Portland Bird Observatory and Field Centre
Trustees’ Annual Report for 2023
The observatory was successful in all areas of its ac�vi�es during the year and sa�sfac�on with our ethos, opera�ons and management was reflected by the third major bequest in ten years – this was once again by a regular visitor who had previously enjoyed the welcome and conviviality when staying at the observatory.
The very generous sum enabled the purchase of another four acres of land crea�ng a series of con�nuous linked areas reflec�ng the differing microhabitats for farming and increased biodiversity under our DEFRA Mid-Tier Stewardship Agreement. The sum also enabled the trustees to plan for the maintenance and refurbishment of the Grade 2 listed Lighthouse and Co�age plus redevelopment of the non -listed ancillary buildings. The preliminary plans envisage bringing the youth hostel-type bunk bed accommoda�on to a modern standard with single beds and en-suite allowing visitors to enjoy some comfort a�er being outdoors in all weathers at Portland. The recently refurbished bookshop and mee�ngs room selling books and observatory merchandise will remain in the new plans along with a new tractor shed and workshop.
Full occupancy of rooms was again a feature of the spring and autumn bird migra�on seasons with strong occupancy at other �mes, with the observatory open throughout the year for day visitors. The contribu�on of visitors to the sigh�ngs of all aspects of natural history again provided data to our sixty-year database and was reported daily to members and the public by the daily blog undertaken by the Warden, Mar�n Cade, and Assistant Warden, Jodie Mae Henderson - the la�er who was made full-�me at the end of the year. Alison Jones who had cleaned the observatory for visitors for twenty years re�red and a new cleaner Verity Hill was appointed.
The two wardens and numerous helpers con�nued to undertake all the scien�fic observa�on combined with the trapping of birds and moths – the former o�en assisted by visi�ng Bri�sh Trust for Ornithology qualified bird ringers. The data was computerised and detailed analysis of species recovery maps were produced for the first �me. A new development was the installa�on of a MOTUS tracking system for bats and birds undertaken in conjunc�on with other bird observatories and universi�es in the Bri�sh Isles and Europe.
provided beneficial cover for resident and migratory insects and birds. There being li�le freshwater on Portland a new pond was developed in the fi�een-acre field and was an immediate draw for new recorded species of dragonfly and for birds.
Peter J Morgan
Chairman, Portland Bird Observatory.
PORTLAND BIRD OBSERVATORY AND FIELD CENTRE RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT AND STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 We hereby approve the attached statements: Treasurer....................................................... Secretary........................................................ Date: 20July 2024
Inde ndent Examiner's Re ort to the Trustees of"Portland Bird Observato Centre" and Field We report on ihe accounts of the Trust for the year en(led 31 Decembpr 2023, which are set out on pages I to 3. Res ctive re5 nsibllitles of tru e5 and eKamlner 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 20111 and that an independent examination is needed. It is our responsibility to= examine the account (under section 145 of the Charities Actl-. to follow the procedures laid down in the General Oirections given by the Charity Commissioners (under section 145151 Ibl of the Charities Actl-. and to state whether particular matters have come to our attention. Basls f inde ndent examin r's re ort Our examination was carried oijt in accordance with the 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 you as 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 preseni a 'lrue and fair. view and the report is limited to those matter5 set out in the Statement below. Inde ndent examlner's statement In connection with our examination, no matter has come to our attention. which gives us reasonable cause to believe that in any maierial respect the requirements to keep accounting records in accordante with section 130 of the Charities Act,. and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met: or to inion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper the accounts io be reached. zacf .LP Date.. 26th June 2024 Chartered Accountants 7 King Street Weymouth Dorset DT4 7BJ
RVATIIgY AN EIPTS AJ4D PAYM I DECEMBER 202 ornmodation Bank Intere aTrd RecETh%d eookshop Sèles (Nore I Qonation5 Received Farmin8 In¢ornelNote 21 Membership Fees 4L.975L 7S.972.78 3.343.51 2.3Q2.81 43.208.(K) ?3.02142 5.791 13 1.347 41 634.93 13.7%.C 14.444. Exceptional Income. Beoue5rs (Note 31 44L648.66 I.().(K) SW.686 76 237.798 89 ITA 8onk Ch•rie5 and Merthint Ftes 919.$3 4.259.32 4A67Q) 776.15 3.120 24 &117.91 366.73 426.71 I,1 70 2.438.09 Farmini Costs (Note 21 3,322.65 5,366.r L,?11.24 1,320.6S 1,063.96 2.306 SS 1.250.CQ 14,349 45 7,941.30 448.C 15.041.52 49.118 68 Li8hl ènd Helt P051ase PriOtin& StJtlonery. fl¢t and Meerini Cwts Prolession41 Fees Rates and Warer Rènt Aepairs kl•inlenanco Rirtging and Data Plotes4 Subs¢ription5 and OonètiortsM•d¢ Telepfvo Jnd Intefnei W4Ees, Pensionsand Payroll T•Aes 33.213.59 7.867.1 1.229.30 Ll.616.50 55.337.64 Exception•1 Eiyns•s- L•nd Pwtha5¢ (Note 31 OK 102.032.60 132n77.41 210.451.5J ET 448.609.Y 17 347.31 èANK & CASH 6AL4NCE AT31 C*CEMJER 2022 lJ7,594.22 9).146 84 BANK & CASH 8ALANCE AT 31 DÉCEM8ER 2023 566.203 $6 117.594 22 NETID£FTjl$uKP&U5 FOR TIIE YEAR EXCLUDlflG£XCEPTlth¥Ai Iffms 5.9fjQ.fj8 19.379.98
PORTLAND BIRD 08SERVATORY AfiD AÉiD CEfiTRE EfsAIID LIABILfriE AT NET Balarnce ai Saniander Cui¥ent k¢Wntanribirtab to thechath Cash at Hand 56S,953.56 Z50. 117.404 ZZ I.C 566.XJ3.56 117.594.22 - Old Lower Lighthouse includin8 the Lighihouse Keeptr'sCoitaÈe and atiached alee - Appioxlmarely 31 acrts ol land ai Portlafid &ll Indudlthe Crown Éstate F10 . siotk ol books With •n approximatt value 01£25,rtx) . A4ricultvral equipmeht l. Held invt5tment purposes - M & G In¥tstmenis- Irthne unlts htld •sat 31 Decembei 2023 88,857.053 Value at 3V1212023 £1.275,089.82 Value at 3111212022 EIJ05.772.17
PORTLAND BIRD OBSERVAT RY AND FIELD CENTRE NOTES TO THE RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Bookshop sales have been shown as a net income figure rather than showing sale5 and purchases, as requested by the Trustees. This does not affect the overall account5. Thts category includes the sale of Observatory-branded merchandise. Farming costs are shown net of government grants received under the Mid fièr Countryside Stewardship scheme. This has resulted in 3 Small deficit in 2023. During 2023 the Charity was the beneficiary of the estate of Mr5 Julie Spivey. resultin8 In the significant exceptional income in the period. The Trustee5 are continuin8 to consider the best use of the funds in line with the Charity's purposes. This has included certèln land purchases whlch will be reported in 2024. Durin8 2022 the Charlty received a generous bequest In memory of Rob Tuck, specifically to be used to fund the purchase of two parcels of land adjacent to the Observatory for con5ervatJon purposes. shown as respectively exceptional income and expense.
Inde endent Examiner's Re ort to the Trustees of "Portland Bird Observato and Field entre" We report on the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31 December 2023, which are set out on pages I to 3. Res ective re5 onslbllltles 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 Charitie5 Act 20111 and that an independent examination is needed. It is our responsibility to.. examine the account lunder section 145 of the Charities Actl.. to follow the procedures laid down in the General Oirections given by the Charity Commissioners (under section 145151 Ibl of the Charities Act).. and to state whether particular matters have come to our attention. Basis of Inde endent examiner's re Our examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions giverb by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparlson of the actounls presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any suth matters. The protedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounls present a 'true and fair, view and the report 15 limited to those matters Sel out in the statement below. Inde endent examlnees statement In connection with our examination. no matter has come to our attention. which gives us reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act,. and to prepare accounts which accord with the accountin8 records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met,. or tow ou Inion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper the accounts to be reache rst OLL Chartered Accountants 7 King Street Weymouth Dorset DT4 7BJ Dale= 26th June 2024 F-l.Ll()I' & c i) l.LP