OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

← Ecosystems Knowledge Network

2025-03-31-accounts

ECOSYSTEMS KNOWLEDGE NETWORK

UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Charity Numbers: 1159867 (England and Wales) SC045732 (Scotland)

ECOSYSTEMS KNOWLEDGE NETWORK

UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

CONTENTS PAGE
General Information 2
Trustees’ Annual Report 3-4
Responsibilities of the Trustees 5
Independent Examiner’s Report to theMembers 6
Statement of Financial Activities 8
Balance Sheet 10
Notes to the Financial Statements 11-15

1

ECOSYSTEMS KNOWLEDGE NETWORK

GENERAL INFORMATION

Registered charity name Ecosystems Knowledge Network Charity number 1159867 (England and Wales) SC045732 (Scotland) Principal & registered office address Isis Innovation Centre Howbery Park Wallingford OX10 8BA Trustees Chris Fry (Chairperson from June 2023) Jonathan Porter (resigned September 2024) Susan Christie (resigned April 2024) Lyndsey Dodds Richard Eales (appointed April 2024) Liliana Corrieri (appointed April 2024) Lawrence Tingson (appointed April 2024) David Caygill (appointed April 2024)

Accountants SPX Oxford Ltd Peace House 19 Paradise Street Oxford OX1 1LD Independent examiner Simrit Sandhu FCCA Bankers Co-operative Bank Ltd.

2

ECOSYSTEMS KNOWLEDGE NETWORK

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The trustees present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the Charity for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Reference and Administrative Details

Reference and administrative details are shown in the schedule of general information on Page 2 of the financial statements.

The Trustees

The trustees who served the charity during the year are shown on Page 2.

Structure, Governance and Management

The charity has been managed and operated in accordance with the Constitution for the Ecosystems Knowledge Network as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, dated 30[th] October 2014. The constitution has been subject to one amendment, namely to the addition of paragraph 15 (4) (d), dated 30[th] September 2015, which specifies that a telephone conference will constitute a properly convened meeting.

During the reporting period, there were no changes in the composition of the Board of Trustees. The Network staff team grew during the reporting year from 1.8 Full Time Equivalents to 3.3.

Purpose and Mission

In 2024/25, Ecosystems Knowledge Network continued to fulfil its mission of harnessing the value of the UK’s natural environment for everyone’s well-being and prosperity. As an impartial and trusted knowledge hub, EKN remained committed to the principles of the ecosystem approach – the primary framework for implementing the Convention on Biological Diversity – and to fostering collaboration across geographical and sectoral boundaries.

With a membership of 4,000 individuals and representation from 524 organisations, EKN served as a connector, catalyst, and champion for nature-based solutions. Our activities supported shared learning and innovation through webinars, national conferences, and the launch of new initiatives including the Welsh Forum and the Nature Finance Learning Hub.

EKN’s reach extended across the UK, engaging communities from Liverpool to Belfast and sectors ranging from public health to finance. Over 1,100 participants took part in our webinars alone, reflecting the breadth of interest in practical approaches to environmental improvement. We highlighted examples such as land management practices that reduce flood risk while providing income for farmers, and partnerships between health systems and greenspace managers to address public health challenges.

3

ECOSYSTEMS KNOWLEDGE NETWORK

Summary of Our Work

Our activities blend online and in-person resources that connect members with expertise from across the UK and showcase innovative place-based projects. They include:

EKN also offers volunteer opportunities at events, particularly for students in ecology and climate science, helping to foster the next generation of environmental professionals.

Review of Activities

EKN has experienced a productive year, marked by both ongoing initiatives and new projects. Highlights include:

4

ECOSYSTEMS KNOWLEDGE NETWORK

Future Plans

Our future ambitions include:

Future Development Goals EKN is committed to strengthening its position as a trusted, independent information source advancing nature restoration.

Financial Review

Ecosystems Knowledge Network has reported a surplus of £44,194 for the financial year 2024 to 2025(2024: £1,641). The charity holds £96,923 in unrestricted reserves, £38,000 of which is in a contingency reserve in accordance with the charity’s policy of holding three months of operating costs.

During the reporting year, the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation continued funding for a four-year programme of work to catalyse nature-based finance in the UK, as well to build the core capabilities of the organisation to fulfil its mission.

Public Benefit Statement

In exercising their powers or duties, Charity trustees have complied with their duty to have due regard to the guidance on public benefit published by the Charities Commission for England and Wales.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TRUSTEES

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Charity Law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the trustees have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under charity law the trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and the income and expenditure of the charity for that year.

5

ECOSYSTEMS KNOWLEDGE NETWORK

In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. They are responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Independent Examination

The nominated independent examiner will be considered by trustees for re-appointment for the ensuing year.

Signed on behalf of the trustees

Chris Fry (Dec 6, 2025, 8:27am)

Chris Fry, Chair of Board of Trustees

Date: 06 Dec 2025

6

ECOSYSTEMS KNOWLEDGE NETWORK

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ECOSYSTEMS KNOWLEDGE NETWORK FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

I report on the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out in pages 9-15.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the terms of:

A] Scottish legislation:

the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. The charity trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation [10(1) (a) to (c)] of the Accounts Regulations does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts as required under section 44(1) (c) of the Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

B] England and Wales regulations:

The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under charity law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:

examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act; follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner’s statement

A] Scotland

My examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations. B] England and Wales

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission.

An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeks explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.

Independent examiner’s statement

SPX Oxford Limited provides bookkeeping services to Ecosystems Knowledge Network and I am an employee of this company. In order to maintain independence, I confirm that I have not been involved in provision of the bookkeeping service.

7

ECOSYSTEMS KNOWLEDGE NETWORK

I also confirm that as a member of the Association of Accounting Technicians, I am subject to the provisions of the FRC’s Revised Ethical Standard (2016). This standard has been applied throughout this independent examination.

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 that in any material respect:

  1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements: a] Scotland

  2. to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 44(1) (a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations; and

  3. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation [8][2] / [9][3] of the 2006 Accounts Regulations;

b] England and Wales

Simrit Sandhu FCCA

09 Dec 2025

Date……………………………

8

ECOSYSTEMS KNOWLEDGE NETWORK

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Income from:
Notes
Charitable activities
3
Investments
Other income
Total income
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
4
Total expenditure

Net income / -expenditure
Transfers between funds
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of
funds:
Total funds brought forwards
Total funds carried forward		 Total
2025
£
433,406
1,944
288
435,638
391,444
391,444
44,194
-
44,194
52,729
96,923		 Total
2024
£
305,229
-
836
306,065
304,424
304,424
1,641
-
1,641
51,088
52,729

All funds are unrestricted.

The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses in the year and therefore a statement of total recognised gains and losses has not been prepared.

All of the above amounts relate to continuing activities. All of the above amounts also relate to unrestricted income funds.

The notes on pages 11 to 15 form part of these financial statements.

9

ECOSYSTEMS KNOWLEDGE NETWORK

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025

2025 2024
£ £ £ £
Notes
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible Assets - -
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors 7 109,190 22,311
Cash at bank 131,131 113,834
240,321 136,145
CREDITORS:Amounts falling
due within one year		 8 143,398 143,398 83,416
NET CURRENT ASSETS 96,923 52,729
NET ASSETS 96,923 52,729
FUNDS
INCOME FUNDS
Unrestricted Income funds 9 96,923 52,729
Restricted Income funds 10 - -
TOTAL INCOME FUNDS 96,923 52,729

For the year ended 31 March 2025 the charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011.

Trustees' responsibilities:

These financial statements were approved by the members of the committee and authorised for issue on 01 December 2025 and are signed on their behalf by:

Chris Fry (Dec 6, 2025, 8:27am)

Chris Fry, Chair of the Board of Trustees

10

ECOSYSTEMS KNOWLEDGE NETWORK

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1. ORGANISATION STATUS

Ecosystems Knowledge Network is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of accounting

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS102.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued in October 2019 and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Practice as it applies from 1 January 2019., the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention 2019 (SORP 2019), ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities’, issued by the Charities Commission.

Fund accounting

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

Income

All income is included in the statement of financial activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.

Voluntary income is received by way of grants, donations and gifts and is included in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when receivable. Grants, where entitlement is not conditional on the delivery of a specific performance by the charity, are recognised when the charity becomes unconditionally entitled to the grant.

Fixed assets

Fixed assets (excluding investments) are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. The costs of minor additions or those costing below £1,000 are not capitalised.

Depreciation

Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost of an asset, less its estimated residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:

Office equipment – 25% straight line Computer equipment – 33% straight line

11

ECOSYSTEMS KNOWLEDGE NETWORK

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Expenditure

Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure represents amounts invoiced, including value added tax.

Taxation

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

3. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Grants and project income
Events and training		 Total Funds
2025
£
281,033
152,373
433,406		 Total Funds
2024
£
177,780
127,449
305,229

12

ECOSYSTEMS KNOWLEDGE NETWORK

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

4. EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Administrative expenses
Salaries
Employer's NI
Pension contributions
Subcontracts
Professional fees - operations
Office rent
Business rates
Advertising and marketing
Accountancy fees
Bank charges
External event fees
Information technology
Insurance
Office management
Printing and publicity
Room hire and catering
Staff training
Subscriptions
Telephone, internet and postage
Travel and subsistence
HR and recruitment
Governance
Total charitable activities
. GOVERNANCE COSTS
Independent Examination fee		 Total Funds
2025
£
136,941
7,609
10,486
67,521
1,929
8,976
446
7,939
6,540
2,050
480
17,445
679
2,198
285
99,701
113
178
519
9,998
9,086
325
391,444
Total Funds
2025
£
325
325		 Total Funds
2024
£
108,734
5,240
8,287
30,214
29,038
7,153
-
7,214
6,480
1,604
-
18,279
498
1,448
3,349
65,540
1,080
-
446
9,470
-
350
304,424
Total Funds
2024
£
350
350

5. GOVERNANCE COSTS

13

ECOSYSTEMS KNOWLEDGE NETWORK

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

6. STAFF COSTS

. STAFF COSTS
Wages
Social security costs
Pension contributions		 2025
£
136,941
7,580
10,522
155,043		 2024
£
108,734
5,240
8,287
122,261

The average number of staff employed during the year was four. No employee received any pay or benefits in excess of £60,000 in either year.

7. DEBTORS

Accounts receivable
Prepayments		 2025
£
82,256
26,934
109,190		 2024
£
10,905
11,406
22,311

8. CREDITORS

Taxation and social security
Income received in advance
Other creditors
Accruals		 2025
£
3,053
101,382
26,125
12,838
143,398		 2024
£
1,776
73,000
7,390
1,250
83,416

14

ECOSYSTEMS KNOWLEDGE NETWORK

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

9. UNRESTRICTED INCOME FUNDS

General funds
Designated funds - contingency
reserve
Previous year
General funds
Designated funds - contingency
reserve		 Balance at 1
Apr 2024
£
14,729
38,000
52,729
Balance at
1 Apr 2023
£
13,088
38,000
51,088		 Income
£
435,638
-
435,638
Income
£
306,065
-
306,065		 Expenditure
£
- 391,444
-
- 391,444
Expenditure
£
- 304,424
-
- 304,424		 Transfers
£
-
-
-
Transfers
£
-
-
-		 Balance
as at 31
March
2025
£
58,923
38,000
96,923
Balance
as at 31
March
2024
£
14,729
38,000
52,729

10. RESTRICTED INCOME FUNDS

There were no restricted income funds during the year.

11. TRUSTEE REMUNERATION & RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

No member of the board of trustees received any remuneration for their trustee role during the year. There were no related party transactions during the year.

12. REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS OF KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL

The key management personnel of Ecosystems Knowledge Network are the Trustees and the Director. The Trustees receive no remuneration. Including the employer’s pension contribution, The Director’s remuneration totalled £37,584 during the year (2024: £39,384).

15