i* ¢ND6 Annual Report October 2024- September 2025 ## **Facts about the Countryside Park** Covers 2.3 square miles (1480 acres) Located between Bexhill and Hastings, providing vital green space between two urban areas Huge community asset: nature on your doorstop Network of footpaths for recreation, including Greenway: suitable for cycles and horses A very important area for wildlife, including extremely rare animals; providing a wildlife corridor between urban areas The largest area of reedbeds found in Sussex, located in Filsham Reedbed and nearby Glyne Gap Reedbed 2456 recorded species of fauna and flora In summary a variety of habitats, including the following UK priority habitats: ancient woodland, hedgerow, reedbed and lowland fen, flooded meadows, lowland grassland, river, coastal vegetated shingle, intertidal. 2 ## **Introduction** The Friends of Combe Valley have completed another successful year maintaining and improving the natural space of the Combe Valley. Working alongside the Combe Valley CIC and Groundwork South, we have enjoyed developing The Community Garden around the Discovery Centre, which is now establishing itself to be a place to enjoy the natural green space. 3 ## **Diary of Events held in the Park and around The Discovery Centre, including Thursday work party activities.** ## **October** ## Presentation to Councillors and Council Of cers Another set of presentations highlighting the good work undertaken and the opportunities arising in the Park was given by the Friends, Groundwork South, and Combe Valley CIC. These were given to several councillors of both Hastings and Rother Councils who wish to give their support to the park. ## **November** Completion of the new roof and rain harvesting system on the green container Courtesy of an East Sussex County Council grant, a rainwater harvesting system was installed on the new tool container roof. This now feeds four large water vats for watering the community garden and trees. 4 ## **January** ## Installation of new signs around the Park The fi nal 25 new updated metal signs were fi nally installed around the park to replace the outdated and damaged ones. 5 ## **February** ## Improving the outdoor green woodworking area The green wood working behind the tool container has been fi tted out with poles to attach a cover for all-weather working. The installation of a shave horse and vice bench enables the working of felled and coppiced wood to create park benches and various woodland crafts. In collaboration with The Custom Cafe, used coffee grounds were regularly collected and added to the compost bins to enhance the compost. ## **March** A Litter pick and path clearance along the disused railway took place, checking the condition of the picnic seats and tables, sadly revealing that many need to be repaired or replaced. A quick survey also revealed that many dead ash trees needed to be felled. The appropriate council was contacted and the felling completed. A quick survey along the path revealed the presence of Brimstone, Peacock & Red Admiral butter fl ies, a green woodpecker, hairy caterpillars, marsh frogs, swans, a Cetti’s warbler and Hemlock Water Dropwort. amongst other fl ora. 6 ## **May** Discovery Centre outdoor tables and new all-weather rubber matting The large picnic tables were given an overhaul to reduce their size and painted in bright colours to make them more family-friendly. Also, initial preparation of the ground for rubber grass matting around the picnic tables. Later, we were lucky to be given support by Cappagh Browne, civil engineers. Their volunteers gave time, expertise and a mechanical excavator to lay and peg down over 100 1x1.5m rubber grass mats. We were very grateful for this help to make the area a safer, drier area in winter. At the same time, they excavated the path on the east side of the car park, removing all the spoil from the site. Cappagh Browne put us forward for a grant by Enterprise Mobility to help with future needs. 7 ## **June** ## The Great Big Green Week In June, we held our fourth and most successful Great Big Green event to increase awareness of the Park's role as a green space and its importance in developing a bio-diverse and healthy natural environment, with an emphasis on adapting to future climate change conditions. We were joined by over ten green and nature-inspired groups from surrounding towns, including Groundwork South, Crowhurst Environment Group, Standup 4 Nature, Church-in-The -Wood Community Orchard, Energise Sussex Coast, Ore Community Land Trust, Sussex Ornithological Society and others. This year was centred around swapping, so books, clothes and plants were on offer to swap or donate. Visitors were also offered soothing hand massages by ‘A touch of Gentleness”, who bring joy, connection and peace back to the heart of the community. Peter and Cliff made and presented a wooden bench made from coppiced wood to the Beach Garden Project along Western Parade, Bexhill. 8 ## **July** BBC Make A Difference Awards A BBC Sussex and Surrey reporter attended the Discovery Centre to interview and record Cliff, Peter and Julie for the Make a Difference awards, for which the Friends had been nominated and who successfully made the fi nals, achieving a Highly Commended in the green category. Donation of a TV screen by Hastings Direct Hastings Direct donated a large TV to the Discovery Centre, which will allow better presentations and video conferencing in the centre, including the AGM. Big Butter fl y count: Friends also took part in the 2025 survey. 6 separate surveys recorded 10 species. Results for the whole country available at the following website: https://butter fl y-conservation.org/big-butter fl y- count-results-2025 9 ## **August** ## Hastings Direct community volunteer day Several employees from Hastings Direct joined us for the day to remove large thistles from the Friends meadow, dig holes for poles which were to be used for the ‘walk the plank’ team building game. They also tested the game with great hilarity. ## **September** ## Open Day Pirate Pete's Treasure Trail Another successful open day welcomed residents and visitors of Bexhill, Hastings and St Leonards to the park, showcasing our activities. Visitors were encouraged to join the Friends and become volunteers in the park. A Pirates treasure trail took children and families around The Community Garden, fi nding activities to do en route, including a bug hunt in the Friends meadow organised by Emma of Groundwork South. Families enjoyed a team-building game of walking the plank. The children had a mini version too. Over 60 people attended and we gained 1 new member, with many offering to volunteer. 10 ## **The Community Garden** – in conjunction with Groundwork The Friends have now constructed and erected nine new rustic benches from locally coppiced sweet chestnut. These are located throughout The Community Garden and provide several very welcome places for visitors to rest a while to appreciate the beauty of the space, including one that was placed in the new Beach Garden, Western Parade, Bexhill Seafront. Five new signs have been erected, welcoming visitors to The Community Garden. The mixed native hedging and trees around The Community Garden continue to grow with constant weeding, mulching and watering, especially during the dry summer months. The tree line between the middle and third tier also continues to be watered and mulched. Maintenance of the paths, raised beds, tree nursery and throughout the garden has regularly been undertaken by the Friends and Groundwork South volunteers, resulting in a good biodiverse colonisation of fl owers, fauna, insects and small mammals such as voles. The gardens are regularly visited by hunting raptors resting on the newly installed standing pole and fence posts. Along the western edge of the Friends Meadow, several bays of sweet chestnut post and rail fencing in traditional Sussex style have been erected to create a feature. **----- Start of picture text -----**
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## **Elsewhere in the park** Due to the increased amount of time being spent creating The Community Garden, less time has been spent around the Combe Valley; however, the Haven Copse and Combe Hedge, at the eastern edge of tier three, have been maintained with weeding, cutting and clearing of the surrounding grass, replacement of saplings, mulching and watering. Although watering at this more remote location presents logistical problems. Managing Ash Die Back within the “Long Wood” continues along with the cutting up and removal of fallen trees on the dismantled railway, clearing and cutting back vegetation on footpaths, litter picks around the park and along the beach. A group of volunteer gardeners continue to repair, paint and plant up the raised beds with a selection of seasonal fl owers and herbs, which are much admired. The original beds have been supplemented with additional raised beds maintained by Groundwork volunteers. A supply of vegetables and fruit has been most welcome, resulting in jam and fruit pies enjoyed by all. 12 ## **Nature Detectives** Emma Ramsden, employed by Groundwork South (Sussex and Surrey) (GW) on behalf of the Combe Valley Countryside Park CIC (the CIC), continues to provide sessions in the park and along the Beach for families. FoCV volunteers also contribute their time and effort to these sessions. ## **Creative Mondays** New to 2024, and thanks to The Big Lottery and Groundwork South, various regular creative craft sessions have been held every month for families to attend for quiet and re ective crafts. ## **Social Evenings** These have continued once a month, including fun card nights and a well-attended fi sh and chip supper. 13 ## **Presentations & Other Events** Cliff and Julie have given slide presentations about the Combe Valley to a Ladies' lunch club, Bexhill 100 and the Wonky WI groups, all of whom appreciated the hard work undertaken by all the volunteers in the park to sustain a beautiful free open green space, available to all. Donations were received by all three groups in thanks. Stands displaying marketing materials were manned at St Helens Wood open day, Ocean Symposium and Church in the Wood events. ## **BBC Make A Difference Awards** Julie, Cliff and Virginia attended the BBC Sussex and BBC Surrey Make a Difference awards at Ling fi eld Racecourse to collect a highly commended award (Green category) on behalf of the Friends. This was a prestigious event attracting hundreds of nominations. ## **Future Plans** Training for the Water quality sampling project within the park, supported by Strandliners, will be undertaken. Bee project – working with Groundwork South to create an area of bee-friendly plants to attract speci fi c bees. Developing plans for the lower tier and tier three. Walks, surveys and education events. ## **Warden Service** The warden service continues more informally since there are fewer incidents, which contributes to a more peaceful park. ## **Community Police** An increase in liaising with local community police of fi cers has resulted in more frequent site checks and the community police meetings being held at the centre. 14 ## **Volunteers** The activities outlined in this report rely on volunteers, and their contribution is substantial. The following are the totals, from our records and estimates of time spent on: Conservation work about 2,200 hours, including the regular Thursday mornings and numerous other tasks around the park Other events – about 500 hours over the events set out above, the social evenings and events in partnership with GWS for the CIC Wardens – this has not been formally recorded: currently, 6 wardens walk regularly in the park and deal, as appropriate, with any information received about the park. Administration, Peter, along with chairing the committee, continues to deal with car park and security issues. William, alongside Secretarial and Treasurer duties, has been dealing with planning and other legal issues. Julie has been organising events, managing Facebook and web pages, and Karl has designed our posters. This all amounts to an additional 1,200 hours during the year. Overall, about 3,900 hours during the year, with a dedicated band of volunteers, now numbering around 50, and we continue to welcome new volunteers and all their help is much appreciated. Julie Willard’s individual fundraising has continued through her annual plant sale and also via her sewing group, which now regularly uses the Discovery Centre weekly. Theresa and Lindsay continue their support by providing tasty refreshments for the volunteers after the regular Thursday Sessions and providing lovely homemade cakes for the events. 15 ## **Members & Subscribers** We have 58 fully paid-up members (42 with recurring membership) and 171 newsletter subscribers. We are very grateful for all these contributions to our work. ## **Bulverhythe Recreation Ground** Discussions, consultations, and reports continue to be held to preserve the area as a space for both formal and informal sports, as well as recreation and biodiversity enhancement. ## **Upper Tier** Ongoing consultation for the extension of the community garden further into the east recreation ground also continues. ## **Funding** We are grateful for all the grants and time provided by organisations to support the excellent work of the Friends (East Sussex County Council, Hastings Direct, Cappagh Browne). We also continue to work closely with the CIC and Groundwork South (Sussex and Surrey), in implementing funding which they obtain to continue making the Countryside Park a place for all. ## **Conclusion** It is good to report that although challenges continue, we have been able to contribute to the development of the park with the CIC and their agents, Groundwork South. We thank all the volunteers in whatever capacity who give up time and energy throughout the year to keep the park in a healthy condition. For more information about Friends of Combe Valley visit www.friendsofcombevalley.co.uk Friends of Combe Valley is a Registered Charity (in England) No: 1163581 16 Friends of Combe Valley (Charity Number11163581) Friends of Combe Valley Registered Charity Number: 1163581 Trustees Annual Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 30th September 2025 Friends of Combe Valley (Charity Number111635811 CONTEllfS OF THE FINANOAL sfATEMENTS FOR PERIOD ENDED 30- SEPTEMBER 2025 CONTENTS Page Report of the Trustees 2to5 Independent Examinerfs Report Receipts and Payments Account Statement of Assets and Liabilities Notes to the Accounts 9tolO Ilpoge Friends of Combe Valley (Charity Number111635811 TRusfEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR ThE YEAR ENDED 30- SEPTEMBER 2025 The committee of Friends of Combe Valley presents its annual report and financial statements forthe year ended 30 September 2025. ORGANISATIONAL If4FORMATION Name of Charity. Friends of Combe Valllry Princlpal Address: 501 Bexhill Rood, St Leonards-on-sea. East Sussex TN38 8AT Legal Status: Charitsble Incorporated Organisation ICIOI 1163581 Registered Charlty Number: Governlng Document Constitution adopted 15109/2015 Amended on 0310412019 Amended 23102/2021 Trustee&. Peter Clarke- Chair (re-appointed 06112120221 William Ackroyd- Treasurer (re-appointed 05112120231 Christopher Dadswell - Wice Chair (re-appointed 0511212023) Will Kemp (re-appointed 06112120221 Karl Beaney Ir&appointed 0611V20221 Cliff Willard (appointed 18/12120201 Anna Sabin (appointed 08112120211 Emma Ram5den lappointed 08112120211 Wirginia Wilela (appointed 08/12120211 Joanna brewerton lappointed 08112120211 Rita Drobner (appointed 06102120251 Elise knversedge (resigned 05112120231 Stephanne Collins- Secretary (resigrEd 08/06120251 The CO￿peratiVe Bank Banker5: Independent Examiners: Lorraine Brown Blue Ridge Accounting SerVi￿s Ltd The Old Court House North Trade Road Battle East Sussex TN33 OEX 21Poge Friends of Combe Valley (Charity Number {1163581) TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30" SEpfEMBER 2025 The Trustees submit their annual report and financial ststements for Friends of Combe Valley for the period ended 30th September 2025. STRUCTURE. GOVERNAN￿ AND MANAGEMEKr Friends of Combe Valley IFCV) has a committee of Trustees governed by a constitution adopted 1910912015, Amended 0310412019 aE7d 2310212021. Day to day management of the Charity is vested in the Trustees. who are elected and ctropted under the terms of the constitLrtion. The Committee of Trustee5 shall have no less than three and no more than twelve member& Trustees are appointed on a 3-year rotational basis at the Annual General Meeting. The names of the Trustees are shown on pa8e 2 ofthis document. The method adopted for the recruttment and appointment of new Trustees is contsined within the constitution. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The objects of FCV are to work wFthin the Combe Haven Valley and in partiallar within the boundaries of the Combe Valley Countryside Park: a. To promote the conservation, protecknon. and improvement of the physical and natural environment. including biodiversity. In particular but not exdusively by, encouraging the public to Use and enjoy the area and tts fauna and flora. b. To advance the education of the public in the conservation. protecknon. and improvement of the physical and natural enwronment. PUBUC BENEFIT The Trustees have considered their duty to have due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission, and in their opinion the enclosed report on the achievements and perfomance demonstrates that they have complied therewith. BACKGROUND FCV was registered as a chartty with Trustees in 2015. it became inactive for o number of years. after which it was restruttured in the Spring of 2019 and became a Charitsble Incorporated Organisation. a membership association with limited liability for its members. In May 2019 FCV took over the running of the cafe at the Discovery Centre In the Combe Valley Countryside Park. The café dosed in March 2020. It re-opened for nearly three months in the spring of 2022 but was forced to close because of the lack of volunteers. Curyendy it is open for speci31 events. The Combe Valley Countryside Park ac is responsible for the management ofthe park and does that through Groundwork South CIC IGWSI. who are their agents under a Service Level Agreement. 31Page Friends of Combe Valley (Charity Number111635811 TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30" SEPTEMBER 2025 (Convd..) ACHIEVEMENTS. PERFORMANCE AND FimJRE PiANS Fcws work and artivities have continued to expand. Membership numbers fluctuate but are tu￿entlY 170, including 60 full members who are able to offer dirert assistan￿ with the work and 110 associate members who offer support and assistan￿ a5 and when they can. This year it ha5 continued to consolidate the work being done with the benefit of existing funding. In particular in the development and expaE75ion of the community garden with the Combe Valley Countryside Park CIC and their agents Groundwork South CIC. completed the installation of the rainwater harvesting system on the roof of the Storage container, which is owned and managed by FCV. We have published three booklets on birds, butterfies and moth5 and insects in the park, as a guide to identification. Future Plans l. Continue to develop the relationship with the Combe Valley Countryside Park CIC and Groundwork South CIC in expanding its work in the park. 2. To continue conservation work wtthin the part in conjunrtlon with Combe Valley Countryside Park CIC and Groundwork South CIC. 3. Continue discussions on the future development of the park, to protert its environment and as appropriate enable access. working with the Combe Valley Countryside Park CIC and Groundwork South CIC. 4. More information is contained in our full Annual Report for the year. FINANCIAL REVIEW Financial Positlon FCV reported that the fsnanos are in a stsble ènd credttsble condition. Re￿Ipts in the year were £4.33512024 £8,824) and payments were £7.99812024 £6,066) resulting in deficit of £3,66312024 £2,7591 which largely reflected the use of grants re￿iVed in previous years. The net fund reserve at 30th September 2025 totslled £6,09612024 £9.7591, of which £3.143 are protected funds. SK5. pouaES AND SAFEGUARDS The Trustees have considered the major rfsks faod by the organisatlon to establish policFes and systems to mitl8ate those risks. RESERVES AND INVESTMENT pouaE5 In line with guidance by the Charity Commission. the trustee5 endeavourto build up its reserves to enable the charity to fulfil its objettives and financial plans. 41Poge Friends of Combe Valley (Charity Number111635811 TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30Tr1 SEPTEMBER 2025 (Corrfd_l This report was approved by the Board of Trustees on ......._................. on its behalf by: and signed Pete Clarke Chair of the Commrttee ofTrustees Willia Truste ckroyd and Treasurer 51Poqe Friends of Combe Valley (Charity Number111635811 INDEPENDE￿ EXAMINER'S REPORTTO THE TRUSTEES OF FIUENDS OF COMBE VALLEY CIO FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 I report to the chartty trustees on my examination of the accounts of Friends of Combe Valley Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) for the year ended 30 September 2025. Respective respoftslbllities of trustees and examiner The charity's trustees are responsible forthe preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Artl and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to.. examine the accounts under 5ett40n 145 of the Charitie5 Att 2011. to follow the procedures laid down in the general Direttions given by the Charity Commission (under settion 14515llbl of the Charities Act 2011, and to State whether particular matters have come to my attentlon. Basis of independent exarnlnerfs report My examination was carried out in accordan￿ wtth General Dlrettions given by the Charity Commi55ion. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disdosures in the accounts and Seeking explanation5 from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the eviden￿ that would be required in an audtt. and consequently no opinion 15 given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fairf view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the ststement below. Independent examinerfs statement In connettion with my examination. no matter has come to my attention: which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respett the requirements.. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act 2011,. and to prepare accounts whith accord with the accounting record5 and comply wlth the accounting requirements of the 2011 Art have not been met: or 2. to which. in my opinion. attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Lorraine Brown 81ue Ridge Accounting Services Ltd The Old Court Hotjse North Trade Road Battle East Sussex TN33 OEX Date: 61Page Friend5 of Combe Valley (Charity Number (1163581) Recelpts and Payments account For the year ended*ptember 2025 2025 Total Funds 2024 Total Funds Unrestrirted Restrirted Funds Funds Note RECEIPTS Grants Beach Hut Membership & donations Other income- CIC Total Receipts 4,137 2,566 2.121 1.500 1.500 2.265 570 4.335 2,077 570 2.647 8,824 PAYMENTS Grant disbursements Beach Hut Wild Isles Food Admlnlstrative expenditure: Misc expenses Stationery Website Insurance Professional fees Bank charges Actlvities Repairs & maintenance CIC costs Total Payments Net receiptsi(payments) Funds at start of this period Transfers between funds Funds at end of this period 720 2,232 1,967 1.239 2.952 1.967 1.239 2.583 2.443 89 161 161 143 60 282 350 23 56 304 603 2.559 60 157 350 25 125 82 282 304 603 7.998 -3.663 9.759 5.439 -3.751 6.446 526 3.221 6.066 2.759 7.000 3.313 -526 2.875 6.096 9,759 71Page Friends of Combe Valley (Charity Number11163581) Statement of and Ilabillties at 30th Septsmber 2025 Total 2025 Totsl Fund5 2025 2024 Funds Funds Cash funds CLFop Bank Cash in hand Cash float at café Totsl cash funds 2,260 3,221 5.481 $90 9,245 25 25 2.875 3.221 9,759 Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds Totsi Funds Total Funds 2024 2025 Other monetary assets Debts owed to the charity: Groundwork ac £603 £frf)3 Fund to whkh asset Current Value Assets retained for the charivs own use Equipmentnools Depre¢iatlon Various £13.457 1£12,482} £975 Fund to which liablllty Current Llabilities Debts owed by the charity= An￿nt due When due These financial ststements are approved by the Board of Trustees on .-..................................................... and signed on its behalf by. Fk< Pete Clarke Chair ofthe Committee of Trustees lian Ackroyd Trustee and Treasurer 81Poge Friends of Combe Valley (Charity Number (1163581) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDEDWTEMBER 2025 1. Receipts and Payments accounts Receipts and payments accounts are statements that summarise the movement of cash into and ( of the organisation during the financial year. In this context"ca5h" includes cash equivalents. for example. bank accounts where cash can be readilywithdrawn to pay for debts as they become du 2. Trustees. remuneratlon and benefits Trustees received no remuneration or benefits in this period. Trustees. expenses During the year reimbursable expenses totalling £3.177 were paid to 3 Trustees for out-of- pocket expenses relating to purchases made on the Charitys behalf. 3. Staff Costs The Charity had no staff costs in the year. Prevlous period comparison The financial year end of the charirf15•ember 2025. The previous period's figures have been included for comparison. 5. Restricted fund These are funds given to the charity. subject to specific restrictlons set bythe donor. but still within the general objects of the charity. Grants Hastings Dirèct Blfwd 0111 Bal cl 30109T2025 Incomi Outgoln Transfe 1.500 1500 Art Pro Beach H Project Bexhill To Council Wild 151es Crowdfunde 510 1.500 -1.967 1.330 -1.239 ESCC 1,706 -2.232 526 Total 526 3.221 6. Governance Costs Independent Examination fee foryear*nd accounts 2025 quoted at £368". (2024 £350). 91Poge Friends of Combe Valley (Charity Number {11635811 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30- SEPTEMBER 2025 7. Assets retalned forthe charws own use Equipmentnools COST B￿d at 1st October 2024 Additions 11.995 At 30th September 2025 13.457 REDUCTION IN VALUE Bfwd at 1st Ortober 2024 Charge for the year At 30th September 2025 (8.7281 {3,7541 CURRENT VALUE At 30th September 2025 At 30th September 2024 3.267 IOIPoge