## **South West Coast Path Association** Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 **----- Start of picture text -----**
Reg. charity no. 1163422
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## **Contents** **1** ||| |---|---| |Reference and administrative details of the charity,|**1**| |its trustees and advisers|| |Trustees’ report|**2**| |Independent examiner’s report|**36**| |Statement of fnancial activities|**38**| |Balance sheet|**39**| |Notes to the fnancial statements|**41**| **Report independently examined by:** _Cover image Sharon and Sue. Photo below:_ **South West Coast Path Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 1** ## **Reference and Administrative Details of the Charity, its Trustees and Advisers** For The Year Ended 31 December 2023 **Trustees** Ruth Adams, (Co-opted November 2023) Katie Ash Ken Carter, Lucy Daniel (Resigned August 2023) Hilary Dinsdale, _Treasurer to June 2023_ Graham Keene (Resigned June 2023) Zoë Kibbey (Co-opted November 2023) Robert Mark, _Chair_ David Morris Phillip Spencer, _Vice Chair_ Kevin Thomas, _Treasurer from June 2023_ **Charity registered** 1163422 **number Principal office** Unit 11, Residence 2, Royal William Yard, Plymouth, PL1 3RP Julian Gray, Director **Senior management team** Lorna Sherriff, National Trail Officer Aletha Mays, Head of Comms Bishop Fleming LLP, Chartered Accountants, **Accountants** Salt Quay House, 4 North East Quay, Sutton Harbour, Plymouth, PL4 0BN _Trailblazer Walk Finale. Photographer Jay Stone_ **2 South West Coast Path Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements** ## **Chair’s Introduction** **It is a pleasure on behalf of the Board of Trustees to introduce the 2023 Annual Report, which records the exceptional contribution of Association Staff, Volunteers, Members, and Supporters to deliver a cracking 50th Anniversary year, which we think would delight our founders. In addition to the 50th celebrations detailed in this report, immense credit is due to the efforts of the staff and volunteer team to deliver a very creditable financial performance.** Working with our South West Trail Partnership Program colleagues, £1.219 million has been spent in 2023 on the Path, to maintain and improve the experience of walkers. Of this 47.7% has been grant funded by Natural England as part of the agreement between Central Government and the Trail Partnership, and 52.3% matchfunded by the SW Trail Partners, including the Association. This achievement is all the more creditable in a period of high inflation and challenging economic circumstances, given that the SW Trail Partnership Agreement with Central Government should reflect a 75% Central Government: 25% Trail Partnership split. THREE ASPECTS HAVE DRIVEN THE AMBITION OF TRAIL PARTNERS TO FIND MORE MONEY TO MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE THE SWCP AS A NATIONAL JEWEL. The increasing impact of climate change on the fabric of the path, the clear and demonstrable draw which the path has to encourage visitors to spend of the order of £500m per annum, supporting around 10,000 jobs in a region which depends on tourism as a key component of the local economy; and finally the health and wellbeing benefits which locals and visitors alike can gain from this wonderful resource. The Trustees are particularly pleased that the Association’s National Lottery Heritage funded Coast Path Connectors (CPC) programme, has had a very successful inaugural year. The NLHF money has enable the Association to employ 5 additional part-time staff to turbo-charge our Health and Wellbeing offering across the region, improving the access to the physical and mental benefits of walking the Path for a wide range of less advantaged folk who might otherwise have lacked the confidence or opportunity. NLHF funding is for two years, expiring in May 2025, and the Trustees, based on this pilot, are keen to find ways of continuing the programme. I encourage you to read the range of ‘connections’ that CPC has been able to deliver in the following pages and the heartwarming quote of a beneficiary. None of the above good work could be achieved without you, the members and supporters. **South West Coast Path Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 3** We have received £135K from a steadily growing membership base this year, which is a marvellous testament to the loyalty and desire of individual members to give something back to the path and preserve it for future generations. Fifty percent of subscriptions are hypothecated into a restricted fund to promote and protect the Path. Together with donations of £115K, fully 28% of the Associations income derives from individuals who care passionately about the path. Legacy pledges are above £500K. OVER 450 BUSINESSES ARE PART OF THE ASSOCIATION’S ‘WAY MAKER’ SCHEME AND THE NEW ‘SWCP PASSPORT’ IS AN UNDOUBTED SUCCESS, WITH MORE STAMPING POINTS ADDING TO THE POPULARITY AND ENABLING PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES TO TAP INTO OUR GROWING PASSPORT USER BASE. We have enhanced our website, which retains a #1 spot on google search rankings and are working hard to add new functionality as funds allow. Across all social and traditional media channels we are now talking to upwards of 136,000 people, providing regular updates on path condition, events, news, Way Maker facilities, and special interest topics. So a heartfelt thank you to all our members and supporters. It would be easy to rest of our laurels, however there is little doubt that the Association cannot relax the tempo of fund-raising activity. Better promotion means more people and more erosion in ‘hotspots’ although there are still plenty of places where the path offers calm, peace, and tranquillity. Climate Change is forcing the pace of coastal adaptation, and our annual Storm Damage Appeal is becoming more and more essential. A less obvious effect of Climate Change is the impact on our native species. The Association is committed to lobbying with partners to create a coastal wildbelt or corridor for nature and people around the path to give nature space to adapt and recover. In 2023 we continued our support to the South Devon Landscape Partnership (formerly the S Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) ‘Life on the Edge’ pilot programme, which we hope will offer lessons to other Landscape Partnerships in the region. Unfortunately, the Path is also increasingly subject to unsuitable development, in 2023 the reasoned and carefully framed representations of the Association to the Planning Authorities were up 60% on 2022. Our goal is to promote compromise where-ever possible, however we will not shirk our duty to preserve the natural beauty of the Path. Notwithstanding these challenges, in 2023 the ‘good’ has most definitely overshadowed the ‘bad’. The Association and Path are in good shape. On behalf of, the Board of Trustees and Staff, I hope you will continue to ensure that the SWCP remains one of the World’s great trails. **4 South West Coast Path Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements** ## **Objectives and activities** The **Objects** of the Charity, as set out in the Constitution, are: - **1** To secure the protection, improvement and conservation of the South West Coast Path and public access to it in order to improve the health and wellbeing of the general public. - **2** To educate the general public to a greater knowledge of, respect and care for, the coast and countryside by promoting the South West Coast Path. In furtherance of these Objects the Association aims to work for and assist in: - Providing information about the South West Coast Path and its corridor to the public; - The effective administration of the organisation directed at the improvement and maintenance of the South West Coast Path; and - Providing a forum in which different interests connected with the South West Coast Path (including its corridor) and its use can discuss problems of mutual concern. ## **Vision and Mission** The Association’s **Vision** is to protect and improve the South West Coast Path as one of the world’s great trails, now and for future generations. In our **mission** to achieve this, we will champion the South West Coast Path to help people access, enjoy and protect the National Trail. ## **Our Strategies** As a charity we need to be selfsufficient in our core running costs. We also need to ensure efficient use of our supporters’ donations so that the maximum benefit is given to the Coast Path. To be as cost-effective in our efforts as possible, our strategies focus on working in partnership where practicable. Our business plan prioritises the following strategies: **Enhancement of the South West Coast Path National Trail** - Improve quality of access to and along the Trail and enhance health and wellbeing - Seize opportunities to improve the green infrastructure of the coastal margin - Support economic activity that sustains the Trail - Advocate at a national level to support the family of National Trails - Work at a regional level to support wider access to the coast and countryside **Engagement with people using and supporting the Coast Path** - Listen and give a voice to users of the Coast Path - Engage with people about conservation of the coast and countryside – helping create a sense of place - Inspire people to use and enjoy the Coast Path, promoting access for all **Capacity Building of the Association and SWCP Trails Partnership to support the Trail** - Fundraise to help protect, promote and improve the Path - Provide a way for people to give back to the South West Coast Path - Enable others to support the Path to do more through leveraging of funding - Be bold to test new ideas to enhance the trail experience - Support and coordinate the Trail Partnership - Have a voice in the planning system to protect and enhance the Trail **South West Coast Path Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements** **5** _Provide a way for people to give back to the South West Coast Path._ _Hartland Quay to Bude, Trailbalzer Walk. Photographer Julian Gray_ **6 South West Coast Path Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements** ## **Reporting Criteria 2023** The charity’s Business Plan sets out financial and non-financial performance measures to ensure the Association is meeting its objects, vision and mission. A new five-year Business Plan was developed between June and October 2022 and adopted by the Board of Trustees in November 2022 setting out the strategic aims and objectives for the Association including a detailed action plan and budget for 2023. The three Sub-Committees of the Board of Trustees have responsibility for governance and oversight of delivery of one of each of the three strategic aims: - **Path Committee** – enhancement of the Coast Path experience; - **Membership and Fundraising Committee** – fundraising to support the Coast Path; and - **Finance and Human Resources Committee** – running the Charity. _South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year winning image. Seagull at Sea, Exmouth South Devon. Photographer Paul Boomsma_ This 2023 Trustees Report has been structured to reflect the charity’s work across these three areas. **South West Coast Path Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements** **7** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Sunset on the ammonite pavement at Lyme Regis,
Jurassic Coast. Photographer James Loveridge
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**8 South West Coast Path Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements** **Main Activities Undertaken to Further the Charity’s Purposes for Public Benefit** Enhancement of the Coast Path Experience ## **This year marked the 50th anniversary of the charity. Over the year we undertook a series of activities and events to celebrate the South West Coast Path.** _Start of the Trailblazer Walk in Minehead_ Highlights of the celebrations include: - Over 1,000 people joined us on our epic **Trailblazer Walk** , covering the full 630 miles of the South West Coast Path over 35 days. The epic walk finished on the Green at Royal William Yard on June 15th and was followed by the AGM and Coast Path Forum as part of a a further two days of celebrations in Plymouth. 500 **Beach of Dreams** silk pennants were on display to create the 50th Trailblazing logo in a stunning installation from both an aerial and ground-level perspective. 100 lucky Trailblazer Walkers completed the installation in a ceremonial procession into the Yard with celebrations overseen by David Fursdon, Lord Lieutenant of Devon. ● The 2023 AGM was held in person with around 100 members joining us at Royal William Yard. Bob Mark, Chair, gave an overview of the work of the charity and future plans and Hilary Dinsdale, outgoing Treasurer, presented a report on our accounts for 2022. This was followed by a 50th anniversary cake cutting ceremony overseen by Bob Mark and former Trustee Lizzy Wallace who with her husband were key personalities in building the Charity from scratch in the early years. The AGM was concluded with a completer’s certificate ceremony overseen by Philip Spencer, Vice-Chair. - The 2023 **Coast Path Forum** was attended by over 100 members supporters and wider stakeholders on June 16th. Whereas the rest of the 50thanniversary celebrations focus on the last 50 years, the Forum was used as an opportunity for us to look forward to the next 50 years of the Coast Path. Specifically, what challenges and opportunities lie ahead for the National Trail. **South West Coast Path Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements** **9** **----- Start of picture text -----**
South West Coast Path
Photographer of the Year 2022 Exhibition
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Noss Mayo | South Devon | Jon Lovejoy
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Ocean Studios, Royal William Yard, Plymouth 15 June – 27 July 2023
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A series of short presentations from speakers covering different aspects of the Coast Path - equity of access, climate change, nature recovery, regenerative tourism, community engagement and coastal Wildbelt - was followed by a panel Q&A session chaired by Sarah Mukherjee MBE. - The inaugural **South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year** exhibition showcased 23 images at Ocean Studios, Royal William Yard, running from June to August. - We launched our first ever **–** - podcast series, **630 Miles an Audio Journey** , hosted by volunteer Rachel HadleyLeonard. The 12-episode series has been streamed in 23 countries with an incredible 62 guests interviewed on a range of topics, over a grand total of 480 minutes! - We hosted the **World Trails Film Festival** at Royal William Yard as part of our 50th celebrations in June with 20 films from 10 countries covering four continents over 3 days. - Fifteen **Coast Path Friendly Events** took place on the Trail during 2023, putting money back into Path maintenance and improvements. - Our **Coast Path Challenge** and Community Fundraising activities raised over £15k to support our work. - We launched a 50th anniversary commemorative edition of the **Coast Path Passport** . We also welcomed 40 new South west Coast Path Passport stamping points taking the number of places to get your passport stamped to 141. - Last, but by no means least, local rep, Chair of the Path Committee, and previous Trustee Steve Church was honoured with a **Coronation Champion Award** in recognition of his many years of voluntary work at the Association. _Coronation Champion Steve Church_ **10 South West Coast Path Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Churston Cove Step improvement with
Macs Adventure step
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Kynance Access for all path improvement
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South Milton Sands Accessible
Boardwalk Platform. Credit National
Trust
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## **Path Improvement Projects:** The charity’s Path Committee supported 14 improvement projects along the Coast path that were completed in 2023, including: ● **£4.3K** for Churston Cove project in Torbay. 32 new steps, 6 replacement steps, 1 new wooden ladder x 17 steps, 2 new stringers, 1 new revetment, 1 new handrail & tonnes of sand & crushed stone were installed for this improvement project. The project was also extended to complete works on the on the concrete steps to enable easier access. This was a great partnership project between SWCPA, Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust and SWIScO, the infra-structure company owned by Torbay Council. ● **£6.4K** for Kynance Cove Access for all route supported by one of our sponsors Athletic Brewing Two for the Trails funding. This improvement project has opened up a section of coast path to different user groups by improving surfacing, drainage and removing obstacles on approximately ½ a mile of very heavily used coast path to enable wheelchair and Tramper access. This project was designed with the support of the National Trust, SWCPA, Natural England and Cornwall Rolling Ramblers. - **£770** for Tinsey Head Gateway Improvements – South Devon. The project replaced three old gateways and renewed with hardwearing oak or chestnut gates. This is a well-used section of coast path which is often grazed by livestock so these improvements will allow easier access for people as well as improving the management of the livestock. - **£8.3K** for Carnsew Pool Path Re-establishment. This project was in partnership with the RSPB and repaired and stabilised the footpath and seawall which had been rapidly eroding to a point where it was no longer safe to walk. - **£3K** for South Milton Beach Accessibility Boardwalk which replaced the existing boardwalk from the main car park at South Milton Sands beach with an access for all compatible boardwalk and wheelchair seating area. This new facility enables access to the beach for many different user groups, and the addition of a platform (which can be removed if bad storms are predicted) allows people with limited mobility the opportunity to sit on the platform on the beach. (£1K kindly donated towards the Project from Totnes Ramblers). **South West Coast Path Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 11** - **£1.8K** for Scabbacombe South Slope improvement – South Devon – was very steep and, when wet, very difficult to traverse safely. The worn path was adjacent to a landowner’s stock fence which was being pulled over by walkers clinging on to it to keep their balance. This improvement project implemented with the South Devon National Trust, installed a zig-zag path, digging into the slope to create a more gently sloping path with minimal cross gradient. - **£2K** for Beesands path surfacing improvements as this section of path had been badly damaged by water runoff. Having already installed a water diversion gulley at the top end of this eroded section the trail was regraded, levelled and surfaced. - **£5.8K** Nanjulian bridge - West Cornwall National Trust. The project installed 2 new granite bridges to replace the existing end of life wooden bridges. The new bridges consist of 3 granite slabs resting on a granite bearer either end and supported in the middle by two further granite supports. - **£4.9K** for step boards through the Step-Up Appeal across the trail. - **£11.5K** for Waymarkers and fingerposts across the trail area through the Find Your Way Appeal. In addition, the Path Committee allocated a further £9.5k towards 3 improvement projects which were agreed in 2022 but due to be completed in the first quarter of 2023. We continued our support for the South Devon National Landscapes Life on the Edge project which has been successful in its bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for a five-year delivery phase. This project will help restore habitat along the coastal margin for recovery of specific keystone insect species. Our support is specifically targeted to deliver improved public access and appropriate public information. This year saw a new grant from Natural England providing an additional £82K funding going towards capital access works. This funding is part of access funding investing in access/ accessibility improvement across National Parks, National Landscapes and National Trails. We asked all the Trails Partners to submit projects the funding could be used for and received seven project proposals, five in Cornwall one in Exmoor and another in Devon. This is a very welcome uplift in funds for capital accessibility projects. However, this new funding does not address the financial pressures on the maintenance costs of the partners. The charity will continue to champion for an increase in core maintenance budget to ensure the Coast Path remains to the high-quality standard expected of a National Trail. At the end of 2023 we were also successful in acquiring £173k additional funding from Natural England for capital improvement works. This will fund 50 projects across the trail which will be completed by the end of March 2024. **12 South West Coast Path Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements** ## **Managing Impacts of Climate Change** ## _West Bay, Jurassic Coast. Photographer James Loveridge_ With the Trail running around the edge of the SW peninsular we are impacted by storms no matter the direction they come from. One impact of climate change is that not only are we seeing more frequent and stronger storms, but also more extreme weather events. So, the threat to the Coast Path corridor is not only the acceleration of coastal erosion, but also wind damage, run-off from significant rainfall events and increased fire risk during heatwaves. Over the year there were 17 coastal erosion incidents leading to diversions and roll back of the path. There were also numerous smaller cliff-slips where sections of the Trail now need to be regularly monitored and plans put in place ready to divert or roll back the path before it is deemed no longer safe. Many events were cliff falls, landslips, or collapses of key infrastructure such as steps or bridges caused by heavy rain fall, flooding, or storm surges. In the last two years the trail has also experienced five significant wildfires which caused temporary closures to sections of the trail and caused destruction of the unique and fragile coastal habitats. **South West Coast Path Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 13** ## **Path Survey and Condition Report** Path Survey and Condition Report Between October 2022 and March 2023 94% of the National Trail was surveyed. Path volunteers walked the Trail recording observations on handheld tablets against National Trail Quality Standards, following the same methodology of previous surveys. Based on the analysis of data collected between October 2022 and March 2023, we have seen the condition for furniture and signs decline by 0.3% over the year. This slight decline could be due to the levelling out of the results now that we are able to complete a higher percentage of surveys due to reduced Covid restrictions. It could also be due to the squeeze of local authorities’ budgets as we are seeing more and more or our trails partners budgets remaining the same or in some cases seeing a reduction in their budget. The results of the survey are summarised in the graph below: **Table 1: The percentage of Coast Path infrastructure meeting National Trail Quality Standards 2001 to 2023:** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Criteria 2001 2005 2009 2012 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Furniture 73% 81% 86% 89% 86% 85% 85% 85% 84% 80% 87% 84%
Signs 46% 58% 69% 79% 74% 73% 72% 76% 75% 69% 74% 75%
All 62% 71% 78% 84% 81% 80% 79% 81% 80% 75% 80% 80%
infrastructure
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## **Path Completers** 119 members requested completer certificates over 2023, a 30% rise and the highest number recorded. In contrast, non-member completer certificate purchases dropped to the lowest number since 2018. In addition, 44 walkers requested Coast Path section completion certificates. **Table 2: Walkers of the Coast Path requesting a completers certificate 2016 to 2023.** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Completers 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Members 90 97 91 101 73 90 90 119
Non 75 95 150 151 112 179 187 101
members
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**14 South West Coast Path Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements** ## **South West Coast Path Trail Partnership** The Trail Partnership oversees the management, maintenance, improvement, and promotion of the South West Coast Path National Trail for the benefit of the public. It champions the protection, enhancement and access to the landscape, biodiversity and cultural heritage of the Coast Path corridor. The Delivery Group comprises six Highway Authorities (Cornwall and Dorset Councils, Devon County Councils, Torbay Council, Plymouth City Council and Exmoor National Park Authority), the National Trust, Natural England (NE) and the SWCP Association with Ken Carter the independent Chair. As set out in A New Deal for National Trails, Natural England provides an annual grant to the SWCP Trail Partnership to help maintain the Coast Path to the higher quality National Trail standards. This grant funds a maximum of 75% of the day to-day maintenance of the National Trail, paid directly to the Highways Authorities, who, with the National Trust fund the remaining 25% (because of the pressures noted in the climate change section above, this proportion has risen from 25% to 50% with increasing costs and liabilities). The 2023/24 NE grant settlement was £441k plus an additional £82k for capital access works. The grant allocation is set out in a Delivery Framework and based on percentage of path within each jurisdiction. ## **Table 3: Percentage allocation of Natural England grant allocated towards maintenance by Highway Authority area:** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Highway Proportion
Authority of grant
Cornwall 48%
Devon 30%
Dorset 12%
Exmoor 5%
Plymouth 1%
Torbay 4%
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A proportion of the NE grant is used to fund regional coordination work on behalf of the Partnership by the National Trail Team including the National Trail Officer and is managed by the Association. The SWCP Trails Partnership delivery group met twice over 2023. The main topics considered included: establishment of the King Charles III England Coast Path; mitigation of climate change impacts; development of a Coastal Wildbelt to promote nature recovery; and managing planning issues along the National Trail corridor. The Partnership agreed to continue to invest in the SWCP Trails Partnership Project (TPP) for a further three years. The TPP helps build capacity of the charity to generate extra investment in the Coast Path. For the last three years the Partnership invested £145K into the TPP. This was used by the charity to co-ordinate grant applications, engage with business and supporters to fundraising almost £2m for the National Trail. In the 2022/23 Financial year the total cost spent on the trail was £1.22million with £637K as grant funding from Natural England and £582K match funding from the trail partners and the Association. These figures show that the trails partnership are funding 48% of the trail maintenance costs, which is above the 25% match they should put in for a National Trail. In 2023 the TPP priorities included: championing a stronger voice for the wider family of National Trails to help secure government funding and wider support; protecting the 2023/24 core maintenance grant and securing additional access funding; and securing match funding for improvement projects to maximise the impact of the maintenance grant. Table four below shows the annual investment by the partners in the Trails Partnership Project for 2022. **South West Coast Path Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 15** ## **Table 4: Annual breakdown of investment into the Trail Partnership Project by the SWCP Trails Partnership.** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Trail Partnership Project investment 2022/23
Cornwall Council £9,248
Devon County Council £5,688
Dorset Council £3,087
Exmoor National Park Authority £1,036
National Trust £15,000
Plymouth City Council £320
South West Coast Path Association £15,000
Torbay Council £621
Total £50,000
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## **Improving Equity of Access** In addition to the work of the Coast Path Connectors Team and our Health and Wellbeing Working Group We have published 19 Access Guides on the website. These give more detailed information about walks on the Coast Path with the aim of providing as much access information as possible so that people can make an informed decision about which walks are suitable for them. This includes information about the terrain and photographs of what to expect. More information on: **southwestcoastpath/easy-access** _Kynance Easy Access route_ **16 South West Coast Path Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements** ## **Coast Path Connectors** Thanks to funding from National Lottery Heritage Fund, we launched our 2-year Coast Path Connectors Project in 2023. Employing 5 new parttime Project Officers based on the Path in West Cornwall, Plymouth, Torbay, north Devon and Dorset, the project aimed to open up coastal walking to new audiences, and to train up new volunteers to carry on this work. The project was informed by our previous outreach work such as Connecting Actively to Nature (CAN), and our Plymouth walks with Devon and Cornwall Refugee Support (DCRS), and Improving Lives Plymouth (ILP). The Project Officers were recruited in a phased manner with the Plymouth Officer starting in December 2022 and all five project officer positions filled by June 2023. The project aims to boost health and wellbeing of participants, as well as introducing them to the heritage and natural environment of the Coast Path with the hope that people will continue to walk as groups and independently in the future. **Key outputs of the project in 2023 include:** - Developed walking programmes with 16 community groups - Worked with local social prescribers and other health professionals in developing supported walks - Engaged with over 40 new volunteers - Over 1,000 volunteer hours given back in a variety of roles (walk supporter, walk leader, photography) - Trained over 20 volunteers and support organisation staff in walk leading skills **Examples of groups we have worked with in 2023:** - **Plymouth:** Devon and Cornwall Refugee Support (DCRS); University of Plymouth wellbeing group; Plympton Plodders (ILP over 60s project); Sensory Solutions (IPL project); Livewell (supporting children with additional needs); and Timebank community. - **Cornwall:** St. Petrocs (homeless charity); Newquay Orchard, NHS staff wellbeing team; Ocean Housing; Wheelchair rambles with Cornwall Rolling Ramblers, the Cove (cancer support); Falmouth Community centre; Promas CIC (supporting unpaid carers); and Refugees welcome group. - **North Devon:** Encompass (supporting vulnerable people); Healing Steps (newly formed bereavement support walking group); and Ilfracombe Friendship and social group - **Torbay:** NHS Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome support group, Brixham theatre volunteers, community walks with Melville area residents, Live Longer Better course participants. - **Dorset:** Hope House (Women’s project), Lantern Trust, the Loft community group in Swanage. - Walked with over 1,400 participants on the Coast Path _Image on next page: CPC North Devon_ **South West Coast Path Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements** **17** ## Quote from a participant: _The South West Coast Path Association’s Coast Path Connectors walks has been invaluable to me in so many ways. Physically, walking with the group has enabled me to try to build up my strength after a cancer diagnosis meant chemotherapy treatment left me feeling weak and despondent. Psychologically, I’ve been able to push myself to get out and exercise (even in the depths of winter!). Finding that the walks are a gentle healing balm has been so uplifting, better than any medicine. There is no expectation to socialise, no pressure to mingle...these things just happen organically, in beautiful surroundings gently nurtured by nature. Knowing that safety is paramount and that the walks are carefully considered and planned means that I can relax and enjoy being out in the elements... “in the moment”...such a precious gift to bestow...I’m very grateful._ **A Tuesday walker with the North Devon Group** **18 South West Coast Path Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements** ## **Planning** The Association continues to make representations to the relevant Local Planning Authorities and other appropriate bodies whenever proposals or plans might have an adverse impact on the Coast Path and the experience of its users. In this role it is helped by its five volunteer planning advisors, who between them cover the whole 630 miles of the Coast Path. We improved the notification of planning applications to the National Trail team and charity for some of the Coast Path and now over 50% of the Coast Path is covered. Specifically, Cornwall (via Ramblers), East Devon and South Hams (via National Landscape teams). We continue to work with partners to get complete coverage of the National Trail. During 2023 the Association had sufficient concern to make representations on 25 planning applications a increase of almost 60% on 2022. Of these, 16 were formal objections to the development applications. One application was supported. Five applications were commented on but we made no objection. For the remaining three applications we kept the right to object subject to provision of further information. In addition, the Association has made a representation on an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate regarding an improvement proposed by Natural England under the ECP procedure. _Holywell Bay, North Cornwall. Photographer Sally Lewis_ **South West Coast Path Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 19** The charity commented on three Neighbourhood Plans over the year: Penzance and the parish of St Hilary in West Cornwall and Braunton in North Devon. The charity also engaged with local authority partners on a possible loophole in the control of camping and caravanning sites in the countryside, including locations which could impact on the Coast Path. ## **King Charles III England Coast Path** In May Defra announced that England’s longest National Trail was to be renamed the ‘King Charles III England Coast Path’ (KCIIIECP) and that the route would be ‘walkable’ by the end of 2024. Natural England continues to coordinate the designation of the KCIIIECP National Trail. However, delays mean that the outstanding KCIIIECP sections in the SW will now open from 2024. Establishment works for improvements or new sections of the route will be undertaken once sections are approved by the Secretary of State. Many sections of the KCIIIECP in the SW are already in the planning or delivery phase of the establishment works. However there still remain two sections where the Secretary of State has yet to rule on Planning Inspector recommendations. We received a further grant of £8.5k from Natural England to co-ordinate signage and interpretation along sections of the ECP in Cornwall (building on planning work the Association undertook in 2021). Specifically, the work addresses wildlife disturbance issues as well as providing the most upto-date information for route amendments. Information panels and plaques are being designed for estuary crossing locations to provide all options available, whether by ferry or showing the best route to walk around the estuary. Natural England hosted three events to celebrate the ECP in the SW at Ilfracombe, Weymouth and Plymouth. **----- Start of picture text -----**
SWCPA team members Molly Palmer, Aletha Mays,
Lorna Sherriff at the ECP event at Royal William Yard,
Plymouth, September 2023
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**20 South West Coast Path Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements** ## **Fundraising to support the Coast Path** We received over £471k in funding from trusts and grants in 2023, which accounted for over 50% of our income for the year. This increase is partly from the National Heritage Lottery Fund support for the Coast Path Connectors project and partly from Natural England grant funding for access projects along the Coast Path. All grant and trust funds were restricted to specific projects, specifically: £237k to path improvements, £92k to the SWCP National Trail Team; £84k for Coast Path Connectors project; £41k to the SWCP Trails Partnership Project; volunteers and National Trails development; £11k to England Coast Path signage and interpretation; and £500 for the Connecting Actively with Nature programme (now completed). **Table 5: List of reportable Trusts and Grants received by the Charity during 2023:** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Trusts
John Coates Charitable Trust £5,000
Grants
Active Devon £500
National Lottery Heritage Fund £84,036
Natural England, England Coast Path Signage £10,845
Natural England, Path Improvements £227,604
Natural England, Team Grant £92,150
SWCP Trail Partnership Project £40,990
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**South West Coast Path Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 21** ## **Association Membership** We received just over £135k from Membership in 2023, accounting for over 15% of the year’s income. 50% of membership income is allocated to a restricted fund to protect and promote the Coast Path; amounting to over £67k in 2023. This helps show members that their support is making a real difference on the ground. Membership income remained static between 2022 and 2023 which reflects the impact of the cost of the living crisis, see table 6 below: **Table 6: Membership income 2016 to 2023** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Membership 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Income
Memberships £76,384 £94,664 £96,267 £108,167 £114,660 £129,333 £135,897 £135,236
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## **Donations** Over the year the charity received donations totalling £115k, accounting for just under 13% of our income. Individual donations and gift aid remained strong over the year. We saw a significant rise in Community and Events fundraising, recognising profile of 50th anniversary, including Ed Haddon’s hike of the Path which raised £7.5k. Over the year we introduced new technologies to improve how we manage donations including switching our donations and shop payment platform to Shopify. Contactless card donation points were also trialled at the Trailblazing Walks and other charity events. Community fundraising was significantly boosted above expected income for 2023, through continued promotion in line with the profile of the Charity for its 50th Anniversary. Significant funds were raised via the JustGiving platform, including in excess of £4k raised by a member who walked the entire trail following their retirement. ## **Commemorations and InMemoria** ‘Free Wills’ partnership launched with Tozers LLP, launched for 50th Anniversary but forging pathway for ongoing relationship, resulted in a number of pledges bringing legacy pledges to SWCPA above £500k. In-memory Mile Maker scheme introduced which addresses lack of furniture availability on the Path, with three successfully installed in 2023, and further pledges for the year ahead. **22 South West Coast Path Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Calling all Trailblazers and lovers of the
South West Coast Path LET’S CELEBRATE!
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Join the South West Coast Path Association as they commemorate their 50th anniversary through an epic Book Your Place
relay walk of 630 miles! Celebrate the people and places
along the route of Britain’s longest National Trail.
There are 55 days to choose from, starting in Minehead on 12 May,
and South Haven Point on 27 May, with a finish point of Royal William
Yard, Plymouth on 15 June.
Minehead – PlymouthExmoor Minehead to Combe Martin North Devon Combe Martin to Marsland Mouth North Cornwall Marsland Mouth to Newquay West Cornwall Newquay to Falmouth South Cornwall Falmouth to Cremyll 12 – 14 May15 – 21 May28 May – 8 June9 – 15 June22 – 27 May Bude D E V O N EXMOOR 12 May Start Point MINEHEAD BLACKDOWNHILLS S O M E R S E TD O R S E T FREE TO TAKE PART
South Haven Point – PlymouthJurassic Coast South Haven Point to Exmouth South Devon Starcross to Plymouth County Borders6 June – 15 June27 May – 5 June NewquayPadstow C O R N W A L LBoscastleBODMINMOOR DARTMOOR StarcrossExeterTorquay Exmouth Lyme Regis Weymouth 27 May Start Point Swanage LIMITED SPACES PER WALK
Celebration at Jubilee PoolWorld Trails Day Land’s End 3 June StJust St Ives TruroThe LizardFalmouth PorthollandMevagissey Looe Finish Point 15 June For more info go to southwestcoastpath.org.uk/50 Dartmouth ESSENTIALBOOKING
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## **Corporate Engagement** The 50th anniversary celebrations drove much of the corporate support for the year. The Trailblazer Walk was supported by Cotswold Outdoor as headline sponsor, with GWR, Devonia Water, Active Challenge, and Hattiers Rum also supporting the event. A 50th anniversary commemorative edition of the **Coast Path Passport** was sponsored by Luxury Coastal. The **South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year** exhibition at Ocean Studios was made possible with the support of St Austell Brewery. South West Water continued their sponsorship of the charity over the year. Athletic Brewing shifted their previous sponsorship to directly invest in the Coast Path from their Two for the Trail fund to our Storm Damage Appeal. MACS Adventures supported the Step Up Appeal with a £5k donation. and Luggage Transfers supported through generating £1.6k in donations from their customers. The South West Business Council continued to support the Association through their Charity of the Year programme. ## **Way Makers** We saw an 8% increase in the number of _Way Makers_ in 2023 with over 450 businesses now part the scheme. In 2023 we launched new on-line search finder making it easier for Path visitors to locate Way Maker accommodation, food and drink and experience stop-offs, including passport stamping points. The Passport programme continued to grow with over 120 Passport points established along the Coast Path. This was aided by setting up passport stamping point partnerships with businesses with multiple sites along the Path like Parkdean Resorts adding 17 new points. The charity’s _Mile Maker_ programme continues to grow with businesses and individuals supporting the costs of maintaining the Coast Path along an average onemile stretch. Turnstyle Designs supported 2 miles of the trails through the Business Mile Maker programme. Our _Coast Path Friendly_ programme raised just over £1k for path maintenance to mitigate against the impacts of events along the National Trail. **South West Coast Path Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 23** ## **Marketing and Communications** In the year that marked the 50th anniversary of the Association, all energy was placed into the activities and events created to raise the profile of the Association and to build engagement between our volunteers, stakeholders, SWCPA HQ team and supporters. _Trailblazing_ remained our flagship member bi-annual publication that includes news from the charity, our members, trustees, and guest articles exploring issues pertinent to the care and protection of the National Trail. The spring and autumn issues focussed on our 50th anniversary and included articles that looked back on the work and activities that have driven the charity to where it is today. The magazine also highlighted the diverse range of volunteers who devote their time and passion to the charity, and shared stories from our members in the ever popular ‘completers’ section. Our 2022 photo competition received over 1,500 entries with an image of a herring gull selected as the winner. As part of the 50th anniversary celebrations for the first time ever we held an exhibition of the winning images at Ocean Studios, Royal William Yard that was sponsored by St Austell Brewery. An estimated 5,000 people viewed the exhibition whilst it was on display (June – August). Following the end of the exhibition we sold the framed pictures via our online shop as a fundraising initiative. In September 2023 we increased the number of categories in the competition to include Nature; Urban Lines; Your Path; Climate Change; Sky Shot, and a Young Photographer of the Year Award. Content on the website was updated throughout the year. In 2023 we posted 41 blogs that were viewed by 30,164 visitors – an increase of 240% compared to 2022. A change in Google’s search algorithms temporarily impacted our ranking in the search engine, with a drop in traffic to our web site over this period. In response, we invested in the hosting platform we use for the web site, upgrading obsolete software systems. The web site is now back up at number 1 in the search engine rankings and running faster than previously. **24 South West Coast Path Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements** ## **Social Media and eCommunications** Throughout 2023 we issued two eNews every month to members and wider supporters – reaching an audience of around 9,000 each month. Quarterly updates that included information on the Association as well as relevant tourism research and news were also provided to our Way Makers. Social media engagement continued to grow over the year with Facebook followers increasing by 5% and Instagram by 15%. X (formerly Twitter) only grew by 0.1% and this is a reflection of the changes and turmoil for the platform over the year. We also added a Threads channel, a new social channel launched by Meta to rival X, to our social media presence and already have grown an audience of 5.5k. We have also been more engaged on our LinkedIn account and at the end of 2023 with around 800 followers – predominantly key stakeholders. We are now reaching a combined audience of over 105k on all our social channels. Our eNews continues to include information on the charity (Path News); Fundraising (Make a Difference); Explore (Walks); Shop; and a Members section for the members eNews. Our open rates are above the national average, with member eNews at 62% and supporters eNews at 46%. Taking into consideration our social media channels, blog site, and eNews, we are talking to a combined audience of 136k. ## **In the News** The team worked hard to generate press and media interest in the 50th anniversary celebrations that resulted in several regional BBC Radio interviews, a news piece on the 630 Miles Podcast on BBC Spotlight, and a piece on the Trailblazer Walk on ITV Westcountry. We also received widespread coverage in many of the regional glossy magazines, articles in The Sunday Times, Coast magazine and interviews with international media organisations such as Der Spiegel. The 50th anniversary press received has helped us build long-term relationships with key media outlets and has seen awareness raised of the Association. ## **Maps, Guides and Merchandise** The charity’s retail income dropped by 4% compared to 2022. Maps, guides and books accounted for over 52% of the retail income. After trialling in the second half of 2022 a new 50th Anniversary Passport was introduced in 2023 with over 1,700 sales over the year. **Table 8: Number of Maps and Guides sold by the Association 2016 to 2023** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Publications 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Complete Guide 636 542 1,103 1,191 1,404 2,130 2,129 1,530
Reverse Guide N/A 132 153 179 289 348 248 278
Day Walking Guides 1,981 3,166 3,446 2,804 2,778 2,920 3,732 3,420
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**South West Coast Path Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 25** ## **Running the charity** ## **Governance** Key governance issues for the Board over the year included oversight of a new fiveyear business plan, the 50th anniversary celebrations, trustee recruitment and the Coast Path Connector’s programme. Graham Keene resigned as a Trustee in June. Hilary Dinsdale stood down from the position of Treasurer in June but remains a Trustee. Kevin Thomas was elected as Treasurer following the June AGM. Bob Mark was reelected as the Chair and Philip Spencer as Vice Chair. Lucy Daniels resigned as a Trustee in August. Following a recruitment campaign two new trustees were co-opted the Board in November: Zoë Kibbey and Ruth Adams. ## **Annual General Meeting** The Association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held as a face-to-face meeting at Royal William Yard in June as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the charity. The AGM was attended by around 100 members and included presentations by the Chair on the work of the charity, and the Treasurer on the 2022 Accounts. A 50th anniversary cake cutting ceremony was overseen by Lizzie Wallace and Bob Mark. The AGM was followed with a completers certificate ceremony directed by Philip Spencer. ## **Human Resources** The successful recruitment of five Coast Path Connectors project officer increased the size of the team in 2023. New HR policies and procedures were developed and training delivered to the team and volunteers in response to an increased focus of the charity’s outreach work and expansion of the role of volunteers through the CPC project and 50th Anniversary Celebrations ## **Enquiries and Complaints** The charity continues to receive over 1,000 enquiries a month, with a third of these coming from members. The charity dealt with several issues and complaints over the year. Most complaints were related to web site issues in the summer which were resolved. _Top: Lizzzie Wallis cutting the 50th cake with Bob Mark_ _Bottom: Lindsay Shaw being presented with his Completer certificate from Deputy Chair, SWCPA, Philip Spencer at the Completers Ceremony following the AGM_ **26 South West Coast Path Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements** ## **Achievements and Performance** _Trailblazer Walk, Dorset_ ## **Key Achievements** The most significant achievement of 2023 was the successful delivery of the 50th anniversary celebrations including the Trailblazing Walk. The 50th anniversary was an important milestone for the charity and an opportunity to thank the trailblazing volunteers who had the vision 50 years ago to champion the South West Coast Path. Having one of our current volunteers, Steve Church, receive a King Charles III Coronation Champion Award recognised at the finale of the Trailblazer Walk was the icing on the cake. Steve has supported the Association for many years as both a Trustee and currently as a long-serving and respected Chair of the Path Committee. The Trailblazer Walk gave an opportunity for members, volunteers, trustees and team to spend time with local path managers, rangers and access officers on their stretch of the Coast Path. This helped highlight how the Coast Path is co-created and co-managed and that the charity can only have impact by working on partnership with the many landowners, businesses, highways authorities and wider stakeholders to deliver a world class trail experience. The celebrations over 2023 also gave the charity a platform to showcase the Coast Path and its positive impacts on health and wellbeing and local visitor economy. In addition, we were able to raise awareness of the potential the Coast Path corridor has to help mitigate against the interconnected challenges of climate change and nature crisis. We successfully delivered the first year of charity’s new fiveyear business plan. The 50th anniversary celebrations enabled us to raise over £900k over the year. Much of this fundraising was for specific projects protecting and promoting the Coast Path. The Business Plan focusses our work to maximise the public benefits delivered by the SW Coast Path. Our priority in 2023 was to protect and enhance the Coast Path experience not only for people who use and enjoy the path, but also those who are currently excluded from this national resource. The National Lottery Heritage Funded _Coast Path Connectors_ project delivered its targets in the first year of the project. In addition to training new community engagement volunteer rangers and leading walks to improve equity of access, each of the five hubs (Plymouth, West Cornwall, North Devon, Torbay and Weymouth) has developed local partnerships to improve equity of access through a series of organised walks. The project is helping support formal green social prescribing as well as building the capacity of local organisations to lead their own walks. **South West Coast Path Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements** **27** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Trailblazer Walk
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## **Public Benefit Statement** The Trustees have reviewed the activities of the Charity in the light of the guidance published by the Charity Commission on public benefit. The Trustees are satisfied that the Charity’s activities are for the public benefit. The areas where public benefit is being provided are: - making improvements to the Path so that people using it gain the maximum enjoyment; - supporting path improvements to increase accessibility to and along the Coast Path for the public; - promoting the health and wellbeing benefits of walking along the Path; - encouraging recognition of the benefits of the path corridor for wider nature recovery; - improvements to increase the use of the Path out of season; - increased publicity to promote the Path to the widest section of the population; - working with partners to identify and address barriers to access; and - close working with other National Trails and world trails to promote the public benefits they offer. **28 South West Coast Path Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements** ## **Financial Review** ## **Key Financial Performance Indicators 2023 Annual Report** The Charity receives income from a variety of sources and for 2023 this comprised: **----- Start of picture text -----**
Income
Grants & Trusts 52%
Memberships 15%
Donations, Gift Aid 19%
and Legacies
Way Makers & 5%
Corporate Sponsorship
Shop Sales 8%
Other Income 1%
Total 100%
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The Charity faced continuing challenges arising from the wider economic climate. However, it continued to adopt a proactive approach to income generation and income generated was £204k over the budget. The Charity spent funds on a range of activities and for 2023 this comprised: **----- Start of picture text -----**
Expenditure
Charitable Activities 58%
Support
Raising Funds 9%
Path Improvements 22%
Memberships 4%
Promotion & 5%
Development
Guides & Maps 2%
Total 100%
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The percentage spent by the charity on _charitable activities_ remained the same and _path improvements_ rose by 7% compared to 2022. Whilst the percentage spent on _raising funds_ continued to fall down from 13% in 2021 to 9% in 2023. The percentage of funds spent on _membership costs_ dropped by 3% and _guides & maps_ dropped by 1%. _Promotion & development_ rose by 1% when compared to 2021 costs. During the year ending 31 December 2023, the charity received total income of £905k (£204 over budget) and incurred total expenditure was £963k (£20k under budget). The 2023 budget was set with the assumption of £280k investment over the year. However, with the significant growth in income and underspend in expenditure the final net expenditure was £57k. **South West Coast Path Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 29** ## **Investment Policy and Performance** The Charity has a policy of low-risk investment in financial institutions which offer ethical products. All reserves are placed in interest bearing cash deposits within a variety of accounts, in order to keep within the Financial Services Compensation Scheme limit of £85k. The Finance and HR Committee and Trustees receive regular reports relating to account balances and interest rates. ## **Going Concern** An entity prepares financial statements on a going concern basis when, under the going concern assumption, the entity is viewed as continuing in business for the foreseeable future. After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. ## **Principal Risks and Uncertainties** The principal risks, based on likelihood and impact, faced by the Charity in 2023 were: - Reduction of funding by local and national government - Impact of the cost-of-living crisis on operational costs and support for the charity - Impact on grant funding of the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union - Increasing costs to mitigate against the impacts of climate change Trustees manage these risks by recording them in a Register and defining a set of activities to reduce, manage or mitigate the risk were it to be realised. Trustees regularly review these activities to ensure the Charity is appropriately prepared. ## **Reserves Policy** At the year end the Charity had total reserves of £590k which comprise: - **Restricted reserves of £53k** – restricted for specific uses as specified in the conditions attached to their source from legacies, grants and donations. - **Designated reserves of £333k** – designated by the Trustees for capacity building, contribution towards the delivery of the Trail Partnership Project and to promote and protect the Coast Path. - **Unrestricted reserves of £204k** – these reserves are needed to bridge any gaps that arise between spending and income received due to unforeseen circumstances which are outside of the Association’s control. For example, this might include the impact of national economic conditions on our ability to generate income or the need to deal with emergency repairs. The Charity’s reserves policy is intended to ensure the Charity has sufficient unrestricted reserves to meet up to 6 months of our day to day running (“operational”) costs. The level of reserves is reviewed at least twice a year by the Finance and HR Committee, and not only reflects the relevant period in the current financial year but also takes into account the pressures on our budget moving forward. The Reserves Policy target was met in 2023. Southwestcoast Path Triistees. Re￿talld Flnanclalstatements ro rthcov **South West Coast Path Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 31** ## **Structure, Governance and Management** ## **Governing Document** The South West Coast Path Association is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) governed by its Constitution approved by members on 28th March 2015 and subsequently accepted by the Charity Commission on 4th September 2015. It is registered as a Charity with the Charity Commission. ## **Method of Appointment or Election of Trustees** The management of the charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Constitution. Trustees are elected every year by members at the AGM, serving until the following AGM. All Trustees are eligible for re-election each year. The procedure governing this process is set out in the Constitution and Rules. Officers (Chair, Vice Chair, Hon Secretary and Treasurer) are elected by the Trustees at the first meeting of the Board of Trustees following AGM. Members are informed at AGM of the names of those Trustees intending to stand for the Officer positions. A maximum of twelve Trustees are permitted under the current Constitution. Trustees may co-opt additional Trustees between AGMs, so long as the total does not exceed twelve. ## **Organisational Structure and Decision Making** The Board of Trustees hosts four formal meetings a year at Headquarters or virtually with occasional conference calls, as required, between meetings. A further two meetings are held to focus upon project delivery with a site visit including relevant staff in the spring, and the second to consider the progress and review of the Business Plan in the autumn. The Board has established and monitors the overall governance of the Charity and determines membership, terms of reference and procedures of committees and other groups. It receives reports and recommendations from its committees for ratification. All Trustees have access to the minutes of committees allowing scrutiny of their discussions and activities. The Board has the power to create Working Groups to perform specific tasks over a limited timescale. The following decisions are reserved to the Board of Trustees: to consider any proposals for changes to the status or constitution of the Charity and its committee structure, to appoint or remove the Chair and/ or Vice Chair, to approve the budget, to approve changes to membership subscription rates. The Trustees are responsible for setting general policy, adopting a Business Plan and budget, approving the statutory accounts, monitoring Charity performance with the use of budgets and other data, evaluating and mitigating risks, and making major decisions about the direction of the Charity, capital expenditure and resources. **32 South West Coast Path Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements** ## **Committees and Working Groups** There are three committees and four working groups: ## **Path Committee** This is the primary group which looks after operational matters concerned with the Path. It meets four times a year allowing all Trustees to attend as observers. Membership is comprised of the Area Reps, a Rambler’s representative, the National Trail Officer, three Trustees, the Association Director and an independent Chair. One of its main purposes is to review requests and approve the allocation of the Charity’s own resources to projects protecting and promoting the Coast Path. Chaired by Steve Church. ## **Finance and Human Resources Committee** This meets at least four times a year and is responsible for all substantial matters of finance including human resources. This includes, but is not limited to, approving funding bids, approving the Charity’s quarterly management accounts, approval of the annual budget and the appointment of the Charity’s legal and financial advisers. Finance policies are developed by the Committee and approved by the Board of Trustees whereas finance procedures are owned and maintained by the Committee. Membership includes the Chairman, Treasurer, Finance Manager, Director plus at least one other Trustee. Chaired by Hilary Dinsdale to June 2023 and subsequently by Kevin Thomas. ## **Membership and Fundraising Committee** The Membership and Fundraising Committee’s main objectives are to oversee the fundraising and engagement work of the Charity set out in the Business Plan. This includes membership, corporate support, trusts and grants, individual giving, events, trading activity and communications. Membership of the Committee comprises at least three Trustees and two voting Association staff. Other non-voting staff are co-opted to the Committee. Chaired by Philip Spencer. ## **Planning Working Group** The Planning Working Group has oversight of planning policy impacting on the Coast Path. In addition, it responds to planning applications, advises on neighbourhood plans and inputs to policy (e.g. Green infrastructure and National Planning Policy Framework). The Group comprises the Chair of the SWCP Trail Partnership, Path Committee Chair, Volunteer Planning Advisers, Association’s Director and the National Trail Officer. This Working Group reports to the Path Committee. **Trustee Recruitment Working Group/Interview Panel** The Trustee Recruitment Working Group addresses issues around skills and diversity in membership of the Board. The Working Group comprises three Trustees, one of whom is the Chair or Vice-Chair and the Association’s Director and reports to the Board of Trustees. Chaired by Lucy Daniel to August 2023. Chaired by Bob Mark to December 2023. ## **Health and Wellbeing Working Group** The Trustee Health and Wellbeing Working Group gives strategic direction to health and wellbeing work across the charity, looking to maximise impact of our programmes across the Coast Path. The Working Group comprises three Trustees and the Association’s Director, National Trail Officer and Coast Path Connectors Project Manager and reports to the Board. Chaired by David Morris. ## **50th Anniversary Working Group** This Working Group was set up to give oversight of the charity’s 50th anniversary celebrations and fundraising. The Working Group comprises three Trustees and the Association’s Director and reported to the Board. The Working Group will be dissolved following completion and reporting of the 50th Anniversary. Chaired by Graham Keen to June 2023 and subsequently by Philip Spencer. **South West Coast Path Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 33** ## **Key Management** The Board of Trustees have devolved responsibility for day-to-day management of the Charity to the Director. The Director implements the policies laid down by the Trustees and reports back to them on performance. The Trustees have approved a Scheme of Delegation between the Trustees and Director. This forms part of the Charity’s Rules and grants the Director latitude to act within the scope of the approved annual or project budget and within the Business Plan. The Business Plan has identified Lead Trustees for specific work items and the Director is authorised to proceed subject to consultation with the Lead Trustees, rather than the full Board. Discretionary spend up to £2,000 on items not in either the annual budget or project budgets is permitted by the Scheme. ## **Related Party and Other Connected Charities and Organisations** None of our Trustees receive remuneration or other benefit from their work with the Charity. Trustees are required to complete an annual Declaration of Interests as well as to state any conflicts of interest before the start of each Board meeting. Trustees are also required to pass the HMRC “fit and proper” test as the Charity makes claims for tax relief. _Trailblazer Walk starting at South Haven Point_ **34 South West Coast Path Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements** ## **Plans for Future Periods** ## **Future Developments** Our priority for the Association in 2024 will be to deliver year two of our Business Plan as efficiently and effectively as possible under challenging economic and physical environment conditions. At time of writing there are some specific programmes of activity we will focus on over 2024, including: - deliver the National Lottery Heritage Fund supported Coast Path Connectors project, scaling up our health and wellbeing projects; - deliver our Every Mile Matters awareness and fundraising campaign to show how the Coast Path is delivering the sustainability agenda and articulate the case for support; - build the charity’s volunteer management capacity, integrating new community engagement volunteers with our path volunteers; - improving our data sharing with highways authorities to ensure our conditions survey feeds into future maintenance of the trail; - liaise with the England Coast Path designation team to maximise benefits for coastal access along the Path corridor and champion the best route for the KCIIIECP in the South West; - leverage partnerships to reconnect people with the coastal environment with a strong focus on mental health and equity of access; - deliver the Coastal Wildbelt pilot project in the SW working with National Trails UK to maximise the public benefits from the KCIIIECP coastal margin including better nature for people; - develop our partnership for an affordable accommodation offer for long-distance hikers - develop our Geographical Information System to underpin management plans; - increase our understanding of the Coast Path and its public benefits by working with universities to influence the research agenda; - secure long-term core funding for maintenance of National Trails in parity with the rest of the protected landscape family, working with government and National Trails UK; - work with the National Trails UK to ensure the National Trails family has a voice and active role in the Protected Landscapes Partnership; - work with Natural England, VisitBritain & National Coastal Tourism Academy to promote the KCIIIECP; - trial new digital engagement on the trail to test new ways of engaging support for the SWCP; - work with the World Trails Network to promote the impact and public benefit of trails; **South West Coast Path Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 35** ## **Trustees’ Responsibilities Statement** The Trustees 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). The law applicable to charities in England and Wales 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 of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to: - select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper 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 charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. 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. This report was approved by the Trustees, on and signed on their behalf by: _Bob Mark, Chair_ - observe the methods and principles in the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP); - make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; - prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation. 36 Southwestcoast PathTriistees' Rewtand Flnanclaistatements SOUTH WEST ¢OAST PATH ASSOCIATION INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF SOUTH WEST COAST PATH ASSOCIATION ('Ihe Charily'l I feport lo the charity TTusl8es cin my examination of Ihe accoun18 ol the Charity lor the y82r el￿ed 31 December 2023. RESPONSIBIL￿lEs AND BASIS OF REPORT As Ihe Truslèeg of Ihe Ch8rlly you ar8 responsib18 for the preparamon ol the accoun1$ in accordance with IF requirem8nls of the Chantlès Act 2011 ('Ihe 2011 Acf l. I report in respect of my examinats.￿ of tho Charivs accounts carri@d out undèi section 145 ol th8 2011 Act arKJ in carrylng out my exarninalion I have followed the oppltable Diredk)ns glven by 1fr￿ Charily Commisslon under gaelltsn 145ISI{bl ol the 2011 Act. INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S STATEMENT Since the Charity's gross inGotne exceeded £250,000 y)ur examln¢r musl be a mèmber of a body Ilsled in seCI￿n 145 01 the 2011 Act. I confirm Ihal l am qu81ilied lo undertsk¢ Ihe 8xaminalion l am a member of ICAEW, which is one of the listed bodies. Your allention is drawn to the fact thal l.4e Charity has prepared Ihe accounts in aceordance wrth Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Sialement of Rewmmended Practice 8ppli¢ablg to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland {FRS 1021 in preference to tho AccounlSng 2nd Reporting by Charilies.. Statement ol Recommended Pracuce issued on 1 Wil 2005 which is referred to In the exlanl regulations bul has been wrthdrawn. l urldersland Ihal this has been done in order for tho accounts lo pmvid& a triie 2nd fair vlew in accord2nce with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for repcxtsng pgricés béginNng on or after 1 January 2015. I have completed my examination. I confi'rm that no matters h8ve com8 to my atlgnlk)n In eonnecljcfi with th8 examinaiK)n giving rne cause lo believe that in any material resp8cI'. a¢counlng records were nol kept in resF*d of Iho Chaiity as by so¢tion 130 of the 2011 Act., (x the accounts do not accord wilh those records- or th8 acC￿nIs do n(Il comply with the applicable requirerftents con¢ernlng the form and conlenl ol a(tounts sel ovl in the Charities (Aw)unls and Reports) RwJulalions 2008 olhor than any requir8monl that the accounts give a 'lrue and fairf view whiGh is not a matter consid6red as part of an indepéndent examination. I havo no concerns and have come across rn other mallers in connectlon with thè examinailon to which atlents.on shoukj be drawn in this r8POrt in order to enable a proper understandlng ol th9 accounls lo be reached. Southwestcoast PathTnistees' Re[￿ andFlnanclaiStatements 37 SOUTH WEST COAST PATH ASSOCIATION INDEPENDENT AUDITORS, REPORT TO THE OF SOUTH WEST COAST PATH ASSOCIATION (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 This report is mad8 soldy lo the Charivs Tfuslees, as a body, in acetsrdance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounls and Reports> Regulations 2008. My work has been und8rtaken so that I mKJhl stale to the Cttarills Trustees those mallers l am reoulred lo stale lo them in an Ind8pend8nt examiner's report and lor no other purpose. To the fullest extent pemilled by law. I do Nol aGcept or assume responslbllily to anyone other than the Charily an(J the Charity's Trustees as a bDdy. for my work or for this rq)ort. Signed: Datèd.. 31 May 2024 Pamel& Tuckell FCA, DChA BISHOP FLEMING LLP Chartered Accountants Salt Quay House 4 North Easl Quay Sl￿on Harbour Plymoulh PL4 OBN Southwestcoast PathTriistees' Rewtand Flnanclaistatements SOUTH VYEST COAST PATH ASSOCIATION STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACT]VIT]ES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 UnrostrfGted funds 2023 Restrict¢d funds 2Q23 Total funds 2023 Total funds 2022 Note INCOME FROM: Donallong and legadas Ch&rilable a¢livilies Olher Irading activities Investmènts 120,622 178,509 73,Z12 12,106 54,397 471,166 175,019 649,675 73.212 12,106 154,600 412,288 f4,008 3,995 TOTAL INCOME 384,449 525,563 910,012 644,891 EXPENDITURE ON: Raising funds Charitable aclimlies 87,248 345,984 87.248 879.535 96,106 634.971 533,551 TOTAL EXPENDrruRE 433,232 533,551 966.783 731,077 NET EXPENDITURE Transfers between fijnds 148,7831 16.185 17,988> {16.185} (56,771) 186.1861 19 NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS 132,598) 124,173) {56.771) 186,1861 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS: Total funds brought forward Nel movement in funds 569.497 {32.598) 77.660 124,173) 647.157 (56,7711 733.343 186,186) TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 19 536,899 53.487 590.386 647,157 The Sialement of financial activities includes all gains and losses rewgntsed in the year. The notes on pages 28 10 43 forrn p8rt of these financial statements. Southwestcoast PathTnistees' Rewt andFlnanclaiStatements 39 SOUTH WEST COAST PATH ASSOCIATION BALANCE SHEET ASAT 31 DECEMBER 2023 2023 2022 Note CURRENT ASSETS Stocks Debtors Investments Cash al bank and in hand 13 14 15 22 8.966 76.493 518.002 151,171 7,289 115,381 513,030 154,302 754.632 790,002 Creditors.. amounts falling due within one year 16 {149,3861 1124,918> NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT UABILITIES 605,246 665,084 605,246 665,084 Creditors: amounts falling du& after more than one year 17 114,8601 {17,927) TOTAL NET ASSETS 590,386 647,157 CHARITY FUNDS Restricted fLmd8 U'nreslrlct8d funds 19 19 53,487 536,899 77,660 569,497 TOTAL FUNDS 590,386 647,157 Th8 financlal stslemenls were approved and auttK)risod for issue by Ihe Twslees and signE>d on thèlr behalf by.. MrR Mark (Chair of Trusleesl Dale= The notes on pages 28 to 43 form part of these financial slatemenls. Southwestcoast PathTriistees' Rewtand Flnanclaistatements SQUTH WEST COAST PATH ASSOCIATION STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 2023 2022 Not8 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTivifiES Net cash used In operaling acllvilles 21 (10.2651 1145,332) CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Dividènds. in18re$19 and r8nls from inve51m8nts Invests￿￿1 income recèived (4,9721 12,106 84,S19 3,995 NET CASH PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACT]VITtES 7.134 88.514 CASH FLOVIS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES NET CASH PROVIDED B Y FINANCING ACTIVITIES CHANOE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS IN THE YEAR 13,131) 154302 (56.8181 211.120 Cash and cash eqUiVa￿n1¥ al the bg9inning of the yoar CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT THE END OF THE YEAR 22 151,171 154,302 Th9 notes on pa9es 2810 43 form part of these financial slatemenls Southwestcoast PathTnistees' Rewt andFlnanclaiStatements SOUTH WEST COAST PATH ASSOCIATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 GENERAL INFORMATION South WÈSI Coagl Path A8&0(iation is a charitable unlncorporated organisation, registered in England and Wales (charity nuM￿r.. 1163422}. The rsgislerod offlce is Unil 11, Residence 2, Roy31 INillYam Yard, PSymouth, PL1 3RP. ACCOUNTING POLICIES 2.1 BASI8 OF PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The financial stalemenls have been prepared in accordan￿ with tr￿ Charitie8 SORP {FRS 1021- Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Slatement of Recommended Practice applicable lo cherilies preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK 8nd Republic of Ireland (FRS 1021 (effective 1 January 20151, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 and the Charities Act 2011. The financial slalements have been prepared lo give a 'ltue and fair, view and have departed from the Charities IAGGounls and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the exlenl required to provide a 'lrue and fair, view. This departure has involved following the Charitie5 SORP IFRS 102) Pu￿1$hed on 16 July 2014 rather than the Accounting and Reporb'ng by Charilie5'. Slaternenl of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn. Soulh Wesl Coagl Path Assoctalion meets the definition of 3 public benefit enlily under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or IransaclioTr v21ue unless olherwisp stated in the relevant accounting policy. 2.2 INCOME All income is reCognis￿ once the Charlly has enlifjement lo the incorne, il is probable that th8 income will bo rocoived and tho an￿Unt of incomo ro¢8ivable can be mgasured rdiably. The recognlllon 0% Income from Iegacl•s IÉ dependent on establishing enlillomonl, the probability of recoipl and the alxllly to ￿tIMat& with sufflcienl accuracy Ihe amount receiv3ble. Evidence of entitlement 10 2 legacy exbsts when the Charll5i has sufficient evidence that a gift has been left lo thom Ilhrough knowledge of the exlsience of a valid WHI 2nd th& death of the benefactor) aNi the execuloF IS satisfied Ihal the PToperty in queslion will not be requlred lo salsfy claims in the eslatt*. Re¢elpt of a legacy must be recognised when il Is probable that ft wlll b8 recelved and the fair value of the amount receivable, v4hich will generally bè the expected cash amount to ba dislribulèd lo tha Charity, can be reliably m8asur8d. Gr8nl$ are included in the statement of financial acllvilies on a rèceivable bas18. Tho baLqnea of income received for spe¢ilic purposes but not expended during the period is shown in the relèvant funds on the balance sheel. Vvhere income Is received In 8rlv8nce of entillemenl of receipt, ils recognition is deferred and induded in credit￿$ as deferred income. Where entsllemenl OCCUTS before income is received. the income is accrued. Income lax recoveraNe relation to donations reGeived under Gifi Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised 8t the lime of the dix)alion. Income lax recoverable in relation to inyeslmenl Income is recognised al the lime the investment income is re¢eiv8ble. Income received for Life Memberships are credited to deferred income and from there recognised as in¢orne in 15 equal ar)nu?l installmenls. Southwestcoast PathTriistees' Rewtand Flnanclaistatements SOUTH WEST COAST PATH ASSOCIATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 ACCOUNTiNG POUGIES Icontlnuedl 2.3 EXPENDITURE Expenditure Is mcognised once thère is a legal or ¢on$lruclive obligation lo transfer econornic benefit to a Ihlrd party. il is probable thal a Iransler of economic beneli19 will be required in setUeAnenl and the amounl of the obligation can be measured rallably. Expendilure is classified by activity- The costs of each *ivtty are made up of thè total of dlrecl ¢051$ and sh3red costs, incjuding support costs invol¥ed In undertaking each activity- Direct costs altribulable lo a Single actiwly are allocalerj directly lo that actwity. Shared costs which eonlribut& to mofe than on8 aclwity and suppcrt costs which ara ol allrlbulabIe to a single activity ¥re apportioned belween those aGtiwlles on a ba515 con5151enl with the usè of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on Ime basis of 1Sme spent. and depreaalKin ehaffJ•S allocated on the porb.on ol the asset's use. Expendllure on raising lunds incluoses 811 expendrture inGu(red by the Charity lo ral89 funds for ils charllable purpcses and includes Gosts of all fvndr8ising aclivilies events and rJon-charil8bk trading. ExpÈftdilure on charilable activlties is incurre.d on dlr•tlly undertaking the acliwlies which lurthèr lh8 Ghartys objecb"vè8, as well as any associated sUPPOrt costs. Al èxpendilur8 is Indusiv? of irreeoverablè VAT. 2.4 INTEREST RECEIVABLE Inleresl on funds hekl on derrt)sit is included when recelvablè and the arnounl can be measured refiably by the Charity., this is nOm￿llY upon not￿Cation of thè Interest paid or payable by the inslilulion Mnth whom the funds are deposrted. 2.5 STOCKS Stocks arÈ valued al Ihe lower of cost and net realisabte value aftèr makirwJ due allowance for obsolete and slow-moving slocks. Cost includes all direct r￿sts and an appropriat& propoition of lix8d and varlable overheads. 2.6 DE8TORS Trade and other debtors arè rècognisèd at fhe sètllemenl amount after any trade dlscounl offered. Prepayments are valued al amount prÈpaKI net of any trade discounts ¢Jue. 2.7 CASH AT BANK AND IN HAhlD Cash at bank and In hand Indudes casli and short-term highty liquid invèstments wilh a short malurlly of three months or18ss fiom Ihe dale of acquisition or opening of the dep0511 or sirnllar arwvnl. 2.8 LIABILITIES AND PROVISIONS Liatylilies are re¢ognised when there is an obligation al the balance sheet dale as a resull of a past Èvent. rt is probable that a transfer of economic bonellt will be r8qulred In seiiiemenl, and the amount of the seulemenl can be estimated Teliably. Liabililles arg recognlsed ai the amount Ilial the Charity anticipales il TrMII pay to selue ihe debt oi th8 amcAJnl il has recèlved as advanced payments for the goods or services il musl provide. Provisions are measured al the best estimate 91 the an￿u￿1$ required lo setile th& obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is maleiial. the provisioTb Is based on the preseiil value ol Ihose amounts. dis¢ount8d at the pre-lax discount ialè Ihal relkrls Ihe risks specifie lo tt>e liability. The unwinding ol the dlscount is rec(¥nlsed in the slalemenl ol financL41 aclivilEs as 8 finance cost. Southwestcoast PathTnistees' Rewt andFlnanclaiStatements 43 SOUTH WEST COAST PATH ASSOCIATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) 2.9 PENSIONS The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the Charily lo the fund in respect ol Ihe year. 2.10 FUND ACCOUNTING General funds are UnreStr￿ted funds which are available for use al the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general obieclives of the Charily and which have not been designated for oU￿r purposes. Dasignalèd funds compriqè unr8strict8d funds th31 havè been Sel aside by the Trustees for p3rticu13r purpogèg. Thè aim and usè ol èach dÉslgnatÉd fund is sot out In the notes lo the financial stalemants. R8stricled funds are funds which are lo be used in accordanco wllh speclffc re&lrkiions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Charity for particular purposes. The costs of ralsing and adminisloring such funds are charged against Ihg speciliG fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is sol out in tho notes to tho linancial stalemonts. Inveslmenl incorn8. g8ins 8nd losses are 8Uocal8d to tha appropriatè fund. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND AREAS OF JUDGEMENT Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical exper￿nCe othèr factors, including expecl&lions of fiJlure events that are i￿lieved to be reasonable under the circumstances. Critical ace(xJnling estir￿leS and assumplions.. The Charity makes estimates and assvmplions concerning the future. The resulting accounting eslim81es and assutnplions will, by definiti[￿, seldom equal the related aclu81 resu115. The estimates and assumptions that have a 5ignificanl risk of Gausing a mater￿[ adjuslmenl to the ¢arrsqng amounts of a55ets and liabilitE5 within the next financ￿1 year are discussed belw,. Life membeiships are deferred over the expected lem) of the membership. This has been assvmed lo bg 15 years. Southwestcoast PathTriistees' Rewtand Flnanclaistatements SOUTH WEST COAST PATH ASSOCIATION NOTES TO THE RNANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 INCOME FROM DONATIONS AND LEGACIES Unro5trict•d funds 2023 Restrlcted fund6 2023 Tolttl fund$ 2023 Donalions & Gift Ald Legaeies 105,628 14,994 54,397 160,025 14,994 120,622 54,397 175,019 Unrestricted funds 2022 Restricted funds 2022 Total funds 2022 Donati¢￿$ a Gift Aid Legacies 70.193 1,000 83,407 153,61)0 1,000 71,193 83.407 154.600 INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Unr08trlctèd Réstri¢ted funds funds 2023 2023 Total fvnds 2023 Mèmbership Subscfipllons Waymaker Businèss Memberships Sale of Guides & Maps [￿11 Partnership Projecl CAN Projtrct Grants Path ImprDvéments Grant Nalional Trail Team Granls Naiuial England Granis Coast Path Conneetors Grant 135,236 8,236 35,037 135,236 6,236 35.037 40,990 $40 40,990 $40 22,460 92,150 248,450 89.038 22,460 92,150 248,450 89.036 178,509 493,626 672,135 Southwestcoast PathTnistees' Rewt andFlnanclaiStatements 45 SOUTH WEST COAST PATH ASSOCIATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Unreslrleled funds 2022 Restricted funds 2022 To121 funds 2022 Membership Subscfiplions WayTnaker Business Membgrships Sale of Guides & Maps Tfall Partnership Pmlecl CAN Project Grants Path Improvements Grant National Trails Team Grant Natural England Grant Coasl Path Connectors Grant 135,897 7,556 43,514 135,897 7,558 43,514 35,000 3.641 1,000 91.428 83,704 10.548 35,000 3,641 1,000 91.428 83,704 10,548 186,967 225.321 412,288 FUNDRAISING INCOME Unrestricted funds 2023 Total funds 2023 Sale of Merchandise 32.077 10,223 30,404 32.077 10,223 30,404 508 Waymaker Business Sponsorships Corporate Sponsorships Misc Income 73.212 73.212 Unrestricted lunds 2022 Tolal funds 2022 Sale of Merchandise Waymaker Business Sponsorships Corporate Sponsorships Misc IncDrHe 2S.3 11,015 35.916 741 26,336 11,015 35,916 741 74.008 74,008 46 Southwestcoast PathTriistees' Rewtand Flnanclaistatements SOUTH WEST COAST PATH ASSOCIATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 INVESTMENT INCOME Unrestrlctod funds 2023 Total fund5 2023 Tetal lunds 2022 Bank Inlgr&st 12.106 12.106 A￿ prior year lunds were unrestrKled funds. expENDITURE ON RAISING FUNDS Unrnstrl¢tod funds 2023 Total lunds 2023 Toial fvnds 2022 Cost of Merchandise Donations and Legacies Costs Corporate anL% Waymakèr Sponsoi$hip Costs Siaff Costs 22.079 8,735 17.838 38.596 22.079 8,735 17,838 38,$96 26,275 9,375 11,767 48,689 87.248 87,248 .106 ANALYSIS OF EXPENDrruRE BY ACTIVITIES A¢*lvlties undortakèn d]r￿llY 2023 Supi)ort costs 2023 Total funds 2023 Promotion, Proteclion & Improvemenl of Coast Path Coasl Paih Connectors Project 319.144 2.918 557.473 876,617 2.918 322,062 557,473 879.S35 Southwestcoast PathTnistees' Rewt andFlnanclaiStatements 47 SOUTH WEST COAST PATH ASSOCIATION NOTES TO THE FINANC]AL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE BY ACTIVITIES ICONTINUEDI Aelivilies undertakèn directly 2022 Support eosts 2022 Tolal funds 2022 Promolion. ProteGlion & Improvement ol Coa51 Path Coast Path Connectors Project 208,927 2,522 423.522 632,449 2,522 211,449 423,522 634.971 ANALYSIS OF SUPPORT COSTS Total funds 20 Total fund5 2022 Staff Salabies & Employer Costs Professional Fees Volunteer Expenses Other Staff Costs Governance Cogts Premises Costs 388,'169 6,275 16.633 29,627 3,661 24080 2,429 63.310 304,063 753 2.863 15.990 8,442 23,772 2,149 48,667 86 3,750 12,987 Adminislralion Costs IT Expenses Website Costs Ac¢ounl?ncy Fees Irrecover8ble VAT 4,050 18839 557,473 423,522 INDEPENDENT EXAMtNER'S REMUNEFIATION The independent examiner's remuneration amounts to an independenl exatniner fe? of £4,050 (2022 £3.7951. Southwestcoast PathTriistees' Rewtand Flnanclaistatements SOUTH WEST COAST PATH ASSOCIATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEM8ER 2023 11. STAFF COSTS 2023 2022 Wag¢8 ond salaries S¢xi81 security r￿StS Contribution lo defined contribution pension schem88 363,682 34,515 28,568 308.798 25,904 18.050 426,765 352.752 The averagè number of persons empkJy&d by the Chority during the year v42# as fdlows.. 2023 No. 2022 No. Support Staff 11 The number of employees whos8 employee benefits (excluding em￿o¥er Fenslon Costsl exceeded £60,QI)O was.. 2023 2022 No. In tho band £f4).001- £70.000 Thé Ghartlls volunteers take roles as Trusl8es, technical experts (In one of our Commlllees or Working Groups or as Area or Local Representatives l¢x)king after a speafic section of the Path. The latter watk the Path TegLdarly, undertake an anhual ¢ondilKJn suw and report on any Path matlers, they come together as the Path Committee to mak6 import8nl rewrnmendations about kKojècls that may ne6d lundlng from Assorialion or grant funds. 12. TRUSTEES, REMUNERATION ANO EXPENSES During the year. no Trustees receiv8d any r6muneralion or other I￿nefItS{2022. £Nill. Dudng the year ended 31 De¢emt￿r 2023, expenses lotallirg £1,759 were rèimbursed or paid directly lo 5 Trustees12022.. £1,369 10 3 Trusleesl. 13. STOCKS 2023 2022 Finlshed goods and goods tor resalè 8,966 7.289 Southwestcoast PathTnistees' Rewt andFlnanclaiStatements 49 SOUTH WEST COAST PATH ASSOCIATION NOTES TO TFIE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 14. DEBTORS 2023 2022 DUE IVITHIN ONE YEAR Trade debtors other debtor8 Prepayments and 8ccrued Incorna 15,987 5,291 55215 14,933 1.334 99,114 76A93 115.381 15. CURRENT ASSET INVESTMENTS 2023 2022 Cash inveslrnenls 518,002 513,030 CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2023 2022 Trade cr8dilors Accruals and defgrred income 63.159 86.227 37.157 87.761 149,388 124,918 2023 2022 Delorred incOff￿ 311 January 2023 Resources doferred during the year Amounts released from previous pèrlods 84.098 56,354 164,0981 69,932 64.098 169.9321 DEFERRED INCOME AT 31 DECEMBER 2023 56.354 64,098 17. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR 2023 2022 Defe￿8￿ income 14,860 17,927 Deferred income due aller more than 1 year Includes amounts relatfng lo Incorne from Lifetime Memberships, which Is being released over a period of 15 years stravJhi line. In lh8 current year. deferrod Income of £1,905 is dve aller morè Ihan 1 year in relaknDn to TPP grants Incom& from Devon Council and Exmoor NPA12022-. £2,380). Southwestcoast PathTriistees' Rewtand Flnanclaistatements SOUTH WEST COAST PATH ASSOCIATION NOTES TO ThE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 The aggregate èmounl of liabilllles payable or repayable wholly or in part more than livo years after I reporting dalè is.. 2023 2022 Deferred inccme 2,587 5,179 18. FINANICIAL INSTRUMENTS 2023 2022 FINANCIAL ASSETS Financial assels mgasured al fair value through income and expeThJituFe 669,173 667.332 Flnancial 8$sets m98sured al f8ir valu& through income and 6xpendi￿ra comprisè cash M) hand and at bank and wrrÈnl asset inveslmenls. Southwestcoast PathTnistees' Rewt andFlnanclaiStatements SOUTH WEST COAST PATH ASSOCIATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 19. sfATEMENT OF FUNDS STATEMENT OF FUNDS - CURRENT YEAR Balancè at 31 Decem￿r 2023 Balanc¢ at 1 January 2023 Transfers inlout Incomo Expendlture UNRESTRICTED FUNDS DESIGNATED FUNDS Promotè and PrOt￿l Path Capacity Bullding Legacies National Trails Alliance 192,236 38,952 176,640 13,929 (63,420) (4,100) 5,813) (3,035) 67,618 110,2901 196A34 24.562 100,827 10,894 421,757 {146,368) 57.328 332.717 GENERAL FUNDS General Funds 147.740 384,449 {286.864} 141,143) 204.182 TOTAL UNRESTRICTED FUNDS 569,497 384,449 {433.232} 16,185 536,899 RESTRICTED FUNDS Promote and Protect Path Trail Partnership Project Nalional Trals Team Donalions Outreach Projects Nalural Englanrj Coast Path Connectors 74.673 5,000 40,990 92,150 44,397 540 248.450 94.036 (47,939) 166.018) {9S,0991 125,9671 {4681 {186,8941 {111.1661 639 25,028 2.523 32.373 426 2,378 165 18 20.808 237 161.5051 17.130 77.660 525.563 (533.5511 116,1851 53,487 TOTAL OF FUND8 647,157 910,012 (966,783} S90,386 Southwestcoast PathTriistees' Rewtand Flnanclaistatements SOUTH WEST COAST PATH ASSOCIATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 19. STATEMENT OF FUNDS (CONTINUED) DESIGNATED FUNDS Promote 8 Protect Path - Promollon & proleclKJn of the South West Coast P81h. at Ihe discretion of the Trustees. Capacity Bullding- Match fvnding for Coast Path Conneclors Projed. Legaoes - Lègacieg designat￿ for Impfoving Coast Path exp6rience, 10 build Ihe ¢apacity and l( leim benefits of the Charity. Nation81 Trails Allian¢é - Charity cofttrybullon to estat4ish a new CIO {NTUKI P￿r￿7b'n9 the UK Nation Trails_ RESTRICTED FUNDS Promote & Protect Path - Improvements lo the South Wesl Coast Path, rèslricled by conditions from Ihe donor or funder. Trail Partnèrship Projèct - Delivèry of th8 Trail Partnèrship Prqèct. funded by tts partnLYs comwislng 6 HvJhways Aulhorilies & the National Trust. Nallonal Tralls Team - Hosting the South Wesl Coast Path Nat￿n81 Trails Team, funded by a grant Irom Nalural England. Donations- Speclfic improvemonls to thè South W8sI Co3st Path, funded by d(￿atIOnS from Appeals and Memorials. Outrèach Proieds - ProjéeAs to support equity of access on the Coasl Path for disadvantaged adults. lunded by Active Devon and N D6von AON8. Naiural England - ECP signagfr, Coast Palh Improvements & Voluntefrr support, funded by grants from Natural England. Coasl Palh Conneclors - Our t7a9ship project imwoving wllty ol access lo the palh a¥KI incrgaslng our volunteer Gapacily. funded by National Lottery Herilagé Fund. Southwestcoast PathTnistees' Rewt andFlnanclaiStatements SOUTH WEST COAST PATH ASSOCIATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 19. STATEMENT OF FUNDS ICONTINUEDI STATEMENT OF FUNDS- PRIOR YEAR Balance al 31 December 2022 Balance 81 1 January 2022 Transfers inloul Income Expenditure UNRESTRIGTED FUNDS DESIGNATED FUNDS Promote and Prote¢1 Paih Capacity Building Le9acles National Trails Alliancè 212,610 41,500 232,869 25,324 160,4171 12,1311 156,2291 121,3951 40,043 (417) 192,236 38,952 176,640 13,929 522,303 1140,1721 39.626 421.757 GENERAL FUNDS General Funds 178.094 336.163 1309,7841 156,733) 147,740 TOTAL UNRESTRICTED FUNDS 700,397 336.163 {449.9561 117,107) 569,497 RESTRICTED FUNDS Promote and Proteel Path 8.013 3.021 7,189 13.456 1.267 70.694 35.000 91,428 13,683 3,671 83.704 10.548 14.9271 153,0211 198,1911 124,7611 {5,5701 183,6861 110,9651 74.673 Trail Parinership ProjeGI N8tional Trails Team Donation3 OLrtreach Projects N3tural England Coast Path Connectors 15,000 426 2,378 797 18 417 32.946 308.728 {281.1211 17,107 77.660 TOTAL OF FUNDS 733.343 644.891 1731.0771 647.157 54 Southwestcoast PathTriistees' Rewtand Flnanclaistatements SOIJTH IVEST COAST PATH ASSOCL4TION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMEN7S FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 20. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS- CURRENT YEAR Unrfjstrieted Rostrlcted funds funds 2023 2023 Tot81 funds 2023 cu￿nI assels Creditors due M4lhin one year Craditois du9 in more Ih8n one year 672,099 1122,2451 112,9551 82.533 754.632 {27,1411 (149,388} (1.905) (14,860) TOTAL 536,899 53,487 590,386 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSEfs BEfwEEN FUNDS . PRIOR YEAR Unrestrieled funds 2022 Reslncled funds 2022 Total funds 2022 Current ossèls Creditors due within on8 year Creditors due in more than one year 708,772 (123.7281 (15,5471 81.230 790.CX)2 11.1901 (124.918) (2.3801 (17,9271 TOTAL 569.497 77.660 647.157 RECONCILIATION OF NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 21. 2023 2022 Nel expendltyjre for the year {3s per Slalernenl ol FlnanGial Actlvilb51 {56,Tf11 (86,1861 ADJUSTMENTS FOR: Investrnant income received Increase in slocks Decfeasellincrease) in debtors Increase in credrtors {12,106) 11,6771 38.888 21801 {3.995) 16481 183.4841 28,981 NET CASH USED IN OPERATING AcnvifiES {10.2651 1145,3321 Southwestcoast PathTnistees' Rewt andFlnanclaiStatements soIFrH WEST GOAST PATH ASSOCL4TION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 22. ANALYSIS OF CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 2023 2022 Cash in hand 151.171 154,302 TOTAL CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 151,171 154,302 23. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET DEBT At31 DÈcembeT January 2023 Cash flows 2023 Cash at bank and in hand 154,302 513,030 13.131 4,972 151,171 518,002 tiquid investr)ents fj67,332 1,841 669,173 24. PENSION COMMITMENTS Th8 Charlly operates a delln8d contribution pension scheme. The assets of Ihe