2026-03-31-accounts - Allington Trust

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Company no. 10379880 Charity no. 1169425

Allington Trust Report and Unaudited Financial Statements 31 March 2026

Allington Trust

Reference and administrative details

For theperiod ended 31	March 2026
Company number	10379880
Charity number	1169425
Registered office and	The Hermitage
operational address	Allington Lane
	Offham
	Lewes
	BN7 3QL
Trustees	Trustees, who are also directors under company law, who served during
	the period and up to the date of this report were as follows:
	Malin Ilott
	Paul Spain
	Sarah Wilson
Bankers	Triodos Bank
	Deanery Road
	Bristol
	BS1 5AS
Solicitors	Trethowans Solicitors
	The Pavillion
	Botleigh Grange Business Park
	Hedge End
	Southampton
	SO30 2AF
Independent examiners	Godfrey Wilson Limited
	Chartered accountants and statutory auditors
	5th Floor Mariner House
	62 Prince Street
	Bristol
	BS1 4QD

Allington Trust

Report of the trustees

For the period ended 31 March 2026

The trustees present their report along with the financial statements of the charity for the period ended 31 March 2026.

Reference and administrative information set out on page 1 forms part of this report. The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, the Memorandum and Articles of Association and the Statement of Recommended Practice - Accounting and Reporting by Charities (effective from January 2019).

Accounting period

The trustees resolved to extend the accounting period from 30 September 2025 to 31 March 2026. Accordingly, these financial statements cover an 18-month period from 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2026. Comparative figures are for the year ended 30 September 2024.

Structure, governance and management

Allington Trust is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated in 2016 and governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association.

The trustees are also directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law. The charity employed no staff during the period. All decisions were taken by the trustees at meetings held during the period.

Objectives and public benefit

The objects of the charity are for the public benefit to further any purpose which is exclusively charitable under the law of England and Wales.

The trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit in carrying out their duties.

The trustees consider that the grants distributed during the period contributed to community wellbeing, environmental stewardship and social support across the region, thereby delivering clear public benefit in line with the charity’s objects.

Activities and achievements

Following the completion of the sale of Allington Farm in the previous financial year, the trustees focused on the orderly distribution of funds and completion of the wind-up process.

Decision to wind up the Trust

During the period the trustees resolved to wind up the charity following completion of the sale of Allington Farm and consideration of the future operation of the Trust.

The trustees concluded that the time and resources required to continue administering the charity and distributing funds effectively were becoming increasingly limited. In light of this, and having regard to the charity’s governing document and the Charity Commission’s guidance on closing a charity, the trustees determined that the most appropriate course of action was to distribute the Trust’s remaining funds to charitable organisations whose purposes align with the Trust’s objects and then close the charity.

In reaching this decision the trustees considered the provisions for winding up set out in Article 40 of the charity’s Articles of Association, which permit the transfer of the charity’s net assets to other charitable institutions with purposes similar to those of the Trust.

Allington Trust

Report of the trustees

For the period ended 31 March 2026

The trustees therefore resolved that the remaining funds of the Trust should be applied to charitable purposes consistent with the Trust’s objectives, including grants to organisations supporting environmental conservation, community wellbeing and education, and the transfer of all residual funds to the South Downs National Park Trust, a charity whose objects closely align with those of the Trust.

The trustees consider that this approach represents an appropriate and responsible final application of the Trust’s assets in furtherance of its charitable purposes.

Grants made during the period

During the period ended 31 March 2026, the trustees approved and paid the following grants:

Havens Community Hub; purchase of New Haven Church - £200,000;
Haven’s Community Hub - £10,000;
Moulsecoomb Forest Garden - £30,000;
Care for the Carers - £10,000;
Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Grow Wild Community - £15,000;
Sussex Wildlife Trust - £45,103; and
South Downs National Park Trust - all residual funds remaining following settlement of liabilities and wind-up costs.

Total grants made during the period amounted to £3,773,152.

The trustees consider these grants to be consistent with the charity’s objects and an appropriate application of realised capital.

Financial review

At 1 October 2024, total funds were £3,683,002
▪ Total income for the period was £69,969 ▪ Total expenditure for the period was £3,819,570. ▪ Net movement in funds for the period was (£3,683,002). ▪ At 31 March 2026, total funds were £0.

The charity held liquid assets in cash and short-term investments pending final distribution.

Reserves policy

As the charity is in the process of being wound up, the previous reserves policy is no longer applicable.

The trustees’ priority during the period has been to settle liabilities, meet professional and wind-up costs, and distribute remaining funds in accordance with the charity’s objects.

Principal risks and uncertainties

As the charity is in the final phase of winding up, risks have been limited to safeguarding funds pending distribution and ensuring appropriate regulatory compliance. The trustees consider these risks to have been appropriately managed.

Wind-up statement

The trustees have resolved to wind up the charity following completion of the distribution of all residual funds and settlement of remaining liabilities and professional costs.

Allington Trust

Report of the trustees

For the period ended 31 March 2026

All residual funds have been transferred to South Downs National Park Trust in furtherance of aligned charitable purposes.

Following completion of these steps, the trustees will apply for removal from the register of charities and dissolve the charitable company.

Basis of preparation

The trustees have resolved to cease operations and wind up the charity. Accordingly, the financial statements have been prepared on a basis other than going concern.

The trustees consider that sufficient liquid resources have been available to meet all liabilities and wind-up costs.

Statement of responsibilities of the trustees

The trustees (who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company 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 income and expenditure of the charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements the trustees are required to:

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
▪ observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP; ▪ make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
state whether applicable UK accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. The trustees 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 charitable company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Members of the charity guarantee to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 to the assets of the charity in the event of winding up. The trustees are members of the charity but this entitles them only to voting rights. The trustees have no beneficial interest in the charity.

Allington Trust

Report of the trustees

For the period ended 31 March 2026

Independent examiners

Godfrey Wilson Limited were re-appointed as independent examiners to the charitable company during the year.

Approved by the trustees on 27 April 2026 and signed on their behalf by:

Paul Spain

Paul Spain - Chair

Independent examiner's report

To the trustees of

Allington Trust

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Allington Trust (the charitable company) for the period ended 31 March 2026, which are set out on pages 7 to 14.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charitable company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the charitable company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charitable company's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

(1) accounting records were not kept in respect of the charitable company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
(2) the accounts do not accord with those records; or
(3) the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view' which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
(4) the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

William Guy Blake

Date: 27 April 2026 William Guy Blake ACA Member of the ICAEW Godfrey Wilson Limited Chartered accountants and statutory auditors 5th Floor Mariner House 62 Prince Street Bristol BS1 4QD

Allington Trust

Statement of financial activities (incorporating an income and expenditure account)

For the period ended 31 March 2026

Note Income from: Charitable activities 2 Investments 3 Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities Total expenditure 4 Net income / (expenditure) before gains 5 Unrealised gain on programme related investment 8 Realised gains on listed investments 9 Net income / (expenditure) and net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward	£ 42,250 27,719 69,969 4,826 3,814,744 3,819,570 (3,749,601) - 66,599 (3,683,002) 3,683,002 - 18 Months to 31 Mar 2026 Total	£ 50,000 2,141 12 Months to 30 Sep 2024 Total
		52,141
		- 33,592
		33,592
		18,549 700,300 -
		718,849 2,964,153
		3,683,002

All of the above results are derived from discontinued activities. There were no other recognised gains or losses other than those stated above. All income and expenditure was unrestricted in both periods.

Allington Trust

Balance sheet

As at 31 March 2026

Note £ Fixed assets Programme related investments 8 Listed investments 9 Current assets Cash at bank and in hand 5,000 5,000 Liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due within 1 year 10 (5,000) Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Net assets Funds Unrestricted funds General funds Total charity funds	£ £ - 3,990,000 - - - 3,990,000 107,505 107,505 (414,503) - (306,998) - 3,683,002 - 3,683,002 - 3,683,002 - 3,683,002 31 March 2026 30 September 2024	£ £ - 3,990,000 - - - 3,990,000 107,505 107,505 (414,503) - (306,998) - 3,683,002 - 3,683,002 - 3,683,002 - 3,683,002 31 March 2026 30 September 2024
		3,990,000 107,505
		107,505 (414,503)
		(306,998)
		3,683,002
		3,683,002
		3,683,002
		3,683,002

The directors are satisfied that the company is entitled to exemption from the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 (the Act) relating to the audit of the financial statements for the period by virtue of section 477, and that no member or members have requested an audit pursuant to section 476 of the Act.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for:

(i) ensuring that the company keeps proper accounting records which comply with section 386 of the Act; and
(ii) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as at the end of the financial period and of its profit or loss for the financial period in accordance with the requirements of section 393, and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Act relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the company.

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies' regime.

Approved by the trustees on 27 April 2026 and signed on their behalf by

Paul Spain

Paul Spain - Chair

Allington Trust

Notes to the financial statements

For the period ended 31 March 2026

1. Accounting policies

a) General information and basis of preparation

Allington Trust is a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales. The registered office address is The Hermitage, Allington Lane, Offham, Lewes, BN7 3QL.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities in preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

Allington Trust meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note.

b) Break-up basis of accounting

The trustees took the decision to close the charity during the period ended 31 March 2026, as detailed further in the trustees' annual report. These accounts have therefore been prepared on a break up basis and the trustees intend that the charitable company will be dissolved within the next 12 months.

c) Income

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

Income from the 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.

Rental income is recognised in the statement of financial activities in the year to which it relates. Rental income received in advance is deferred.

d) 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.

e) Funds accounting

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

Allington Trust

Notes to the financial statements

For the period ended 31 March 2026

f) 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.

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

g) Grants payable

Grants payable are charged in the year in which the offer is conveyed to the recipient except in those cases where the offer is conditional, such grants being recognised as expenditure when the conditions attached have been fulfilled. Grants offered subject to conditions at the year end are noted as commitments but are not accrued as expenditure.

h) Allocation of support and governance costs

Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Governance costs are the costs associated with the governance arrangements of the charity, such as audit fees, legal costs and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements. Support and governance costs have been allocated to charitable activities in full on the basis that the charity did not undertake any fundraising activities during the year.

i) Programme related investments

The charity holds programme related investments in the form of a property, which is held specifically to enable a third party to undertake particular activities which further Allington Trust's charitable purposes. Programme related investments are recognised at fair value at the reporting date. Any gain or loss, whether realised or unrealised, is taken to the Statement of Financial Activities.

j) Listed investments

Investments in quoted shares, traded bonds and similar investments are measured initially at cost and subsequently at fair value (their market value). The statement of financial activities includes the net gains and losses arising on revaluations and disposals through out the year. Listed investments also includes cash and cash equivalents held for re-investment purposes.

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.

m) Creditors

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.

Allington Trust

Notes to the financial statements

For the period ended 31 March 2026

n) Concessionary loans

The charity has received a concessionary loan exclusively to further its charitable aims. Concessionary loans are recognised when the commitment is entered into and the relevant loan documentation has been completed. The loans are initially recognised and measured at the amount received, with the carrying amount adjusted in subsequent years to reflect repayments.

o) Financial instruments

The charitable company 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 recognised at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

p) Accounting estimates and key judgements

In the application of the charity's accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and underlying assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

The key sources of estimation uncertainty that have a significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements are described below.

Programme related investments

As described in note 1i, programme related investments are held at fair value. The trustees obtained a valuation of the property during the year ended 30 September 2024, it was subsequently sold for this value in the current period.

2. Income from charitable activities

Farm rental 3. Income from investments Bank interest	£ 42,250 £ 27,719 18 Months to 31 Mar 2026 Total 18 Months to 31 Mar 2026 Total	12 Months to 30 Sep 2024 £ 50,000
		12 Months to 30 Sep 2024 £ 2,141

Allington Trust

Notes to the financial statements

For the period ended 31 March 2026

4. Total expenditure

Total expenditure
Accountancy fees Investment management fees Bank charges Legal & professional costs Grants payable to institutions: Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Care for the Carers Havens Community Hub Sussex Wildlife Trust South Downs National Park Trust Sub-total Allocation of support and governance costs Total expenditure Moulsecoomb Forest Garden and Wildlife Project	Raising funds £ - 4,826 - - - - - - - - 4,826 - 4,826	Charitable activities £ £ - 1,440 - - - 82 - 40,070 15,000 - 30,000 - 10,000 - 210,000 - 45,103 - 3,463,049 - 3,773,152 41,592 41,592 (41,592) 3,814,744 - Support and governance costs	£ 1,440 4,826 82 40,070 - - 15,000 30,000 10,000 210,000 45,103 3,463,049 18 Months to 31 Mar 2026 Total
			3,819,570 -
			3,819,570

Total governance costs were £1,440 (2024: £1,170). An amount of £3,780 in grants payable was outstanding at 31 March 2026, included within accruals (2024: £nil).

Prior year comparative: Accountancy fees Property valuation Bank charges Grants payable to institutions: Moulsecoomb Forest Garden and Wildlife Project Brighton Hove Wood Recycling Project Wellsbourne Healthcare CIC Small Woods Association Cae Tan CSA Sub-total Allocation of support and governance costs Total expenditure	Charitable activities £ £ - 1,170 - 420 - 2 15,000 - 2,000 - 3,000 - 5,000 - 7,000 - 32,000 1,592 1,592 (1,592) 33,592 - Support and governance costs	£ 1,170 420 2 15,000 2,000 3,000 5,000 7,000 12 Months to 30 Sep 2024 Total
		33,592 -
		33,592

Allington Trust

Notes to the financial statements

For the period ended 31 March 2026

5. Net movement in funds This is stated after charging: Trustees' remuneration Trustees' reimbursed expenses Independent examiners' remuneration (including VAT): Independent examination	£ Nil Nil 1,440 18 Months to 31 Mar 2026	£ Nil Nil 1,170 12 Months to 30 Sep 2024

6. Staff costs and numbers

The charity did not employ any staff during the current or prior period.

The key management personnel of the charitable company comprise the trustees. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel in the current and prior period were £nil.

7. Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax as all its income is charitable and is applied for charitable purposes.

8. Programme related investments

Fair value at 1 October 2024 Disposals Unrealised gain on investment asset Fair value at 31 March 2026 Historical cost: At 31 March 2026	31 March 2026 £ £ 3,990,000 3,289,700 (3,990,000) - - 700,300 - 3,990,000 - 3,289,700 30 September 2024	31 March 2026 £ £ 3,990,000 3,289,700 (3,990,000) - - 700,300 - 3,990,000 - 3,289,700 30 September 2024
		3,990,000
		3,289,700

Programme related investments comprised a property at Allington Farm. The property was leased to Jamie's Farm, who used the farm to deliver activities which further Allington Trust's charitable objects. The property was revalued to £3,990,000 in the prior year and sold for this amount in the current period.

Allington Trust

Notes to the financial statements

For the period ended 31 March 2026

9. Listed investments

Market value at 1 October 2024 Additions Disposal proceeds Realised gains Market value at 31 March 2026 Creditors: amounts due within 1 year Accruals Deferred income Loan	31 March 2026 £ £ - - 6,710,946 - (6,777,545) - 66,599 - - - 31 March 2026 £ £ 5,000 1,170 - 8,333 - 405,000 5,000 414,503 30 September 2024 30 September 2024	31 March 2026 £ £ - - 6,710,946 - (6,777,545) - 66,599 - - - 31 March 2026 £ £ 5,000 1,170 - 8,333 - 405,000 5,000 414,503 30 September 2024 30 September 2024
		414,503

10. Creditors: amounts due within 1 year

Deferred income related to farm rental income received in advance.

The loan bore no interest and was repayable on demand. The loan was repaid after the sale of the programme related investment asset within the period.

11. Related party transactions

Paul Spain is a trustee of the charity. Paul has made a loan to the charity, of which £405,000 was repaid in full in 2026 following the sale of the investment asset during the period. There were no repayments made in the prior period.