## Hazel Hill Trust ## **ANNUAL REPORT 2024** Charity No: 1160691 Company No: 9329522 Registered office: c/o MARTIN & COMPANY, ACCOUNTANTS 2 VICTORIA GROVE BRIDPORT DORSET DT6 3AA |Contents:


Page| |---| |Message from the Chair

2| |Trustees Report

3| |Financial Review


6| |Balance Sheet

9| |Notes to the Accounts

11| |Summary of Income and expenditure account
17| Page | 1 ## **Message from the Chair** 2024 was a year of steadying and strengthening for Hazel Hill Trust. Building on the transition completed in 2023, we focused on aligning day - to - day activity with our charitable purpose, deepening our partnerships, and caring for the fabric of the wood and its buildings. There were - challenges - staffing changes, a demanding maintenance agenda, and the on going need to diversify income - but there was also a clear sense of momentum as trustees, staff, volunteers and group leaders worked together with renewed clarity. We are especially encouraged by three themes: - - 1. Purpose aligned programming. 2. Care for place. 3. Community in action. My thanks to our staff team, volunteers, group leaders, donors and fellow trustees for their dedication. Together we continue to steward Hazel Hill as a thriving place where people heal and learn through deeper relationship with the living world. Oliver Broadbent, Chair of Trustees. Page | 2 ## **Trustees report** 1 The Directors (who meet as the Board of Trustees for the purpose of charity law) present their report on the finances and activities of the company for the year ended 31 December 2024. ## **2 Introduction to Hazel Hill Trust** ## a) Purpose and activities Hazel Hill is a beautiful, secluded 70-acre ancient wood and sustainable retreat education centre, located seven miles from Salisbury. We offer a place for people to deepen their connection with nature, hosting a range of educational and wellbeing events using in-depth contact with nature at the wood. ## b) Aims and objectives The objects of the Charity as stated in the Articles of Association are: - to promote the conservation and protection of the woodland known as Hazel Hill Wood, near Salisbury and improving its biodiversity for the public benefit by running woodland maintenance and conservation programmes, education on sustainable living and such other programmes and activities as the trustees deem appropriate; and - to support such general charitable purposes as the trustees may in their absolute discretion determine. The overall aim of Hazel Hill Trust is for Hazel Hill to be a thriving place where people come to heal and learn through deepening their connection with the more-than-human world. We achieve this through: - caring for the wood and the buildings, so they offer a safe and welcoming place for people to gather, connect and heal; - develop a meaningful practice grounded in principles of deep ecology; and - build partnerships with those who wish to use the wood for healing and learning. Our aims fully reflect the purposes that the charity was set up to further. - c) Ensuring our work delivers our aims We review our aims, objectives and activities each year. This review looks at what we achieved and the outcomes of our work in the 12 months ending 31 December 2024. We have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aim and objectives and in planning our future activities. In particular, the trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives they have set. Page | 3 ## **3 How our activities deliver public benefit** Our main activities and who we try to help are described below. All our charitable activities focus on promoting the health and wellbeing of those who visit the wood, and the wood itself, and are undertaken to further our charitable purposes for the public benefit. ## Who used and benefited from our services? Our starting point is that anyone and everyone can benefit from spending time in the woods. Numerous studies have demonstrated the link between spending time in nature and physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. That means we are open for bookings from any group that wants to use the wood. At the same time, we prioritise not-for-profit groups and in particular groups that we feel can particularly benefit from spending time in the woods, such as people who are disadvantaged because of their circumstances. In 2024 we were successful in securing a number of significant grants that enabled us to offer reduced price or free bookings to several groups, including Eastleigh Young carers, Salisbury Hospice, Rise 61, Salisbury’s green community groups and Wiltshire Volunteer Managers’ Forum. The impact of our work goes far beyond those who visit the wood. By providing respite, healing and connection to visitors, we contribute to more healthy communities when they return to their homes and workplaces. Other groups hosted in the year included a UK Rights of Nature network gathering, a regenerative design programme, a men’s group, groups that celebrate the seasons, Salisbury Rugby Club Men’s Group (dementia support) and a group providing coaching and mentoring to youths in need. ## Conservation and woodland management work Our aim is to maintain, and create where appropriate, a mosaic of habitats and microhabitats to support a diverse range of wildlife in the wood and neighbouring flower meadow. This includes: - removal of non-native conifers in favour of native broadleaf trees - deer management - maintaining open ride, glade and meadow habitats; and - pond maintenance. The effectiveness of management is monitored via wildlife surveys including regular bird, butterfly, moth and wildflower surveys. These are completed by a mix of our highly skilled volunteers and staff. Highlights of the year included the confirmation of presence of Hazel Dormouse in the wood, Nuthatches nesting in our nest boxes for the first time, and a rare Light Crimson Underwing moth recorded. Page | 4 ## Programme of seasonal events We continued to host our popular seasonal events, the Spring Bioblitz and Autumn Conservation weekends, in addition to our bat nights, offering community members a chance to connect with nature in unique and exciting ways. We also for the first time ran a summer gathering where trustees, staff and volunteers came together. It was a chance to complete some important operational tasks (such as general tidying), get to know each other and the woods better, and problem-solve various matters that needed attention. ## Volunteer and local community involvement We continue to run an active volunteer programme, involving 54 people in 2024, many of whom attended on several occasions. Volunteers have a vital role to play in the healthy functioning of our activities, in particular taking care of the woods and our facilities, and also contributing to our conservation work. Their efforts are central to maintaining the charm and functionality of Hazel Hill as a retreat centre. Many of our volunteers come from villages close to the wood, and we work hard to maintain good connections with the local community. 2024 was a great year for traditional skills at Hazel Hill Wood. Five volunteers received scythe training in the summer. Instead of modern fossil-fuel powered grass cutting machines, we do almost all of our grass cutting using the traditional method of scything. Eight of our volunteers learnt hedgelaying and how to create a continuous woven fence from hazel in the autumn, which was put to practical use in renewing the fence round the roundhouse. We ran a free Campfire Community Singing evening, featuring a bring and share meal and story telling as well as singing. ## Buildings and building maintenance The buildings in Hazel Hill play a vital role in the hosting of groups. Charming, light, comfortable off-grid buildings with spacious common areas provide the ideal environment for groups to experience a different way of living. They can sally out into the woods and experience nature close at hand, and return to the warmth and shelter of the buildings. Caring for the buildings is a significant responsibility that involves an on-going programme of cleaning, maintenance and investment. In 2024, we replaced one of the compost toilets and undertook repairs to the Ark. ## Education outcomes We seek feedback from all groups who visit, and all evaluations have been extremely positive. ## **4. Our People** As at the end of 2024, the core staff team was 5 people, one of whom worked 5 days per week and one of whom worked 2 days per week (the remainder each worked fewer than two days per week). The trustees acknowledge and extend their thanks to the team who ensure our guests feel safe and cared for in the woods, and that the wood and the buildings are cared for too. Page | 5 ## **Financial review** Our income in 2024 was £121k (up £25k). This comprised: - £61k from charitable activities (down £3k vs. 2023) - £20k donation from Alan Heeks, the charity’s founder (down from £30k in 2023) as part of a trajectory of being less reliant on donations from related parties - £6k donations (up from £2k in 2023) - £34k grants (up from £0k in 2023) We continue to repay a loan to Alan Heeks, repaying £5,000 a year. At 31 December 2024 the balance of this loan stood at £50,000. Excluding depreciation costs relating to the buildings, we had an operating surplus of £39k in 2024 (2023: £14k deficit) The notable change from an operating deficit in 2023 to a significant surplus in 2024 is principally due to a number of successful grant applications. Our reserves policy remains unchanged - that the Trust will hold £30,000 in designated reserves, only to be used in exceptional circumstances, e.g. in the case of needing to wind down operations. Hazel Hill Trust will also hold sufficient cash reserves to meet any operational liabilities as they fall due. ## **Plans for future years** Priorities for 2025 include: - a focus on buildings, and taking a more integrated approach to buildings and the practice of being and working in the woods. - - Strengthen governance rhythms (monthly coordinating circle, twice yearly Council gatherings). - Care for the Ark building (roof replacement fundraising, water quality improvements, generator monitoring). - - - Grow purpose aligned programming and maintain affordability. ## **Structure and Governance** ## Governing Document The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 26 November 2014 and registered as a charity on 27 February 2015. The company is governed under its Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1. ## Trustees The directors of the company are also charity trustees for the purposes of charity law. All trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no benefits from the charity. Any expenses reclaimed from the charity are set out in the accounts. In December 2024 Helen Kirk stepped down as trustee. Page | 6 ## **HAZEL HILL TRUST INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR TO 31st DECEMBER 2024 CHARITY NUMBER 1160691 COMPANY NUMBER 9329522** I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year to 31 December 2024 which are set out on pages 8 to 17. ## **Responsibilities and basis of report** As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. ## **Independent examiner's statement** I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: - the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or - the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or - the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. ## Te ragne **Tom Swayne, CGMA** 131 Western Road, Hurstpierpoint, W. Sussex BN6 9SY 27 September 2025 Page | 7 **----- Start of picture text -----**
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The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses in the year. All incoming resources and resources expended derive from continuing activities. The notes on pages 11 to 16 form part of these financial statements Page | 8 ## BALANCE SHEET Debtors Total assets less current liabilities Unrestricted funds Designated funds Restricted funds The directors statements required by Section 475(2) and (3) are shown on the following page, which forms part of this balance sheet. The notes on pages 11 to 16 form part of these financial statements. Page | 9 **HAZEL HILL TRUST BALANCE SHEET (continued) at 31st December 2024** ## **DIRECTORS STATEMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTIONS 475(2) AND (3) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024** These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime. For the year ending 31 December 2024 the company was entitled to the exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. ## **Directors’ responsibilities** The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476. The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts. The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on and signed on its behalf by: Oliver Broadbent, Chair of Trustees Page | 10 ## **Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2024** ## **1. Accounting policies** - a. 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 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 (FRS102) and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with the exception of investments which are included at market value. In accordance with FRS 102 no statement of cash flow has been prepared - b. The Charity is dependent upon the continuing financial support of one of its former Trustees alongside other sources of funding. It is anticipated that the financial support will continue for the foreseeable future. Although the future is unpredictable the accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis. - c. Income from government and other grants whether capital or revenue is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred. - d. Donations and other forms of voluntary income are recognised as incoming resources when receivable except insofar as they are incapable of financial measurement. - e. Fund accounting - Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of the charity. Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the Trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are donations and grants which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the Trust's work or for specific projects being undertaken by the Trust. - f. Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. - Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred. - g. Fixed assets include ancient woodland at the professional valuation of £400,000 in July 2015 when gifted to the Charity by one of the Trustees. No depreciation charge has been made in respect of the woodland. In addition to the woodland the fixed assets include various buildings valued at £400,000 in July 2015 when also gifted to the Charity by one of the Trustees, and further building work and improvements which have been valued at cost. All buildings are depreciated on a straight line basis over 50 years. - h. Investments are shown at market value determined by reference to UK stock exchange prices at the balance sheet date and income is recognised when received. Page | 11 HAZEL HILL TRUST Notes to the flnanclal statements for the year ended 3tst December 2024 2. Donatlons 2024 2023 Alan Heeks Other donors 19,979 5,695 25,674 30.004 2,039 32,043 Alan Heeks was a trustee untll hls reslgnation In April 2023. The Trust benefits from the support of volunteers. In accordance wlth FRS102 and the SORP IFPS1021 the economlc contribution of general volunteer51s not recognised In the accounts. 3. Grants 2024 2023 Natlonal Lottery Communlty Fund The D'oyly Carte Charltable Trust Natlonal Lottery Heritsge Fund Salisbury Transltion City C.l.C. 20.000 3,500 10,000 500 4. Income from tharltsble actlvltles 2024 2023 Accommodatlon booklngs and events Sundry income 60.652 214 60,866 64,064 103 64,167 Page | 12 HAZEL HILL TRUST Note5 to the financial statements for the ￿ar ended 31st December 2024 6. Exponditure 2024 2023 Fund raisini costs Staff costs 1,025 1,025 338 338 Expenditure on Charitab￿ artiviti•s Staff costs Staff travel Education and event costs Estate management Woodland Mana8ement Equipment maintenance Other buildin8 Costs Miscellaneou5 COSt5 Cleanin8 and laundry Depreciation of buildin65 and equipment Support costs see below Govemance costs see below 51,178 43 3,279 3.719 1.013 68.062 26 1.357 1.161 13.692 8.148 583 4.812 15.294 7.626 244 125.543 2,920 182 4.939 15,294 12,477 282 95,326 Support costs (included abo￿1 Communication Marketin8 and advertisin8 Administration and bookkeepin6 Insurance Services. fuel and water Bank char8es Other costs 615 598 119 16 1,379 5,013 4,483 70 798 12,477 4.813 1.625 120 453 Govornanc• costs lincludod above) Trustee expenses remuneration and expenses Professional fees 282 (601 244 282 Page | 13 HAZEL HILL TRUST Notes to the financial ststements for ye4r ended 3tst December 2024 7. Tanilble15xed ass•ts Freehold land Buildin8s & equSpm•nt Total Valuatlon Brought forward Additions Carried fojward 400,OC 764,675 1,164,675 400,0 764,675 1,164,675 Depreclatlon Brought forward Charge for the year Carrled forward 93.023 93.023 108 317 Wrltt•n down ￿lu• at 31st D•c•mb•r 2024 656 358 1056 3S8 Wrltten down volue ot31st December2023 1071651 2024 2023 8. Invegtments UK11sted Investments Valuatlon at the be8SnThln8 of the year Increaselldecreasel In valuatlo Valuatlon at the ebxl of the year 33,429 1,135 34,564 32,738 691 33,429 9. Cr•dltors: amounts hlllw du• wthln on• y••r 2024 2023 Income In advance Credltors Unsecured long term loan 1,660 4,876 8,629 13,629 11,537 Page | 14 HAZEL HILL TRUST Notes to the fftnanclal statements for year ended 3tst December 2014 10. CredStor5: arnounts falllnz due after one year 2024 2023 Unsecured long te￿ loan so.Ix)o S5,￿0 The ￿nsecUred long-term loan is from Alan Heeks, a former Trustee and Director. The loan is repaid in annual in5ts1ments of £$,0￿ and 5houkl be fully repaid by 2035 11. Tru$1••5 T•rnun•Trtlon and •xp•n 2024 2023 The Memorandurn and Articles of A550ciation ol the rharitsble company permlt payment5 to Tru5tee5 where certaln crlterla are met. Three trustees lflve IA 20231 were relmbyrsed for travel and sundrytxpense$ Incu￿d the year.. The fallowln8 Trusttes were pald other than for relmbursÈd travel expense$ duflna the year.. Helen Kirk.. Rernuneratlon for pr(wldin8 staff rnaternlty cover 339 549 320 4,499 Tru$tee$ attendlngTru$tee MeetIn￿ and other eve*t$ do •¢¢aslonally #•y ovemlght •t Hawl Hlll the￿bY redu¢lnRtrwel ¢osts. Arw beneflt arlslng ha$ nix been take* rtfle¢ted In these a¢¢ounts. 12. Staff costs 2024 2023 Stsff cost5, excludln8 the trustees In note 11, were as follow5 Ernployees.. Three In 2024 Ithree In 20231 Freelance sell employed.. ffve 2024 Ithree In 20231 48.838 60,612 IJ. FurKIi Unreitrlct Unrnstrbeted Unrestrlcted Restrlct•d Tot•1 G•Mral fund C•pSt•l res•Ne DeSI￿ated funds BroughtfoN4ard at lstjanuary 2024 Surplus Idefl£ltl for the year Transfers bets¥een fund5 13,113 30,000 1,011,651 115.2941 1.054,764 29,483 Is.ots)I 1,135 38,731 io.c¥)o 24,189 Galns and revaluation of inve5tment5 C•rwl¢d fr*rTA•rd •t Jlst De¢*mber 2024 30,000 1,001.3S7 10.000 1,000,088 Represented bv.. Fl¥ed a5sel$ 1,056.358 1.056,358 Investments 4,564 2,100 30.C¥JO 34,564 2,100 Debtors Cash ot bank 47,359 30.oc 1,056.358 io.c¥)o 1.143,717 Credltors 1 001 358 Page | 15 HAZEL HILL TRUST Notes to the Ilnanclal statements for the year ended 31st December 2024 14. Capltsl Members of the charitsble company guarantee to contribute an amount not exceeding £10 to the assets of the charitable company in the event of a winding up. The total number of such guarantees at 31st December 2024 was three12023: three). 15. Related party tran$4ctlon$ In addltlon to the payments to the Trustees shown In note 11 above, the Charlty provlded servlces at ommercial rates to four trustees who pald £12,710.12023.' six trustees paid £21,8061- There are no further related party transactions during the year which requlre disclosure In these accounts. 16. Taxatlon The charitsble company Is exempt from Corporatlon Tax on Its charltable actlvltles. Page | 16 HAZEL HILL TRUST SUMMARY OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR TO 31ST DECEMBER 2024 Unre$trlcted Unrestrlrted Operatlonal Deslgnated 2024 2024 Restrlcted Totsl Total 2024 2024 2023 Incomlng resources Accommodation and events Grants Other income Donations Total Incomlng resources 60,652 60,652 34,000 214 25,674 64,167 34,000 214 25,674 32,043 Expendlture Fund raising costs Programme delivery Forestry and conservation Building malntenance General mana8ement Depreciation Support costs Governance costs Total expendlture 1,025 1,025 24.000 1,013 6,639 35,622 15,294 12,477 282 96,351 338 1,484 1,161 31,832 67,894 15,294 7,626 244 125.872 24,000 1,013 6,639 35,622 15,294 12,477 282 57.057 15,294 24,000 Surplus I deflclt ) 29,483 15,294 10,000 24,189 29,662 Gains IILossesl on revaluatlon of Investments Transfers between funds 1,135 15,0001 1,135 690 5,000 Not Mov•m•nl In fundi 25,618 10,294 10,000 25,324 28,972 Page | 17