## **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 Plotes￿￿4
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 $6
117.594 22
NETID£F￿Tjl$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 al￿e￿e
- Appioxlmarely 31 acrts ol land ai Portlafid &ll Indudl￿the Crown Éstate F￿10
. 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