,967
Creditors:Amount falling due within one year 14 (35,910) (6,680)
Net current assets 449,681 242,287
Total assets less current liabilities 451,331 243,111
Net assets excluding pension asset or liability 451,331 243,111
Total net assets 451,331 243,111
The funds of the charity
Restricted funds 15
Restricted income funds 119,570 66,341
119,570 66,341
Unrestricted funds 15
General funds 331,761 185,810
Designated funds - (9,040)
331,761 176,770
Reserves 15
Total funds 451,331 243,111

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

For the year ended 31 March 2024 the company was entitled to exemption under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.

Approved by the board on 13 November 2024

And signed on its behalf by:

A.S. Morriss

Trustee

13 November 2024

Page 13

EAST MERCIA RIVERS TRUST Notes to the Accounts

for the year ended 31 March 2024

Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared 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) (effective 1 January 2015) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

Change in basis of accounting or to previous accounts

There has been no change to the accounting policies (valuation rules and method of accounting) since last year and no changes have been made to accounts for previous years.

Fund accounting

Income

Volunteer help The value of any volunteer help received is not included in the accounts. Investment income This is included in the accounts when receivable. Gains/(losses) on This includes any gain or loss resulting from revaluing investments to market value revaluation of fixed at the end of the year. assets Gains/(losses) on This includes any gain or loss on the sale of investments. investment assets

Page 14

EAST MERCIA RIVERS TRUST Notes to the Accounts

Expenditure

Other expenditure These are support costs not allocated to a particular activity.

Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life:

Plant and equipment 33.33% straight line

Freehold investment property

Investment properties are measured initially at cost and subsequently at fair value at each balance sheet date and are not depreciated. All gains or losses are taken to the Statement of Financial Activities as they arise.

Stocks

Stock is included at the lower of cost or net realisable value. Donated items of stock are recognised at fair value which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay for the items on the open market.

Trade and other debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and on hand, demand deposits with banks and other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less and bank overdrafts. In the statement of financial position, bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings or current liabilities. In the Statement of Cash Flows, cash and cash equivalents are shown net of bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand and form an integral part of the company's cash management.

Page 15

EAST MERCIA RIVERS TRUST Notes to the Accounts

Trade and other creditors

Short term creditors are measured at the transaction price. Other creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

Research and development

Expenditure on research and development is written off in the year in which it is incurred.

Foreign currencies

Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the charity are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing at the end of the reporting period. Transactions in currencies other than the functional currency of the charity are recorded at the rate of exchange on the date that the transaction occurred.

All exchange differences are are taken into account in arriving at net income/expenditure.

Leased assets

Where the charity enters into a lease which entails taking substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of an asset, the lease is treated as a finance lease.

Leases which do not transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to charity are classified as operating leases.

Assets held under finance leases are initially recognised as assets of the charity at their fair value at the inception of the lease or, if lower, at the present value of the minimum lease payments. The corresponding liability to the lessor is included in the balance sheet date as a finance lease obligation. Lease payments are apportioned between finance expenses and reduction of the lease obligation so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. Finance expenses are recognised immediately, unless they are directly attributable to qualifying assets, in which case they are capitalised in accordance with the charity's policy on borrowing costs. Assets held under finance leases are depreciated in the same way as owned assets.

Operating lease payments are recognised as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. In the event that lease incentives are received to enter into operating leases, such incentives are recognised as a liability. The aggregate benefit of incentives is recognised as a reduction of rental expense on a straight-line basis.

Pension costs

The charity operates a defined contribution plan for its employees. A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the company pays fixed contributions into a separate entity. Once the contributions have been paid the company has no further payments obligations. The contributions are recognised as expenses when they fall due. Amounts not paid are shown in accruals in the balance sheet. The assets of the plan are held separately from the company in independently administered funds.

Receipt of donated goods, facilities and services

All donated goods, facilities and services received are recognised within incoming resources and expenditure at an estimate of the value to the charity.

Page 16

EAST MERCIA RIVERS TRUST Notes to the Accounts

2 Company status

The company is a private company limited by guarantee and consequently does not have share capital. The liability of each member in the event of winding up is limited to £1.

3 Statement of Financial Activities - prior year

Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
Other trading activities
Total
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Charitable activities
Other
Total
Net income
Transfers between funds
Net income before other
gains/(losses)
Other gains and losses:
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
4
Income from donations and legacies
Donations
Grants		 Unrestricted
£
150,021
30,539
180,560		 Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
71,236
5,046
76,282
1,185
24,729
20,301
46,215
30,067
(6,317)
23,750
23,750
153,020
176,770
Restricted
£
65,000
723,721
788,721		 Restricted
funds
2023
£
369,059
-
369,059
-
353,496
-
353,496
15,563
6,317
21,880
21,880
44,461
66,341
Total
2024
£
215,021
754,260
969,281		 Total funds
2023
£
440,295
5,046
445,341
1,185
378,225
20,301
399,711
45,630
-
45,630
45,630
197,481
243,111
Total
2023
£
22,267
418,028
440,295

£578,983 (2023: £206,656) in grants received from the Environment Agency

Page 17

EAST MERCIA RIVERS TRUST

Notes to the Accounts

Consultancy and Speaking
6
Expenditure on raising funds
Costs of generating voluntary
income
Donations
7
Expenditure on charitable activities
Expenditure on charitable
activities
Wages
Professional fees
Habitat Contractors and
Equipment
Expenses
Governance costs
Accountancy
8
Other expenditure
Employee costs
Motor and travel costs
Premises costs
Amortisation, depreciation,
impairment, profit/loss on
disposal of fixed assets
General administrative costs
Legal and professional costs		 Unrestricted
£
23,146
-
3,262
1,040
1,590
29,038		 Unrestricted
£
3,029
3,029
Unrestricted
£
1,878
1,878
Restricted
£
212,775
11,770
477,419
6,674
-
708,638
Unrestricted
£
5,672
3,734
1,020
577
12,280
1,253
24,536		 Total
2024
£
3,029
3,029
Total
2024
£
1,878
1,878
Total
2024
£
235,921
11,770
480,681
7,714
1,590
737,676
Total
2024
£
5,672
3,734
1,020
577
12,280
1,253
24,536		 Total
2023
£
5,046
5,046
Total
2023
£
1,185
1,185
Total
2023
£
141,516
11,862
222,728
-
2,119
378,225
Total
2023
£
1,395
6,481
1,045
494
10,337
549
20,301

Page 18

EAST MERCIA RIVERS TRUST Notes to the Accounts

9 Net income before transfers
2024 2023
This is stated after charging: £ £
Depreciation of owned fixed assets 577 494
Independent Examiner's fee 1,590 1,590
10 Trustee remuneration and expenses
One or more of the trustees has been paid expenses in the current or prior periods.
2024 2023
Number Number
Number of trustees paid expenses - 1
The nature of the reimbursed expenses Travel and meeting costs
£ £
Total expenses reimbursed to trustees - 31
11 Staff costs
No employee received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
Total employee benefits received by key management
personnel		 47,565 -
The average monthly number of full time equivalent employees during the year was as follows:
2024 2023
Number Number
Project Officer 4 3
Administrator 1 1
Project Manager 2 2
7 6

The Rivers Trust Pension & Life Assurance Scheme

Page 19

EAST MERCIA RIVERS TRUST Notes to the Accounts

12 Tangible fixed assets

Cost or revaluation
At 1 April 2023
Additions
At 31 March 2024
Depreciation and
impairment
At 1 April 2023
Depreciation charge for the
year
At 31 March 2024
Net book values
At 31 March 2024
At 31 March 2023
13 Debtors
Other debtors
14 Creditors:
amounts falling due within one year
Other taxes and social security
Other creditors
Accruals		 2024
£
330,281
330,281
2024
£
5,091
29,373
1,446
35,910		 Plant and
equipment
£
1,782
1,403
3,185
958
577
1,535
1,650
824		 Total
£
1,782
1,403
3,185
958
577
1,535
1,650
824
2023
£
103,877
103,877
2023
£
2,927
1,054
2,699
6,680

Page 20

EAST MERCIA RIVERS TRUST Notes to the Accounts

15 Movement in funds

15 Movement in funds
At 1 April
2023
-
-
7,675
33,149
(784)
144
-
26,157
66,341
185,810
(1,820)
(3,894)
(3,326)
-
-
-
-
-
(9,040)
243,111		 Incoming
resources
(including
other
gains/losses)
£
30,000
68,000
25,000
33,576
203,395
272,000
-
156,750
788,721
151,984
-
15,339
16,266
-
-
-
-
-
31,605
972,310		 Resources
expended
£		 Gross
transfers
£
5,710
-
-
(26,783)
(896)
(7,293)
2,531
(123)
(26,854)
41,114
1,901
(7,494)
(8,667)
-
-
-
-
-
(14,260)
-		 At 31
March
2024
£
-
10,481
1,940
16,429
74,184
-
-
16,536
Restricted funds:
Restricted income funds:
EN CABA Witham, Welland,
Snagging and Volunteers
IN Himalayan Balsam and
Floating Pennywort
EN Schools and River
Academy
LB Limestone Becks
LW Horncastle and Chapel
Hill
UW Upper Witham and
Natural Flood Management
LN Lincoln
WT Upper and Lower
Welland
Total
Unrestricted funds:
General funds
Designated funds:
LB Rauceby Estate
WT Spalding Heritage &
Rockingham
WT Langton Brook
Confluence
(35,710)
(57,519)
(30,735)
(23,513)
(127,531)
(264,851)
(2,531)
(166,248)
(708,638)
(47,147)
(81)
(3,951)
(4,273)
-
-
-
-
-
(8,305)
(764,090)
119,570
331,761
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total
Total funds
-
451,331

Purposes and restrictions in relation to the funds: Restricted funds:

Page 21

EAST MERCIA RIVERS TRUST Notes to the Accounts

T MERCIA RIVERS TRUST
es to the Accounts
EN CABA Witham, Welland, The catchment hosting payments for the Witham and Welland are
Snagging and Volunteers awarded on an annual basis and support project development work.
IN Himalayan Balsam and Funded by the Environment Agency with contribution from Canal and
Floating Pennywort River Trust. Each year EMRT works with RiverCare volunteers and expert
contractors reducing invasives on the catchments. All funding agreements
are based on an annual basis.
EN Schools and River National Lottery Heritage Funding was sucessfully completed for the Rivers
Academy Academy.
LB Limestone Becks Funding for staff time to develop a larger multi-year funding bid to
accelerate restoration across this priority habitat. Nocton Fish Pass
completed.
LW Horncastle and Chapel Chalk Streams project commenced around Horncastle and installation of
Hill fish refuges at Chapel Hill successfully completed.
UW Upper Witham and Major floodplain restoration project at Buckminster Estate, Colsterworth
Natural Flood Management successfully completed.
LN Lincoln Engagement work in Lincoln in preparation for larger bid.
WT Upper and Lower Major restoration at Smeeton Westerby commenced in Autumn 2023 but
Welland delivery was postponed until Spring 2024 due to flooding. NFM scoping
work commenced on the Upper Welland & support to Stamford
Millstream Group continued with release of weevils to remove water fern,
an invasive plant.
Designated funds:
LB Rauceby Estate Continued WQM and invertebrate support to Rauceby Estates in
preparation for restoration project with funding secured.
WT Spalding Heritage & Implementation of the educational elements for the Spalding Heritage &
Rockingham volunteer training for Rockingham Forest Vision project.
WT Langton Brook Continued support to landowners located at the Langton Brook
Confluence Confluence.

16 Analysis of net assets between funds

Analysis of net assets between funds
Fixed assets
Net current assets		 Unrestricted
funds
£
1,650
330,111
331,761		 Restricted
funds
£
-
119,570
119,570		 Total
£
1,650
449,681
451,331

Page 22

EAST MERCIA RIVERS TRUST Notes to the Accounts

17 Reconciliation of net debt

Reconciliation of net debt
Cash and cash equivalents
Net debt		 At 1 April
2023
£		 Cash flows
£		 At 31
March
2024
£
145,090 10,220 155,310
145,090
145,090		 10,220
10,220		 155,310
155,310
Commitments
Operating lease commitments
Annual commitments under non-cancellable operating leases
2024
Land and
buildings
£
Operating leases with expiry date:
Pension commitments
Unpaid contributions due to the fund are
included in other creditors and amounted to:		 are as follows:
2024
Other
£
2024
£
1,585		 2023
Land and
buildings
£		 2023
Other
£
2023
£
1,054

18 Commitments

19 Related party disclosures

Controlling party

The company is limited by guarantee and has no share capital; thus no single party controls the company.

Page 23

EAST MERCIA RIVERS TRUST Detailed Statement of Financial Activities

for the year ended 31 March 2024

Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
Donations
Grants
Other trading activities
Consultancy and Speaking
Total income and endowments
Expenditure on:
Costs of generating donations and
legacies
Donations
Total of expenditure on raising
funds
Charitable activities
Wages
Professional fees
Habitat Contractors and
Equipment
Expenses
Governance costs
Accountancy
Total of expenditure on charitable
activities
Employee costs
Staff recruitment
Staff training
Staff welfare
Motor and travel costs
Travel and subsistence
Premises costs
Rent		 Unrestricte
d funds
2024
£
150,021
30,539
180,560
3,029
3,029
183,589
1,878
1,878
1,878
23,146
-
3,262
1,040
27,448
1,590
1,590
29,038
298
3,801
1,573
5,672
3,734
3,734
1,020
1,020		 Restricted
funds
2024
£
65,000
723,721
788,721
-
-
788,721
-
-
-
212,775
11,770
477,419
6,674
708,638
-
-
708,638
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Total funds
2024
£
215,021
754,260
969,281
3,029
3,029
972,310
1,878
1,878
1,878
235,921
11,770
480,681
7,714
736,086
1,590
1,590
737,676
298
3,801
1,573
5,672
3,734
3,734
1,020
1,020		 Total funds
2023
£
22,267
418,028
440,295
5,046
5,046
445,341
1,185
1,185
1,185
141,516
11,862
222,728
-
376,106
2,119
2,119
378,225
-
1,395
-
1,395
6,481
6,481
1,045
1,045

Page 24

EAST MERCIA RIVERS TRUST Detailed Statement of Financial Activities

General administrative costs,
including depreciation and
amortisation
Depreciation of Plant and
equipment
General insurances
Postage and couriers
Software, IT support and related
costs
Stationery and printing
Subscriptions
Sundry expenses
Telephone, fax and broadband
Legal and professional costs
Accountancy and bookkeeping
Other legal and professional
costs
Total of expenditure of other costs
Total expenditure
Net gains on investments
Net income
Transfers between funds
Net income before other
gains/(losses)
Other Gains
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 577
5,293
75
3,435
390
2,080
8
999
12,857
655
598
1,253
24,536
55,452
-
128,137
26,854
154,991
-
154,991
176,770
331,761		 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
708,638
-
80,083
(26,854)
53,229
-
53,229
66,341
119,570		 577
5,293
75
3,435
390
2,080
8
999
12,857
655
598
1,253
24,536
764,090
-
208,220
-
208,220
-
208,220
243,111
451,331		 494
3,584
136
2,107
619
1,234
2,222
435
10,831
-
549
549
20,301
399,711
-
45,630
-
45,630
-
45,630
197,481
243,111

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