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2025-12-31-accounts

Charity number: 1163873

River Holme Connections

Trustees' Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 December 2025

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River Holme Connections Reference and administration information

Charity number 1163873

Registered office and operational address 13-15 Westgate, Honley, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, HD9 6AA

Trustees

Trustees who served during the year and up to the date of this report were as follows:

Lynva Russell Susan Lee-Richards (resigned March 2026) Chris Abell Adrian Barraclough Chris Green Pamela King (resigned March 2026) Trevor Doherty Tom Harman John Jolly (appointed March 2025) Peter Noble (Chair, appointed March 2026) Arthur Lovitt (appointed March 2026)

Key management personnel Rosslyn Colderley Chief Executive Officer (appointed January 2025) Simon Hirst River Interventions Manager Susan Mitzi Finance Manager

Bankers

Santander UK plc, Sunderland, SR43 4FW.

Independent Examiner

Kate Adderley CA, Third Sector Accountancy Limited, Holyoake House, Hanover Street, Manchester M60 0AS.

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River Holme Connections Trustees’ annual report for the year ended 31 December 2025

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

Reference and administrative information set out on page 1 forms part of this report. The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, the charity’s constitution and the Statement of Recommended Practice - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: SORP applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with FRS 102.

Objects and Activities

The objects of River Holme Connections (RHC) are:

  1. To promote for the benefit of the public the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment of the River Holme corridor and surrounding area.

  2. To advance the education of the public in the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment of the River Holme corridor and surrounding area.

The principal activities undertaken by RHC were:

  1. Practical environmental improvements

  2. Educational activities concerning the environment

  3. Contract work with local businesses to improve the riverside environment.

The trustees consider these are for public benefit.

The trustees confirm they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity's aims and objectives and in planning its future activities. In particular, the trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives that have been set.

The trustees review the aims, objectives and activities of the charity each year. This report looks at what the charity has achieved and the outcomes of its work in the reporting period. The trustees report the success of each key activity and the benefits the charity has brought to those groups of people that it is set up to help. The review also helps the trustees ensure the charity's aims, objectives and activities remain focused on its stated purposes.

Achievements and performance

RHC’s charitable activities focus on improving the environment of the River Holme Catchment and are undertaken to further its charitable purposes for the public benefit.

Nature’s Holme – Landscape Recovery

During the first half of 2025, RHC continued its work developing Nature’s Holme, one of 22 Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)–funded pilot Landscape Recovery projects. RHC worked collaboratively with multiple landowners to design and develop a range of conservation and land management actions across the catchment, in line with agreed objectives.

In June 2025, RHC was notified that its application to Defra to progress to the Implementation Phase of the project was unsuccessful. During the remainder of the year, significant time was dedicated to reviewing how the charity could continue to advance the programme. This included exploring and pursuing alternative funding sources to enable the delivery of projects developed in partnership with landowners, farmers and other stakeholders.

Improving Biodiversity

Improving biodiversity and strengthening habitat connectivity to support viable populations of key species, including water voles and white-clawed crayfish, is a core focus of RHC’s work. RHC is involved in and promotes a wide range of opportunities across the catchment to enhance habitats, including tree planting, new hedgerow creation, meadow

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River Holme Connections

Trustees’ annual report for the year ended 31 December 2025

establishment and enhancement, protection of key species and control of invasive plants such as Japanese knotweed and Himalayan balsam.

Main activities:

In 2025 RHC met the targets set in 2024 by:

Improving Water Quality

Improving and maintaining high water quality so that the river is cleaner and suitable for recreational use remains central to RHC’s work. We deliver this through citizen science projects, volunteer river clean-ups and education sessions that promote understanding of what a healthy river system should look like. Control of invasive species such as Japanese knotweed, montbretia and Himalayan balsam also contributes to restoring biodiversity along the riparian corridor. Together, these activities support healthier rivers for wildlife and local communities.

Main activities:

In 2025 RHC met the targets set in 2024 by:

Accessible Riversides

Developing an increasingly off-road and accessible Riverside Way is an important part of RHC’s work. Improving access throughout the Holme catchment helps connect people with the river and its wildlife, supporting inclusive opportunities for recreation and wellbeing and encouraging greater appreciation of the river and its surrounding wild spaces.

Riverside Way activities:

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River Holme Connections Trustees’ annual report for the year ended 31 December 2025

We also partnered with Meltham Pleasure Grounds to carry out pathway clearance work at their site.

In 2025 RHC met the targets set in 2024 by:

Community Engagement

Encouraging more people to love and care for the river and to support RHC in making positive changes to our local environment remains integral to the charity’s work. Raising awareness and strengthening local community partnerships through education sessions with young people, practical volunteering with community groups, attending events and hosting nature walks and talks are just some of the ways the charity inspires people to contribute to positive environmental change.

Main activities:

In 2025 RHC met the targets set in 2024 by:

Volunteers

Providing wider volunteer opportunities so that more people can join in and contribute to RHC’s work remains an important focus for the charity. We have a dedicated and hardworking team of volunteers who continue to support our work across the Holme Valley. Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, contributing their time, skills and enthusiasm to the wide range of projects we deliver. Their involvement enables the charity to deliver environmental improvements across the catchment and to grow its impact year on year.

Main activities:

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River Holme Connections Trustees’ annual report for the year ended 31 December 2025

In 2025 RHC met the targets set in 2024 by:

Partnerships

Strategic partnerships with organisations and communities that are vital to our work remain a priority for RHC. During the year we continued to develop these relationships. This joined up and coordinated approach enables us to work effectively with others across the Holme Valley, supporting delivery of shared environmental goals.

In 2025 RHC met the targets set in 2024 by:

Beneficiaries of our services

Beneficiaries include local people and visitors to the River Holme Catchment who have access to nature and wildlife. The river and its environs are being improved so that all visitors can spend time in nature, supporting their health and wellbeing. These improvements also enhance biodiversity in an increasingly nature-depleted landscape.

The trustees are satisfied that RHC’s activities directly further its charitable purposes for the public benefit.

Lessons Learned

The appointment of a Chief Executive Officer has provided additional leadership capacity as the charity enters its second decade. Changes in staffing during the year highlighted the importance of continuity and succession planning for organisational stability, led by the CEO.

The conclusion of the Defra-funded Landscape Recovery pilot programme has provided valuable insight into the scale and complexity of restoring nature across the catchment. The work undertaken over the past two years has strengthened relationships with local landowners and improved our understanding of local environmental priorities, although funding did not progress to the implementation phase.

School engagement has shown the value of practical outdoor learning and has helped build our local reputation for excellence in education. There is a strong demand for our services, but they must remain free of charge for schools for every pupil to be able to benefit from our environmental education.

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River Holme Connections

Trustees’ annual report for the year ended 31 December 2025

Volunteer commitment has again proven to be one of the charity’s greatest strengths. Their continued involvement provides stability through periods of change and enables delivery across all areas of our work. We are seeing a yearon-year increase in both volunteer numbers and hours contributed. There is also unmet demand for programmes for young people 18-25.

Our work this year has also reinforced the importance of partnership. Collaboration with landowners, businesses, schools and other organisations remains essential to achieving long-term improvements for the River Holme and its communities.

These lessons will guide the implementation of our 2026-2030 strategy to ensure RHC delivers both environmental outcomes and community capacity for long-term stewardship of the catchment.

Financial review

Principal sources of income in 2025 were Defra funding for the Landscape Recovery project, White Rose Forest (WRF) for the development of new woodland and hedgerow, Yorkshire Water, charitable trusts, corporate donors and individual supporters.

Income

In 2025, RHC received total income of £639,774 (2024: £542,269), of which:

Expenditure

Total expenditure was £582,013 (2024: £578,397), broadly allocated as follows:

The charity ended the year with total funds of £265,559 (2024: £207,798) of which £189,531 (2024: £151,108) is unrestricted. The trustees consider this a good foundation to build on for the coming year.

Reserves policy

The aim of the reserves policy is to ensure that the charity’s ongoing and future activities are reasonably protected from unexpected fluctuations in its income and expenditure. The board reviewed the reserves policy and agreed that a minimum level of unrestricted funds equal to or greater than three months operating expenses is appropriate given the risks faced by the charity and the sustainability of its different income streams.

Total unrestricted reserves at the yearend were £189,531 (2024: £151,108), of which £102,145 (2024: £78,747) are designated for specified purposes, leaving £87,386 (2024: £72,361) free general reserves.

Analysis of designated funds being held: - Staff Reserves £75,390, Education £13,232, Fixed Assets £9,814, Volunteer Projects £3,709.

The trustees consider the reserves sufficient to fund day-to-day operations and manage unforeseen circumstances at the current time and can confirm the designated staff reserves of £75,390 cover the minimum three months operating expenses required.

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River Holme Connections

Trustees’ annual report for the year ended 31 December 2025

Plans for the Future

Short-term plans include:

Long-term, RHC will:

Structure, governance and management

RHC is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), registered on 7 October 2015 and is governed by its constitution.

Trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no financial benefits from the charity for their work in that capacity. Any expenses reclaimed from the charity are disclosed in note 12 of the accounts. Trustee recruitment is ongoing, supported by annual skill audits. Prospective trustees are invited to attend a board meeting as observers and upon election to the board receive induction and training where appropriate.

The board of trustees retains ultimate responsibility and delegates day-to-day management of the charity to the CEO. Trustee committees, chaired by trustees, make recommendations to the board.

The board meets 4 times a year.

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Trustees’ annual report for the year ended 31 December 2025

River Holme Connections

Related Parties

RHC works in collaboration with other organisations in pursuit of its aims and objectives. It works with the White Rose Forest (WRF) in order to plant trees and hedgerows in the catchment area to improve biodiversity. RHC also works in collaboration with the Colne and Calder Rivers Trust on Riverfly Monitoring and with Yorkshire Water to improve biodiversity and the health of the river landscape.

No related party transactions took place in the year other than those disclosed in the notes to the accounts.

Remuneration Policy for Key Management Personnel

No trustees receive remuneration. The pay of key management personnel is benchmarked against similar sized environmental charities and is reviewed and approved by the board of trustees annually.

Risk Management

The trustees have considered the major risks to which the charity is exposed and are satisfied that systems and procedures are in place to manage them. They regularly review RHC’s Strategic Risk Register to monitor risks to the charity’s operations, projects, finances, and reputation.

Key risks include:

Financial Viability and Sustainability – mitigated through seeking funding, ensuring adequate reserves and future income generation planning.

Operational Capacity - mitigated through recruitment, training and volunteer engagement. Data Protection – mitigated through GDPR policies, training and ongoing reviews. Communications and Engagement – mitigated through communications strategy. Strategic Relationships - mitigated through proactive partner engagement and trustee oversight. Operational Activities and Project Management – mitigated through SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) planning, resourcing, and oversight.

Safe Working Environment – mitigated through Health and Safety policies and practices. Volunteer Liability - mitigated through risk assessments, safety training, clear protocols, and supervision.

The board is confident that appropriate systems, policies, and monitoring arrangements are in place to manage these risks effectively, ensuring the charity can continue to deliver its objectives for the public benefit.

Restricted Funds

Restricted funds are held for specific projects in line with donor requirements. These are drawn down as projects progress. For medium and long-term projects such as woodland creation, funds may be carried forward for several years to support establishment and maintenance.

RHC does not act as custodian trustee for the assets of any other charity.

Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities

The trustees are responsible for preparing the trustees’ annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Charity law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

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River Holme Connections Trustees’ annual report for the year ended 31 December 2025

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. 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.

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charity's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

The trustees’ annual report has been approved by the trustees on and signed on their behalf by 15 / 05 / 2026

Trevor Doherty

Trustee

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River Holme Connections Independent examiner’s report to the trustees for the year ended 31 December 2025

I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2025 set out on pages 11 to 33.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Charities Act”) and that an independent examination is needed. The charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner’s statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Other matters

Your attention is to drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared the accounts (financial statements) in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has been withdrawn.

We understand that this has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

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

  2. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and

  3. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act

have not been met; or

  1. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Kate Adderley CA Third Sector Accountancy Limited Holyoake House Hanover Street Manchester, M60 0AS

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River Holme Connections

Statement of Financial Activities

for the year ended 31 December 2025

Unrestricted
funds
Note
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
49,578
Charitable activities
4
55,080
5
4,503
Investments
6
3,098
Total income
112,259
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
7
25,309
Charitable activities
8
48,527
Total expenditure
73,836
10
38,423
Transfer between funds
-
Net movement in funds for the year
38,423
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
151,108
Total funds carried forward
189,531
Net income/(expenditure) for the year
Other trading activities
Restricted
funds
£
5,250
522,265
-
-
527,515
-
508,177
508,177
19,338
-
19,338
56,690
76,028
Total funds
2025
£
54,828
577,345
4,503
3,098
639,774
25,309
556,704
582,013
57,761
-
57,761
207,798
265,559
Unrestricted
funds
£
26,472
44,935
4,331
2,163
77,901
2,129
60,835
62,964
14,937
14,937
136,171
151,108
Restricted
funds
£
5,600
458,768
-
-
464,368
-
515,433
515,433
(51,065)
-
(51,065)
107,755
56,690
Total funds
2024
£
32,072
503,703
4,331
2,163
542,269
2,129
576,268
578,397
(36,128)
-
(36,128)
243,926
207,798

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

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Balance sheet as at 31 December 2025

----- Start of picture text -----
Note 2025 2024
£ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 15 6,448 14,401
Intangible assets 16 3,366 -
Total fixed assets 9,814 14,401
Current assets
Debtors 17 10,416 6,662
Cash at bank and in hand 369,628 320,998
Total current assets 380,044 327,660
Liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling
due in less than one year 18 (124,299) (134,263)
Net current assets 255,745 193,397
Total assets less current liabilities 265,559 207,798
Net assets 265,559 207,798
The funds of the charity:
Unrestricted funds 21 189,531 151,108
Restricted funds 20 76,028 56,690
Total charity funds 265,559 207,798
----- End of picture text -----

For the year in question, the charity was entitled to exemption from an audit under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011. The Charity Commission has not ordered an audit to be carried out under Section 146 of Charities Act 2011.

The notes on pages 14 to 33 form part of these accounts.

Approved by the trustees on ............................... and signed on their behalf by: 15 / 05 / 2026

Trevor Doherty(Trustee)

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Statement of Cash Flows

for the year ending 31 December 2025

Note
2025
£
Cash provided by/(used in) operating activities
23
49,392
Cash flows from investing activities:
Dividends, interest, and rents from investments
3,098
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
(317)
Purchase of intangible fixed assets
(3,543)
Cash provided by/(used in) investing activities
(762)
48,630
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
320,998
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
369,628
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents in the year
2024
£
97,593
2,163
(8,145)
-
(5,982)
91,611
229,387
320,998

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Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025

1 Accounting policies

The principal accounting policies adopted, judgments and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:

a Basis of preparation

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

The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared to give a ‘true and fair’ view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a ‘true and fair view’. This departure has involved following Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

River Holme Connections meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note.

The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest £ sterling.

b Judgments and estimates

The trustees have made no key judgments which have a significant effect on the accounts.

The trustees do not consider that there are any sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities within the next reporting period.

The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.

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Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025 (continued)

d Income

Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the item(s) of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Income from government and other grants, whether ‘capital’ grants or ‘revenue’ grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred.

Income received in advance of a provision of a specified service is deferred until the criteria for income recognition are met.

e Donated services and facilities

Donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised as income when the charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the charity of the item is probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliably. In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), general volunteer time is not recognised; refer to the trustees’ annual report for more information about their contribution.

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

f Interest receivable

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

g Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of charity.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose.

Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the charity’s work or for specific projects being undertaken by the charity.

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Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025 (continued)

h Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified under the following activity headings:

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

Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Support costs include back office costs, finance, personnel, payroll and governance costs which support the charity's programmes and activities. These costs have been allocated to expenditure on charitable activities.

Individual fixed assets costing £300 or more are capitalised at cost. Tangible fixed assets are depreciated over their estimated useful economic lives on a straight line basis as follows:

Plant and machinery 20%
Fixtures and fittings 33%
Motor vehicles 25%

Intangible fixed assets are amortised over their useful economic lives on a straight line basis as follows:

Software 20%

k Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

l Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

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Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025 (continued)

m Creditors and provisions

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

n Financial instruments

The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

o Pensions

Employees of the charity are entitled to join a defined contribution workplace pension scheme. The charity’s contribution is restricted to the contributions disclosed in note 11. There were no outstanding contributions at the year end.

The charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered in England and Wales and has no share capital. The registered office address is disclosed on page 1.

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Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025 (continued)

3 Income from donations and legacies

Donations
Donated services
Total
Income from charitable activities
Contracts and grants
Total
Unrestricted
£
47,578
2,000
49,578
Unrestricted
£
55,080
55,080
Restricted
£
5,250
-
5,250
Restricted
£
522,265
522,265
Total 2025
£
52,828
2,000
54,828
Total 2025
£
577,345
577,345
Unrestricted
£
24,472
2,000
26,472
Unrestricted
£
44,935
44,935
Restricted
£
5,600
-
5,600
Restricted
£
458,768
458,768
Total 2024
£
30,072
2,000
32,072
Total 2024
£
503,703
503,703

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Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025 (continued)

5 Income from other trading activities

Calendar sales
Total
6
Investment income
Other investment income
Total
Unrestricted
£
4,503
4,503
Unrestricted
£
3,098
3,098
Restricted
£
-
-
Restricted
£
-
-
Total 2025
£
4,503
4,503
Total 2025
£
3,098
3,098
Unrestricted
£
4,331
4,331
Unrestricted
£
2,163
2,163
Restricted
£
-
-
Restricted
£
-
-
Total 2024
£
4,331
4,331
Total 2024
£
2,163
2,163

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Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025 (continued)

Unrestricted
£
Staff costs
15,366
Consultancy
1,574
Cost of goods sold
1,320
6,772
277
Total
25,309
Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities
Staff costs
Subcontract payments
Materials, equipment and other
Depreciation
Support costs (see note 9)
Governance costs (see note 9)
Restricted expenditure
Unrestricted expenditure
Governance costs (see note 9)
Support costs (see note 9)
Restricted
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
2025
£
15,366
1,574
1,320
6,772
277
25,309
Total 2025
£
138,462
228,039
56,727
7,872
107,742
17,861
556,703
508,177
48,527
556,704
Unrestricted
£
-
704
1,425
-
-
2,129
Restricted
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
2024
£
-
704
1,425
-
-
2,129
Total 2024
£
187,500
274,202
37,909
7,486
65,373
3,798
576,268
515,433
60,835
576,268

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Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025 (continued)

Staff costs
Premises
Administrative overheads
Professional fees
Depreciation
Support
£
77,555
12,904
23,481
-
575
114,515
Governance
£
15,366
-
-
2,772
-
18,138
Total 2025
£
92,921
12,904
23,481
2,772
575
132,653
Support
£
13,898
11,074
38,078
1,140
1,183
65,373
Governance
£
-
-
-
3,798
-
3,798
Total 2024
£
13,898
11,074
38,078
4,938
1,183
69,171

The support and governance costs are apportioned to fundraising and charitable activities based on the relevant direct salary costs.

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Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025 (continued)

10 Net income/(expenditure) for the year

This is stated after charging/(crediting):
Depreciation
Loss/(profit) on disposal of fixed assets
Staff costs
Staff costs during the year were as follows:
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs
Allocated as follows:
Cost of raising funds
Charitable activities
Support costs
Governance costs
Independent examiner's fee
2025
£
8,447
-
2,772
2025
£
224,584
17,499
4,666
246,749
15,366
138,462
77,555
15,366
246,749
2024
£
8,669
75
2,080
2024
£
184,964
12,184
4,250
201,398
-
187,500
13,898
-
201,398

11 Staff costs

One employee has employee benefits in excess of £60,000 (2024: Nil).

The average number of staff employed during the period was 7 (2024: 7).

The key management personnel of the charity comprise the trustees, the CEO, the River Interventions Manager and the Finance Manager. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the charity were £164,299 (2024: £64,736).

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Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025 (continued)

12 Trustee remuneration and expenses, and related party transactions

Neither the trustees nor any persons connected with them received any remuneration or reimbursed expenses during the year (2024: Nil).

Aggregate donations from related parties were £27,386 (2024: £24,610).

There are no donations from related parties which are outside the normal course of business and no restricted donations from related parties.

During the year, the charity paid AKB Environmental Limited £16,819 for project management services, on normal commercial terms (2024: £24,320). Adrian Barraclough, a trustee of the charity, is also the director of AKB Environmental Limited.

No trustee or other person related to the charity had any personal interest in any contract or transaction entered into by the charity, including guarantees, during the year (2024: Nil).

13 Government grants

The government grants recognised in the accounts were as follows:

Kirklees Council
DEFRA
The National Lottery (Awards For All)
2025
£
254,566
188,190
17,644
460,400
2024
£
82,761
366,987
-
449,748

There were no unfulfilled conditions or contingencies attaching to the grants.

14 Corporation tax

The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within Chapter 3 of Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects. No tax charges have arisen in the charity.

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Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025 (continued)

15
Fixed assets: tangible assets
Cost
Additions
Disposals
Depreciation
Charge for the year
Disposals
Net book value
At 31 December 2025
At 31 December 2025
At 31 December 2024
At 31 December 2025
At 1 January 2025
At 1 January 2025
Plant &
Machinery
£
24,309
317
-
24,626
16,680
2,061
-
18,741
5,885
7,629
Fixtures &
Fittings
£
15,553
-
-
15,553
12,170
2,820
-
14,990
563
3,383
Motor
Vehicles
£
13,556
-
-
13,556
10,167
3,389
13,556
-
3,389
£
53,418
317
-
53,735
39,017
8,270
-
47,287
6,448
14,401
Total

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Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025 (continued)

16 Fixed assets: intangible assets

Cost
Additions
Disposals
Amortisation
Charge for the year
Disposals
Net book value
At 31 December 2025
At 1 January 2025
At 31 December 2025
At 31 December 2025
At 1 January 2025
At 31 December 2024
Software
£
-
3,543
-
3,543
-
177
-
177
3,366
-
Total
£
-
3,543
-
3,543
-
177
-
177
3,366
-

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Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025 (continued)

17 Debtors

Trade debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
18
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Trade creditors
Other creditors and accruals
Deferred income
Taxation and social security costs
19
Deferred income
Deferred grant brought forward
Grant received
Released to income from charitable activities
Deferred grant carried forward
2025
£
-
10,416
10,416
2025
£
4,909
3,654
109,680
6,056
124,299
2025
£
101,617
99,300
(91,237)
109,680
2024
£
1,350
5,312
6,662
2024
£
26,261
2,496
101,617
3,889
134,263
2024
£
6,984
99,997
(5,364)
101,617

Deferred income relates to multi-period grants where obligations continue into 2028.

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Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025 (continued)

20 Analysis of movements in restricted funds

Future Projects
WRF
Water Conservators
Total
Awards for All 2025-
2027
Community Grants
Program
Natures Holme /
Landscape Recovery
One Community
Thornton Family Funds
River Ranger / River
Stewardship
Yorkshire Water
Zero Waste
Community Grant
Bright Green
Community Trust
Carbon Offsetting
Cummins ELGP 2025
Hirst Brierley Fund
Ludhill NFM
Balance at 1
January
2025
£
1,000
50,286
1,341
(54)
(7,320)
10,905
532
56,690
Income
£
17,644
1,570
3,100
3,222
6,813
188,189
5,000
254,566
5,000
42,411
527,515
Expenditure
£
(3,904)
(1,000)
-
(3,100)
(3,222)
(798)
(1,341)
(6,759)
(180,869)
(5,000)
(254,566)
(5,000)
(42,086)
(532)
(508,177)
Transfers
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Balance at 31
December
2025
£
13,740
-
1,570
-
-
49,488
-
-
-
10,905
-
-
-
325
-
76,028

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Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025 (continued)

Comparative period

Future Projects
Longley Fund
Neighbourly Fund
Postcode Neighbour
Riverside Way
Water Conservators
WRF
Hirst Brierley Fund
YWT INNS Bio-Security
Ludhill NFM
Total
Yorkshire Water -
Water Vole
Zero Waste
One Community
Thornton Family Funds
River Ranger / River
Stewardship
One Community
Quarterly Fund
Community Grants
Program
Bright Green
Community Trust
(BGCT)
BGCT Tree
Maintenance
Co-op Local
Community Fund
Nature's Holme /
Landscape Recovery
Balance at 1
January
2024
£
-
2,725
2,016
57,912
(8)
(8,392)
5
(35)
750
2,351
10,905
3,257
5,500
30,769
-
-
-
-
-
-
107,755
Income
£
1,000
-
-
5,600
-
366,987
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
81,761
1,991
1,000
500
1,341
4,188
-
464,368
Expenditure
£
-
(2,725)
(2,016)
(13,226)
8
(365,915)
(5)
35
(750)
(2,351)
-
(3,257)
(5,500)
(112,530)
(1,991)
(468)
(500)
-
(4,188)
(54)
(515,433)
Transfers
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Balance at
31 December
2024
£
1,000
-
-
50,286
-
(7,320)
-
-
-
-
10,905
-
-
-
-
532
-
1,341
-
(54)
56,690

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Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025 (continued)

Name of Description, nature and purposes of the fund
restricted fund
Awards for All 25-27 The Awards for All 2025-2027 reserve was created by funding from the National
Lottery Community Fund. It will be utilised to to support our Growing
Community Connections project, delivering volunteer conservation tasks.
Working with local community groups, tasks will include invasive species
control, habitat management, meadow management, litter picking, and
cutbacks to improve sight lines on walkways. Our project will benefit people and
the environment, maintaining greenspaces that people rely on and can enjoy.
Bright Green The Bright Green Community Trust reserve was created by a donation from One
Community Trust Community Foundation and will be utilised for staff time to run community
(BGCT) tree/hedge scheme maintenance days, to purchase native trees/hedge plants
and tree protection materials (tree guards and stakes) as well as volunteer PPE
and tools.
Carbon Offsetting The Carbon Offsetting reserve was created by a number of private donations,
specifically for the purpose of funding tree planting where available land has
been identified to offset their carbon footprint.
Community Grants The Community Grants Program reserve was created by two donations from the
Program One Community Foundation and will be used to a) contribute to the insurance
costs for the charity and b) used to contribute to contractor costs associated
with delivering the Magnificent Meadows project volunteer sessions.
Co-op Local Funding was received to enable us to carry out practical conservation task days
Community Fund with the local community. Training events in wildflower identification and
hedge laying will be run for volunteers.
Cummins ELGP 2025 The Cummins ELGP 2025 reserve was created by funding from Blackbaud Giving
Fund, upon the recommendation of The Cummins Foundation Inc. Funds will be
used to support expansion of RHC's education programme enabling local
children to collaborate with local water experts, understand their place in the
water cycle and become empowered to create sustainable water projects that
improve their communities’ access to clean, reliable water.
Future Projects The Future Projects fund was created by an individual donor, to be utilised to
support environmental education, particularly young people who may be
excluded due to their circumstances. It is available to support capital projects
and can be used to enhance or specialise them, enabling RHC to provide a
superior solution to the most cost-effective option. It could also be used for
match funding, or similar, raised for meadows or wetlands.
Hirst Brierley Fund The Hirst Brierley Fund reserve was created by a donation from the One
Community Foundation and will be utilised for staff time and to run volunteer
sessions removing Himalayan balsam in the Holme Valley, specifically in
Meltham and Hade Edge.

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Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025 (continued)

Name of Description, nature and purposes of the fund
restricted fund
Ludhill NFM The Ludhill NFM reserve was created by funding from Kirklees Council and will
be utilised to engage with landowners in the Ludhill Dike sub-catchment to
develop, design and deliver NFM interventions
Longley Fund The Longley Fund reserve was created by a donation from the One Community
Foundation and will be utilised to contribute to staff time carrying out tree and
hedge maintenance work over 6 sites in the Holme valley.
Nature's Holme / Nature's Holme is a project that aims to restore 2800ha of the landscape in the
Landscape Recovery Holme Valley, Yorkshire. One of 22 nationally important projects funded by
DEFRA, a collection of organisations and over 20 landowners have come
together to plan and design interventions to improve water quality and increase
biodiversity throughout the River Holme catchment. Nature's Holme intends to
boost wider access opportunities for everyone, improve biodiversity and help
Kirklees become net zero. It aims to achieve this by exploring river restoration
opportunities, woodland creation, peatland restoration, accessible routes,
wildflower meadow creation and natural flood management works such as
ponds to store water.
Neighbourly Fund Funding was received to purchase new tools and materials such as wildflower
seed and root grow, to support volunteering activities and environmental
improvements.
One Community - The One Community reserves were created by funding from the One
Thorton Family Funds Community Foundation and will be used to contribute to materials and staff
time in supporting volunteers carry out practical conservation tasks.
Postcode Neighbour Funding was received for the "River Guardians" project to train and equip our
volunteer team and to enable the charity to carry out practical conservation
days with our volunteer team and local community groups.
River Ranger / River The River Ranger/River Stewardship Fund was created through an individual
Stewardship donation to support the salary of a new staff member.
Riverside Way The Riverside Way reserve was created by donations and will be utilised to
improve the Riverside Way.
Water Conservators The Water Conservators Trust reserve was created by funding from The Water
Conservators Trust and will be utilised for the Mayfly in the Classroom
education project.
WRF (The White Rose The White Rose Forest reserve was created by funding from the White Rose
Forest) Forest. It was utilised in tree planting, tree scheme maintenance and purchase
of native trees/hedge plants and the installation of fences.

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Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025 (continued)

Name of Description, nature and purposes of the fund

Yorkshire Water The Yorkshire Water reserve was created by funding provided by Yorkshire Water to support and help deliver specific environmental restoration and biodiversity projects within the River Holme catchment. Activities include ecological surveys and monitoring (such as river obstacle, riverfly and crayfish surveys), development of strategic barrier removal plans, and conservation work to protect native species including white-clawed crayfish. Funding also supports practical catchment restoration work including invasive non-native species control, habitat improvements, volunteer surveys and engagement with landowners and local communities.

Yorkshire Water - The Yorkshire Water Water Vole project reserves was created by funding from Water Vole Yorkshire Water and was utilised to carry out water vole/ American mink surveys in the catchment. YWT INNS Bio-Security The YWT INNS Bio-Security reserve was created by a donation from Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and will be used to expand our existing Himalayan balsam control programme to three new source sites in the Holme catchment in 2024. Zero Waste The Zero Waste Community Grant reserve was created by a donation from Community Grant Kirklees Council and will be utilised to pay for tree guard haulage and the purchase of bulk bags for collection to help us recycle old tree guards and spirals from our hedge and tree schemes.

General fund
Designated fund - staff
reserves
Designated fund -
volunteer projects
Designated fund -
education
Designated fund -
fixed assets
Balance at 1
January
2025
£
72,361
13,232
44,244
6,870
14,401
151,108
Income
£
107,480
-
-
4,779
-
112,259
Expenditure
£
(65,896)
-
-
(7,940)
-
(73,836)
Transfers
£
(26,559)
-
31,146
-
(4,587)
-
As at 31
December
2025
£
87,386
13,232
75,390
3,709
9,814
189,531

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Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025 (continued)

Comparative period
Designated fund - fixed
General fund
Designated fund -
Education
Designated fund -
Staff reserves
Designated fund -
Balance at
1 January
2024
£
91,754
13,232
31,185
-
a
-
136,171
Income
£
56,547
-
13,059
8,295
-
77,901
Expenditure
£
(61,539)
-
-
(1,425)
-
(62,964)
Transfers
£
(14,401)
-
-
-
14,401
-
As at 31
December
2024
£
72,361
13,232
44,244
6,870
14,401
151,108

Name of unrestricted fund

Description, nature and purposes of the fund

General fund Designated fund - education

Designated fund - staff reserves

Designated fund - volunteer projects

Designated fund - fixed assets

The free reserves after allowing for all designated funds The Education Fund is a designated reserve established to provide provide financial support for the development and delivery of educational projects, resources, workshops, and community engagement activities in line with the organisation’s charitable objectives.

The Staff Reserves Fund is a designated reserve established in accordance with the organisation’s constitution to ensure financial stability in meeting staffrelated commitments.

The Volunteer Fund is a designated reserve derived from unrestricted income, created to support volunteer-led activities and to recognise and empower the vital contribution of volunteers within the organisation with spending decisions guided by agreed criteria and volunteer input.

The fixed assets are essential for the future operation of the charity and so are excluded from free reserves.

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Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025 (continued)

22 Analysis of net assets between funds

Tangible fixed assets
Net current assets/(liabilities)
Total
Comparative period
Tangible fixed assets
Net current assets/(liabilities)
Total
General
fund
£
-
87,386
87,386
General
fund
£
-
72,361
72,361
Designated
funds
£
9,814
92,331
102,145
Designated
funds
£
14,401
64,346
78,747
Restricted
funds
£
-
76,028
76,028
Restricted
funds
£
-
56,690
56,690
Total 2025
£
9,814
255,745
265,559
Total 2024
£
14,401
193,397
207,798
Net income/(expenditure) for the year
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charge
Loss/(profit) on sale of fixed assets
Dividends, interest and rents from investments
Decrease/(increase) in debtors
Increase/(decrease) in creditors
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities
2025
£
57,761
8,447
-
(3,098)
(3,754)
(9,964)
49,392
2024
£
(36,128)
8,669
75
(2,163)
1,297
125,843
97,593

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