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← Mersey Forest Foundation

2025-06-30-accounts

Charity registration number 1160790 (England and Wales)

Company registration number 09153749

MERSEY FOREST FOUNDATION

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

MERSEY FOREST FOUNDATION

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Mr David McAleavy Mr Paul Nolan (Chair) Mr Roger Pearson Prof David Shaw Mr T Nicoll (Appointed 12 December 2024) Dr U JhaThakur (Appointed 30 January 2025) Charity number 1160790 Company number 09153749 Registered office 14th Floor The Plaza 100 Old Hall Street Liverpool England L3 9QJ Independent examiner Anita C Mason BA(Hons) BFP FCA Mitchell Charlesworth Suites C, D, E & F, 14th Floor The Plaza 100 Old Hall Street Liverpool L3 9QJ Bankers Tridos Bank Deanery Road Bristol BS1 5AS Solicitors Brabners LLP Horton House Exchange Flags Liverpool L2 3YL

MERSEY FOREST FOUNDATION

CONTENTS

Page
Chairman's statement 1 - 2
Trustees' report 3 - 7
Statement of Trustees' responsibilities 8
Independent examiner's report 9
Statement of financial activities 10
Balance sheet 11
Notes to the financial statements 12 - 22

MERSEY FOREST FOUNDATION

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

Chair's Report

Introduction I am pleased to present the Chair’s Report covering the Foundation's activities over the 2024/25 period. This year has been marked by significant strategic planning, the strengthening of our governance structures, and the continued Foundation support for delivery of projects that help to deliver the Mersey Forest Plan. We have maintained a robust meeting schedule, including virtual sessions in May, October, and January, as well as a valuable site visit to Bold Moss in July 2024.

Governance and Board Membership We have seen changes to our Board composition this year. We were delighted to welcome Trevor Nicoll and Urmila Jha Thakur, whose appointment as trustees has been approved, and bring with them vital expertise in environmental planning.

To support our trustees, Clare Olver has produced a draft Trustee Handbook. This is currently being refined through one-onone sessions to ensure it meets the needs of both the Mersey Forest Foundation (MFF) and the Community Forest Land Trust (CFLT). We continue to seek additional trustees, particularly those with academic and scientific backgrounds, to support initiatives like the "Idea Lab" that the Mersey Forest Team is developing.

Financial Stewardship and Fundraising Our financial position remains sound, with active management of our funds to maximise impact.

Donations: We received significant donations from Mersey Rail and INTX, both earmarked for tree planting in the Liverpool City Region. We continue to hold approximately £55,000 in unallocated donations, which will be directed toward small-scale projects.

Treasury Management: We are transitioning financial management to ensure transparency and efficiency. This includes a proposal to open multiple current accounts to separate funds for different entities and a review of our banking partners (Coop and Triodos) to balance ethical considerations with operational ease.

Due Diligence: We are updating our own MFF Due Diligence Policy, ensuring we maintain high ethical standards regarding donations from specific sectors while retaining necessary pragmatism.

Strategy and Business Planning .

Looking ahead, we will look to make progress on the Foundation Strategy and Business Plan, which extends to 2030, though this is still in development. This plan aligns with the Mersey Forest partnership delivery plan and local authority agreements. The Mersey Forest Plan refresh was launched on May 22[nd] 2025 and the Foundation will look at its strategy to ensure that it continues to support the aspirations set out in the Mersey Forest Plan.

Additionally, the Foundation is preparing to act as a partner for a major conference on "Investing in Nature," planned for June at the Museum of Liverpool. This event aims to engage local businesses and will be supported by sponsorship funds that will be managed by MFF.

Project Delivery Our project work has continued to deliver environmental improvements and community engagement:

• Bold Forest Park (S106): Our site visit in July allowed trustees to see the progress at Colliers Moss (Bold Moss North) firsthand. Extensive restoration work has converted heathland into wet lowland heath—a unique habitat for Merseyside— alongside peatland re-wetting and the reintroduction of species.

• Access and Community: We are improving access links between Clockface and Griffin, including new paths and a footbridge. Work is also ongoing to develop nature trails with interpretive panels. We are initiating school-based programs funded by S106 allocations.

• Warrington S106: The Board agreed to manage a £40,000 project for Warrington Borough Council, similar to the Omega project. While we are eager to proceed, we are currently awaiting further communication from the Council.

MERSEY FOREST FOUNDATION

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

Conclusion The Foundation is in a strong position as we move into the next financial year. With a refreshed strategy, an evolving Board, and a clear pipeline of projects, we are well-equipped to continue our work to support the Mersey Forest Plan.

.............................. Paul Nolan Chairman

30/03/2026

Date: .........................

MERSEY FOREST FOUNDATION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

Introduction

The trustees of Mersey Forest Foundation, who are also directors of the Company, present their annual report for the period ended 30th June 2025. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note one to the financial statements and comply with the charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019).

Vision, Purpose and Values

Our Vision is to get "More from Trees", through the creation of The Mersey Forest.

The purpose of the charity is to:

The values continue to be:

MERSEY FOREST FOUNDATION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

Objectives and activities

The Objects of the Charity are specifically restricted to the promotion for the benefit of the public generally any charitable purpose within the North West of England or elsewhere as the Trustees shall determine connected with the enhancement and improvement, maintenance and protection of the environment and landscape and in particular to:

MERSEY FOREST FOUNDATION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

Statement of Public Benefit

In meeting these objects, the charity's public benefit aim to maintain, complete and apply for funding that supports projects as detailed above. The charity has met its objectives by sticking to the guidelines of the grants applied for.

In setting out policy and planning these activities, the trustees have given consideration to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit.

The Charities Act identifies thirteen charitable purposes as being for the public benefit. Mersey Forest Foundation meets the public benefit principles by focusing on three of those charitable purposes:

the advancement of education.

the advancement of health or the saving of lives.

the advancement of environmental protection or improvement.

The Trustees' remuneration have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

Financial review

The foundation's financial position is sound. The core funds stand at £150,508 at the year end (2024: £75,719).

Reserves Policy and Going Concern

Reserves are considered to be that part of the Foundation's funds which are freely available for its general purpose after it has met its commitments and covered its other planned expenditure. These unrestricted funds are needed to bridge the gap between the spending and receiving of income and to cover administrative, fundraising and support costs without which the Foundation could not function.

The trustees consider that the ideal level of reserves as at 30th June 2025 would be in the region of £8K being 2 years of core administration costs at their current level for insurance, accounting, governance and general admin. The unrestricted reserves were standing at £150,508 at 30th June 2025 (2024: £75,719) so are deemed to be adequate.

Since the year end there has been no unexpected expenditure and the viability of the charity remains financially sound.

Investment Policies

The charity has a policy of keeping any surplus funds in short-term deposits, which can be accessed readily. On-line banking assists the monitoring of these accounts with a view to achieving best interest rates ·for amounts held on deposit whilst at the same time ensuring cash flow requirements are met.

Plans for Future Periods

The Foundation intends to continue to play a role in supporting the delivery of the Mersey Forest Plan through its ongoing activities and initiatives. The Foundation will also continue to seek additional funding opportunities to further its mission and objectives.

MERSEY FOREST FOUNDATION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

Structure, governance and management

Governing Document

The foundation's governing document is its Memorandum and Articles of Association, which were adopted on 23rd July 2014 and registered with the Charity Commission on 9th March 2015. The foundation is a company limited by guarantee, which means that it has no shareholders and its members are not liable for its debts. The foundation's only member is Community Forest Trust Ltd, which is also a charitable company limited by guarantee.

Appointment of Trustees

The trustees are appointed and may be removed by the Community Forest Trust. There is a minimum of three trustees, and the selection process is designed to ensure that the board has the expertise and diversity required to effectively manage the foundation.

Directors and Trustees

The directors of the charitable company (the charity) are its trustees for the purpose of charity law. The trustees serving during the year and since the year end were as follows:

Mr David McAleavy Mr Paul Nolan (Chair)

Mr Roger Pearson Prof David Shaw Mr T Nicoll (Appointed 12 December 2024) Dr U JhaThakur (Appointed 30 January 2025)

Key Personnel

Employees from related organisations have provided their services for the charity:

Business & Finance Manager Mr B Buggy

Organisation

The board of trustees meets quarterly to review the foundation's performance and make strategic decisions. The board liaises with the finance team at Community Forest Trust and the Chair to ensure that it has access to the information it needs to make informed decisions. The board also receives regular updates from the key personnel. The trustees during the year were trustees of other organisations as follows:

Community Forest Trust Community Forest Land Trust Paul Nolan N/A Appointed: 29 October 2013 Dave Shaw N/A Appointed: 1 October 2019 Rick Rogers N/A Appointed: 1 September 2019 Dave McAleavy N/A Appointed: 1 October 2019 Roger Pearson N/A Appointed: 14 October 2022 Urmila Jha Khathur N/A Appointed: 30 January 2025 Trevor Nicoll N/A Appointed: 12 December 2024

MERSEY FOREST FOUNDATION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

Related parties and co-operation with other organisations

None of the trustees receive remuneration or other benefit for their work with the charity. Any contractual relationship with a related party must be disclosed in the current year and previous year and are detailed in note 17 of the financial statements.

Risk Management

The monitoring and management of risk is a dynamic process and the charity faces some level of risk in the activities, events and contracts that it engages in. The trustees have a risk management strategy which comprises:

The charity’s review of its risk management will continue to help ensure:

Small companies provisions

This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to small companies within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.

The report was approved by the board of trustees.

..............................

Mr Paul Nolan (Chair)

30/03/2026

Dated: .........................

MERSEY FOREST FOUNDATION

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

The trustees, who are also the directors of Mersey Forest Foundation for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.

In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees' remuneration are required to:

The Trustees' remuneration are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

MERSEY FOREST FOUNDATION

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION OF MERSEY FOREST FOUNDATION

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Mersey Forest Foundation (the charity) for the period ended 30 June 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the Trustees' remuneration of the charity (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.

Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.

Independent examiner's statement

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:

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.

Mitchell Charlesworth

Anita C Mason BA(Hons) BFP FCA Mitchell Charlesworth Suites C, D, E & F, 14th Floor The Plaza 100 Old Hall Street Liverpool L3 9QJ L3 9QJ

Dated: .........................

MERSEY FOREST FOUNDATION

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
Notes
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
4
41,531
-
Charitable activities
5
-
42,026
Investments
6
40,129
-
Total income
81,660
42,026
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
7
6,781
42,026
Total expenditure
6,781
42,026
Net income
74,879
-
Transfers between funds
(90)
90
Net movement in funds
9
74,789
90
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 July 2024
75,719
35,154
Fund balances at 30 June 2025
150,508
35,244		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
£
£
£
41,531
8,184
2,500
42,026
-
8,160
40,129
39,132
-
123,686
47,316
10,660
48,807
20,114
18,560
48,807
20,114
18,560
74,879
27,202
(7,900)
-
-
-
74,879
27,202
(7,900)
110,873
48,517
43,054
185,752
75,719
35,154		 Total
2024
£
10,684
8,160
39,132
57,976
38,674
38,674
19,302
-
19,302
91,571
110,873

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

MERSEY FOREST FOUNDATION

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 30 JUNE 2025

2025 2024
Notes £ £ £ £
Current assets
Debtors 14 29,467 10,168
Cash at bank and in hand 2,108,079 2,045,996
2,137,546 2,056,164
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 15 (1,951,794) (1,945,291)
Net current assets 185,752 110,873
The funds of the charity
Restricted income funds 16 35,244 35,154
Unrestricted funds 17 150,508 75,719
185,752 110,873

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 30 June 2025.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for ensuring that the charity keeps accounting records which comply with section 386 of the Act and for preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as at the end of the financial year and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the financial year in accordance with the requirements of sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the company.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

30/03/2026

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees' remuneration on .........................

..............................

Mr Paul Nolan (Chair)

Company registration number 09153749 (England and Wales)

MERSEY FOREST FOUNDATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Mersey Forest Foundation is an incorporated charity registered in England and Wales. The registered office is 14th Floor The Plaza, 100 Old Hall Street, Liverpool, England, L3 9QJ.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "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 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies are set out below.

The Charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for Charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees' remuneration have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the Trustees' remuneration continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees' remuneration in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.

1.4 Income

Voluntary income, including donations, gifts and legacies, and grants that provide core funding or are of a general nature are recognised where there is entitlement; where any performance conditions have been met; where it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount can be measured reliably.

Income received in advance of a specific project would be deferred until the criteria for income recognition are met.

Grants made to finance the activities of the bureau are credited to the statement of the financial activity in the period to which they relate.

Grants received in advance of the period in which the funder requires the expenditure to be applied will be reflected in deferred income within the balance sheet.

MERSEY FOREST FOUNDATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Donated Services and Facilities

Donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised as income when the charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the charity of the item is probable and that the economic benefit can be measured reliably. In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), volunteer time is not recognised and for this current year there has been no volunteer input.

On receipt, donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to charity which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.

Interest Receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.

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 to use for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the charity’s work.

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure and Irrecoverable VAT

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. Expenditure is classified as follows:

Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.

1.6 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash at bank and at hand

Cash at bank includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of 3 months or less from the date of deposit.

1.7 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity’s balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

MERSEY FOREST FOUNDATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Basic financial assets

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.8 Taxation

As a registered charity, the Company benefits from various exemptions from taxation afforded by tax legislation and is not liable to corporation tax on income or gains falling within those exemptions.

The charity is also able to partially recover Value Added Tax. Expenditure that is not recoverable by the charity is recorded in the accounts inclusive of VAT.

1.9 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.10 Debtors

Debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due.

1.11 Creditors

Creditors and accruals are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in a transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably.

MERSEY FOREST FOUNDATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

Accruals

A provision is made in the accounts for any goods / services received in the year where payments are not processed until after the year-end date.

Deferred Income

A provision is based on the total grant received less any income recognised in the year.

3 Legal Status

The Charity is a company limited by guarantee and has no share capital, In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £10 per member of the charity.

4 Donations and legacies

Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds
2025 2024 2024 2024
£ £ £ £
Donations and gifts 41,531 8,184 2,500 10,684

5 Charitable activities

Charitable activities
Restricted Restricted
Funds Funds
2025 2024
£ £
Grants received 42,026 8,160

MERSEY FOREST FOUNDATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

6 Income from investments

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Interest receivable 40,129 39,132

The charity’s investment income of £40,129 (2024: £39,132) arises from money held in interest bearing deposit accounts and bank interest received.

7 Charitable activities

Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
2025
2025
£
£
Project costs
1,417
16,198
Insurance
2,198
-
Administration costs
42
25,828
Donations payable
-
-
3,657
42,026
Share of governance costs
(see note 8)
3,124
-
6,781
42,026
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
6,781
-
Restricted funds
-
42,026
6,781
42,026		 Total
2025
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
2024
2024
£
£
£
17,615
756
8,560
2,198
1,042
-
25,870
338
-
-
15,584
10,000
45,683
17,720
18,560
3,124
2,394
-
48,807
20,114
18,560
6,781
20,114
-
42,026
-
18,560
48,807
20,114
18,560		 Total
2024
£
9,316
1,042
338
25,584
36,280
2,394
38,674
20,114
18,560
38,674

MERSEY FOREST FOUNDATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

8
Support costs
Support costs
Governance
costs
2025 Support costs
Governance
costs
£
£
£
£
£
Independent examiners fee
-
1,200
1,200
-
1,350
Accountancy
-
1,924
1,924
-
1,044
-
3,124
3,124
-
2,394
Analysed between
Charitable activities
-
3,124
3,124
-
2,394
9
Net movement in funds
2025
£
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Fees payable for the independent examination of the charity's financial statements
1,200		 2024
£
1,350
1,044
2,394
2,394
2024
£
1,350

10 Trustees' Remuneration

None of the trustees (or any person connected to them) received any remuneration or were reimbursed expenses during the year. (2024: £Nil).

11 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2025 2024
Number Number
Total - -

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

12 Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxationof Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.

MERSEY FOREST FOUNDATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

13
Financial instruments
Carrying amount of financial assets
Debt instruments measured at amortised cost
Carrying amount of financial liabilities
Measured at amortised cost
14
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
15
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Notes
Deferred income
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals		 2025
£
2,128,093
62,507
2025
£
20,014
9,453
29,467
2025
£
1,889,287
51,702
2,263
8,542
1,951,794		 2024
£
2,046,138
13,978
2024
£
142
10,026
10,168
2024
£
1,931,313
9,364
-
4,614
1,945,291

MERSEY FOREST FOUNDATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

16 Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

Movement in funds Movement in funds Movement in funds Movement in funds
Balance at Incoming Resources Balance at Incoming Resources Transfers Balance at
1 July 2023 resources expended 1 July 2024 resources expended 30 June 2025
£ £ £ £ £ £ £ £
Harbison Walker International 11,985 - - 11,985 - - - 11,985
Remondis UK 5,000 - - 5,000 - - - 5,000
Cheshire West and Chester 904 - - 904 - - - 904
Groundwork 435 - - 435 - - - 435
LEC (Liverpool) 12,000 - - 12,000 - - - 12,000
Lower Dane WFD Interventions 2,820 - - 2,820 - - - 2,820
Karl Vella Group 10,000 - (10,000) - - - - -
Wealth at work - 2,500 (490) 2,010 - - 90 2,100
Colliers Moss North - 8,160 (8,160) - 14,352 (14,352) - -
Griffin Wood - - - - 776 (776) - -
Groundwork - - - - 300 (300) - -
Omega 106 Management - - - - 26,598 (26,598) - -
43,144 10,660 (18,650) 35,154 42,026 (42,026) 90 35,244

MERSEY FOREST FOUNDATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

16 Restricted funds

(Continued)

The Harbison Walker International fund is for the planting of trees at schools.

The Remondis UK fund is a fund to support Trees for Learning.

The Cheshire West and Cheshire Fund is for the planting of trees at the Countess of Chester Country Park, Upton School and Countess of Chester Hospital.

The Groundwork's fund is for the planting of trees at Risley Moss and Allerton Oak.

The LEC (Liverpool) Ltd, fund is for the provision of Community Green spaces at Lyme & Wood Landfill site and Colliers Moss Common.

The Lower Dane WFD Interventions fund relates to the Water Frame Directive.

The Karl Vella Group supports woodland planting, particularly with schools in the Cheshire area.

Wealth at Work was a donation from a business towards tree planting.

The Colliers Moss North fund is work to support habitat restoration.

Griffin wood is a project part of the Omega 106 money.

Omega 106 management is also part of the 106 money.

Groundwork is Tesco for Bags money that was given to The Reader for Attherton Oak celebration.

MERSEY FOREST FOUNDATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

17 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used.

At 1 July 2024 Incoming Resources Transfers At 30 June 2025 Transfers At 30 June 2025
resources expended
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 75,719 81,660 (6,781) (90) 150,508
Previous year: At 1 July 2023 Incoming Resources Transfers At 30 June 2024
resources expended
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 48,517 47,316 (20,114) - 75,719
Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds
2025 2025 2025
£ £ £
At 30 June 2025:
Current assets/(liabilities) 150,508 35,244 185,752
150,508 35,244 185,752
Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds
2024 2024 2024
£ £ £
At 30 June 2024:
Current assets/(liabilities) 75,719 35,154 110,873
75,719 35,154 110,873

18 Analysis of net assets between funds

19 Events after the reporting date

There are no post balance sheet events to report (2024: None)

20 Related party transactions

MERSEY FOREST FOUNDATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

20 Related party transactions

(Continued)

During the year the charity made donations to Community Forest Trust, the parent charity, of £NIL (2024: £25,584).

During the year there was one invoice raised by Community Forest Trust, the parent charity, totalling £36,830. This balance was still due at year end, and relates to costs incurred in Community Forest Trust which relate to Mersey Forest Foundation.

There was also £2,263 owed to Community Forest Trust as at 30 June 2025 relating to insurance costs.