Trustees, Annual Report for the period Period start date 2024 Period end date 30 06 From To Reference and administration details oi 07 2025 Section A Charity name GRIMSARGH WETLANDS TRUST Other names charity is known by Grim5argh WetSands Trust, Charity, 1174037 Registered charlty number (if any) 1174037 Charity's prlnclpal address 204 Preston Road, Grimsargh, Preston. Postcode PR2 5JS Names of the charity trustses who manage the charity Dates acted if not for whole year Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee ifan Trustee name Office (If any) David Hindle Chairperson Lesley Walker Jayne Woollam Treasurer Secretary July 2024- May 2025 now Deceased Ratified by members at the AGM, October, 2024. Phillip Livsey Members John Willan Steve Whittam Mike Fisher Geoff Carefoot 10. TAR Names of the trustees for the charity, If any, (for example, any custodian trustees) Name Dates acted if not for whole ear Names and addresses of advisers (Optional Informatlon) Type of adviser Name Address Name of chlef oxecutlve or names of senlor stsff members (Optional information) Trustee's Responsibilities The trustees are aware of the Charity Commissioner's guidance on Public Benefit and give regard to it in their administration of the affairs of their charity. It is understood that that the Trustees and any others could be deemed as "managers" in the activities and affairs of the charlty are "fit and properf persons under the terms of the Finance Act 2010. Where persons become a Trustee for the first time or are elected to be a Trustee after a period of absence, they are invited to meet with the Chairman and Treasurer beforehand in order that they may be thoroughly briefed as to the present situation of the charity. The Trustees recognise their responsibilty to undertake a "risk assessment" of the affairs of the charity on the minimum of at least once a year. They are aware that such risk assessment covers not only financial matters but any activity or use of any property to which the general public has access. The Trustees have a HeaFth and Safety policy covering the activrties of its members and those of the general public whilst such persons are present on any property held in the name of the Trustees. An Accident Book is maintained. The contents and obligations of the Equalty Act 2010 and the 2018 General Data Protettions Regulation are known and complied by with the best of the Trustees, ability. We have a Trustee who is covered regularly by DBS check5 via the Disclosure and Barring Service however Trustees very rarely engage with young people and vulnerable adults. We always specify such visitors are to be accompanied at all times by a responsible adulvfamity member who must ensure supervision of individuals. TAR Section B Structure, governance and management Description of the charity's trusts Type of governing document ' fltution) Charitable Incorporated Organisation with voting members, other than Trustees. How the charty is constituted Trust Trustee selection methods (eg. appointed by, electe.d by) A yearly re-election of a third of the trustees by the membership at the annual AGM. The charity trustees to retire by rotation shall be those who have been longest in office since their last appointment or reappointment. Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer should stand for re-election annually. Appointment of new trustees is open to anyone who is interested in furthering the Trust's purposes. The role of trustee should be advertised and potential new trustees should be invited to submit a short resume of his/her experience, relevant to the post advertised. A short interview may also take place. Grimsargh Parish Council selected the first trustees, following the submission of a letter of application and an interview. New trustees are advised to read the constitution, the handbook and various policy documents. The charity is a trust which abides by the constitution of a charitable incorporated organisation with voting rights by members. There are potentially 9 trustees. Currently we have 7 th trustees and 2 vacancies. On the 28 May 2018 Grimsargh Wetlands Trust signed a lease relating to the land, reservoirs and bulldings, with Grimsargh Parish Council for a peppercorn rent, for 25 years. Grimsar8h Parish Council are the landlords of the site, and the lease does include various caveats, as agreed with Grimsargh Parish Council. Clearly, there are risks associated with managing thls type of site and we have comprehensive public liability insurance, also the trustees are insured individually as officers and directors. The Trust occasionally liaises with United Utilities, the former owners of the site. The trustees have erected multiple signs around the site warning the public of hazards etc. Volunteers regularly repair or reinstate any damage caused by erosion or vandalism. Trustees risk-assess the conditions prior to the volunteer day5. Volunteer days occur on a fortnightly basis throughout the year, avoiding ground nesting bird breeding season. Volunteers are advised via email and book via the Trust website. Power tools are not allowed to be used on Site by volunteers. Volunteers are given a talk at the start of each session regarding hazards and uneven ground etc. Children under 16 are not allowed to volunteer unless accompanied by a responsible adult. This information, including a disclaimer, is available when booking in for sessions on our website. Additional governance issues (Optional information) You may choose to include additional information, where relevant, about: ' policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees. . the charity's organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works., • relationship with any related parties. .trustees' consideration of major risks and the system and procedures to manage them. Section C Objectives and activities TAR Summary of the objects of the charity set out In its governing document Mission statement- 'The maintenance and enhancement of the biological status of Grimsargh Wetlands for the benefit of the local community" The charity is established to promote for the public benefit the conservation, protection and improvement of both the physical and natural environment in the area known as Grimsargh Wetlands, Grimsargh by promoting its biological diversity. At the same time, the charity promotes the provision of facilities for recreation for everyone, irrespective of age, infirmity, disability or social or economic need. Summary of the main activitles undertaken for the public benefit in relation to these objects (include within this section the statutory declaration that trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charlty Commlsslon on public beneflt) The site continues as two water bodies and one marsh-like area. The Trust is deliberately trying to create different habitats for wildlife and offer a pla￿ of sanctuary. The Trust has replaced fencing and safety features along the public footpath that bisects our site, ensuring that the public can still visit and view the wildlife but are restricted to the main path and dogs are prevented from accessing the wider spaces. The trustees have maintained footpaths, mobility ramps and steps to ensure this site accessible to all members of the public. including those with mobility issues, wheelchair users and families with pushchairs. The Trust continues to monitor water levels and uses a Slu1￿ to regulate water levels to enhance the habrtat for wading birds. Tern rafts have also been installed to try and encourage terns to breed on the site. Grimsargh Wetlands is fully accessible to all and we do not charge an entrance fee, but encourage donations where possible. The trustees have established volunteering opportunities, educational walks and talks, as well as social activities. It is linking people, who would not otherwise come into contact, with each other and thus is creating a better sense of community, via its volunteering and educational opportunities. The Trustees are protecting and conserving the fauna and flora of the site, while simultaneously. encouraging the whole community to enjoy volunteering activities as well as being able to access the site irrespective of the season. This year, once more, we have again used contractors to maintain the steep sides and banks of encroaching raspberry canes in order that orchids and other wildflowers can return to the site. on the south bank of the Mere. Grimsargh Wetlands is special in that it is really three unique srtes in one site. The Fen, the Island Lake and the Mere, each site attracting very different flora and fauna, including red-listed curlews. lapwings. oystercatchers and little ringed plovers. In Spring curlews and lapwings appear in large numbers, proof indeed that Grimsargh Wetlands is an important staging post for rare birds. There are many other species of birds, including, breeding tawny owls, barn owls, many species of ducks and geese. terns, herons, buzzards. kestrels, herons, house martins, swifts, swallows, Mediterranean gulls, and a plethora of crows and jackdaws. Badgers, butterflies, hares, deer, frogs, butterfties, dragonflies. damselflies, and many other insects are regularly seen on the Wetlands. The flora includes rare hybrid willow. wild primroses, lichens. livep4VOrts. wild orchids and many more species are to be found on the Wetlands. In these days of encroaching urbanisation, it provides an oasis for nature in an othep¥vise overdevelo d urban s rawl to the north of Preston. TAR Additional detalls of objectives and activities (Optional information) You may choose to include further statements, where relevant, about.. policy on grantmaking. In July 2024 we received a grant of £2.500.00 from the Harold and Alice Bridges Trust used to contribute to the purchase of an Aquapeche boat {specific project). In August 2024 a grant Paid to us in two instalmentS totalling £11,400.00 from the Lancashire Environmental Fund, to cover costs of re-fencing the length of worn- out fencing along the public footpath (specific project). Linked with the latter is a grant of £1185 from Giimsargh Parish Council to cover the costs of closing the public footpath during the works bein8 undertaken by contractors. We recognise that membership, legacies and fundraising are important sources of revenue,. in order to secure the long-term viability of the Trust, we need to plan for its future sustainability- Long-term it is hoped to develop the site further by reinstating an existing building on site from which an income stream could be derived, if it were to be hired out to various groups. Alternatively, a new building could be erected on site for the same purpose. Ac.IIjoJvcJryiL)nls Liiiij i)I"IliiiinAnce TAR Summary of the main achievements of the charlty during the year Achievements of the Chari A) Membershi 2024-2025 Membership figures are lower this year, we are continuing to encourage people to join/renew via our website which is now set up for'subscriptions, that auto renew annually. We can collate members details via our CMS database. Some members prefer to pay cash and this occurs at our AGM. Due to our Secretary sadly passing away in May 2025 we are currently re-collating our details and will gather more information at our AGM. Trustees voted to keep membership fees at the same level as the previous year, 2023-2024: Individual, £20.00,. Volunteer/Student. £10.00; Life, £250.00; Corporate Members £IOO.00. Corporate Members, Non-Business, have one vote, Corporate Business Membership, have no vote, due to a potential conflict of interest. New members receive: a membership card,. a Grimsargh Wetlands Trust sticker; guided walks,. an invitation to the AGM with voting rights, except for Corporate Business Members,. a quarterly newsletter and a calendar. B) Trustee Meetin We have held 7 ordinary meetings this year,. the AGM took place on the 16 October, 2024. 10 members attended the AGM. All officers were reappointed. Philip Livsey was ratified by the members. The Annual Report is circulated to trustees and members in advance of the AGM. th Trustees continue to hold robust discussions regarding proposed developments and on-going site maintenance,. motions are voted on and a majority vote is acted upon. We are hoping to recruit to the 2 vacant Trustees positions in the coming year. ne Woollam This year we have to report the very sad pa55ing of our Secretary Jayne Woollam. We were profoundly shocked and saddened by the unexpected death of our dear friend and fellow trustee. Jayne played a key role in the organisation and running of Grimsargh Wetlands Trust. As Trust Secretary, Jayne was the driving force behind so many of the Trust's fund-raising, volunteering and other public engagement activities. In addition, Jayne led many of the Trusvs successful applications for funding from external bodies, most notably a sequence of major grants from the Lancashire Environmental Fund. It is no exaggeration to say that this funding success has, over the last 8 years, transformed the site into what it is today- one of the premier local nature reserves in Lancashire. We will mi55 her terribly but contin ue to Strive to make Grimsargh Wetlands a huge contribution to the local community and for local wildlife conservation. As of May 2025, Lezley Walker is covering both the Secretary and Treasurer positions within the Trust and continues to circulate agendas and minutes to the trustees and the clerk to Grimsargh Parish Council. The number of ordinary meetings during this return period is reduced due to these changes. TAR l. Public facin media The website continues to provide information for visitors to the reserve, along with an on~line map showing the location of all the access points and viewing screens, together with a database of the wildlife likely to be seen at the Wetlands. Future events, from volunteer days to guided walks are also bookable online. The quarterly newsletter is also available on-line. Previous newsletters are now archived on the website. We acknowledge the immense support of HAN Communications in assisting Trustees to manage this enterprise. Han McGivern continues to manage our Facebook page and this provides the Trust with an easily accessible platform to advertise events and recent sightings and again we are indebted to Han for her commitment and professionalism. 2. Fundraisin Fundraising has been a challenge again as we have not managed to recruit a Trustee with the time/capacity for fundraising as a main focus. We receive donations via local stores Icollection tins) and events such as Grimsargh Farmers, Market, Goosnargh and Longridge Show, Grimsargh Field Day. We continue to produce an annual calendar to sell and this raises much needed funds via sponsorship of pages by local businesses and sales to the public. On our website we have information regarding options of leaving a legacy in a will to the Trust, to support projects on the Wetlands. We continue to be supported locally via donations received for providing informative 'talks' to local groups regarding the Wetland heritage, resident species and other topics. This period these were delivered to the Preston Society Bird Watching and Natural History in March 2025. 3. Newsletter Mike Fisher continues to produce and circulate an excellent quarterly newsletter, updating volunteers and members with news and progress on the Wetlands. The newsletter is archived on the website. Mike also writes a biannual article for Grimsargh Parish Council's newsletter. The newsletter continues to be a conduit for the Trust to channel its news and progress to the community and the wider public; we are extremely grateful for Mike's hard work and commitment to producing an excellent newsletter. 4. Grlmsar h Parish Councll The trustees continue to have an excellent working relationship with Grimsargh Parish Council. The clerk to the Parish Council and Councillors are invited to attend meetings, if necessary, to liaise with the trustees on matters of mutual interest, given that Grimsargh Parish Council owns the freehold of the site. Councillors attend the Annual General Meeting and have one corporate vote. 5. Volunteer Da This year we have held fortnightly volunteering days, for the public benefit TAR during the autumn and winter months, avoiding the bird breeding season. Volunteer days provide the public with physical exercise,. the health benefits of working alongside nature have long been established. We have struggled this vear to attract many people to our volunteer days. We have 3 regular small number of supporters who attend most sessions; however, the Trustees make up the biggest proportion of the volunteering effort on most occasions. Campaigns to recruit volunteers have largely been unsuccessful so far and it is a great pity that the local community are not more actively involved with the maintenance and upkeep of this precious local reserve. D) Maintenance We continue to use contractors a number of times during the autumn and winter months to clear scrub from the embankment slopes and embankment tops, as well as clear willow from the Fen. This clearance has meant that the wild primroses and orchids have been given the opportunity to flourish in Spring and it has allowed a phragmites reed bed to flourish in the Fen, having removed the invasive willow. We are looking to engage with local groups e.g. Kings Trust during the coming months/years to enable large groups of volunteers to work on specific projects. The tern raft was 'revamped' ready for the arrival of the terns but unfortunately this year the gulls took over the floating raft and as a result we did not have any terns nesting. E) The Lancashire Environmental Fund. We have been supported again by LEF for our major project replacing fencing along the public footpath, making it safe for walkers and dogs, keeping them separated from the areas of our site that are private and entry is not permitted. We are aware that the fundin8 Streams available via LEF will soon be depleted and furthergrant applications via LEF will not be possible. F} And Small Memorial A stone memorial to Andy Small, previously a Trustee, has been situated on the Wetlands at the start of the public footpath entrance onto the site. This is maintained by the Small family and the Trustees are not involved with the upkeep of this memorial. nlflcant ro ects The Trustees have installed a Sand Martin, artificial nesting bank on site. This was constructed by Geoff Carefoot and offered an interesting focus for our volunteers as this was built and then installed at the edge of ourlsland Lake. An electronic attractor call device was also purchase and installed to help attract sand martins to the nesting site. It can take years for a colony to establish so it may be some time before we see any birds actually nesting but we are hopeful that this will prove possible in the future. We purchased a new boat this year, an Aquapeche flat shallow draft vessel which will enable safe manoeuvring on the Mere, maintenance of the tern rafts, TAR cutting trees boarding the Mere and upkeep of thelsland Lake islands to encourage nesting birds and keep down the vegetation. The Future The trustees are committed to ensuring that Grimsargh Wetlands continues to flourish for wildlife and the community it serve5. We are actively seeking sponsorship from large local businesses to help us pay for our maintenance and upkeep costs and our insurance costs,. as neither can be the subject of capital grants that may be awarded. The Wetlands is crucial for local nature, especially endangered wading birds in northern England. The slte offers opportunities for social interactions, health and mental well- being for the community. New housing developments continue to encroach on it5 remaining farm land perimeter; the public need green spaces. It is vital, that this site 15 maintained not only for nature, but for 3 community who needs and uses it. Section E TAR Financial review Brief ststement of the charlty's policy on reserves Detsils of any funds materlally In deficit Further financial review detsils (Optional information) You may choose to include additional information, where Lancashire Environmental Fund, sponsorship, donations, relevant about: fvndraising. membership, calendar, lasting legacy, Alice and Harold the charity's principal Bridges Trust, collection tins. sources of funds (including any fundraising); how expenditure has supported the key objectives of the charity; investment policy and objectives including any ethical investment policy adopted. Section F Other optional information Section G Declaration The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees, report above. Signed on behalf of the charity's trustsas Signature(s) Full name(s) Lesley Walker Position (eg Secretsry, Chair, etc) Treasurer (acting Secretary) Date= DD I MM 12025 1