## **Headley Down Nature Reserve Trust TAR 2024** 

_Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts:_ 

General maintenance work has continued on the nature reserve, usually carried out by the trustees but with help from paid local contractors when needed for heavy work. All the trees we have planted are growing well and watering was only necessary once during the early summer. However, grass cutting was difficult due to all the rain, especially on the sloping areas. Thanks to Lottery funding, we were able to upgrade to a four-wheel drive Grillo for mowing. Hedge cutting was another major task this year due to massive growth so a battery hedge trimmer was purchased. We were given a large quantity of hedging saplings by a local supplier and so were able to enlarge and increase areas of hazel etc. More bark was laid on the informal paths by local contractors to keep them accessible throughout the year, whatever the weather. We continue to feed the birds during the winter months. We have been able to buy a new computer, following the demise of our old one, thanks to a grant through the Neighbourly scheme. 

## Projects 

Additional projects during the last year have included the purchase and installation of two new memorial benches thanks to donations from local residents. We also located a new large carving of a Rocky Mountain Wolf in the Canadian commemorative area, paid for by donations and a grant from our Hampshire County Councillor. A Giant Redwood was planted nearby to provide a photo opportunity for children to see it grow over the years. The rotten wood surround of the semi-circular bench was replaced with oak sleepers to retain the bark. 

Updates on the projects we listed in last year’s report to be carried out in 2024 are as follows: 

1. The children’s storytelling area has been renewed with a circle of small oak benches and two mini-thrones next to the large throne. Oak sleepers form the outer circle for balance walking and to keep the bark in place. Funding for this project was awarded by our East Hants District Councillors. 

2. All the trees in the Nuttery were adopted and name plaques installed. 

3. The updated sign for Erie Wood has now been designed and we expect deliver early in the year. 

Our projects for the coming year include: 

1 The trees we planted in Erie Wood are all growing well but the posts with the numbers of each tree have now mostly rotten through at ground level. We will therefore have to remove the deer guards, cut down the posts at ground level and re-install or replace them to keep the numbers plates on each tree. It is hoped that now the trees are established, some of them will no longer need protection from deer. 

2. Several more trees will be purchased and planted where possible to increase wildlife habitat. 

_Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole:_ 

We are pleased to report that the projects and goals set out last year are on track. Our relationship with the local community continues to develop positively and there have been 



no incidents of vandalism. Our Facebook page followers have increased with many positive comments. However, it has been difficult to plan working with volunteers during the last year as the weather has been so very wet. Work had to be carried out by trustees on a very last minute basis when there was any break in the rain! Many regular visitors and those from further away have engaged with the trustees working on site and comment on how much they value having a local green space for walking and socialising. 

During the last year, we have applied for and received funding from various sources including District Councillors, the Parish Council, the Lottery Community Fund and Gallagher. We continue to be very grateful for all the small change donated at the local One Stop store. It is always rewarding to note that the amount of littering, fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour on the nature reserve is minimal and that the visual impact and biodiversity of the area continues to improve through continued varied planting and as all the new trees grow each year. 



HDNRT Financial Summary for the period 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024 

|**Income**||
|---|---|
|Donations|£2010.00|
|Fundraising|£19263.00|
|**TOTAL**|**£21273.00**|
|Carried over from 2023|£12812.00|
|**Expenditure**||
|Running costs|£1526.00|
|Activities|£26362.00|
|**TOTAL**|**£27889.00**|
|**Restricted Funds**||
|Carried over|£6196.00|