Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 1[st] April 2024 To 31[st] March 2025
Charity name: Initiative for Nature Conservation Cymru
Charity registration number: 1180113
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | a) The advancement of the conservation, protection and improvement of the natural environment of Wales for the public benefit, through advocacy, carrying out research and promoting biodiversity. b) To promote the conservation protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment. c) To advance the education of the public in the conservation, protection and improvement of the natural environment of Wales by providing information and through raising awareness. |
| 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. |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
Over the reporting period (April 2024 – March 2025) the Initiative for Nature Conservation Cymru has addressed each of the following key areas of work: Land management and habitat restoration ● Developed and implemented a conservation management plan at the Llwyndewi Farm Nature Reserve, to improve biodiversity across almost 60ha of meadow, marsh, woodland, scree and scrub habitat. ● Provided conservation advice and support to 11 different landowners – this work ranges from species specific conservation on private farmland/woodland, to managing |
whole farm habitat restorations, such as at Cefn Garthenor - a sheep farm in Ceredigion, and Old Wallace Farm – a mixed livestock and arable farm in the Vale of Glamorgan. Species recovery ● Continued our high-profile restoration of the Marsh Fritillary Butterfly at Llantrisant Common (including monitoring of the population and further habitat restoration work), and initiated a new restoration project for this species in North Pembrokeshire. We published a Marsh Fritillary restoration, reinforcement and recovery guidebook in 2024, to disseminate good practice in conservation of this species. ● Worked in partnership with landowners and conservation groups on a landscapescale conservation programme for water voles in the River Thaw, Glamorgan (involving release of 100 captive-bred individuals). Secured funding for and initiated a Water Vole conservation project in the South Wales Valleys, conducting research on this poorly-known upland population and engaging with local communities. This work includes habitat restoration and an eradication programme for non-native American Mink. ● Our collaborative work with landowners includes surveys and monitoring of farmland birds, particularly Yellowhammer in the Vale of Glamorgan. Nature Investigations, advocacy, litigation and campaigns ● Progressed in our ambition to create a nature conservation investigations unit for Wales, by securing funding for the appointment of a Communications Officer and an Investigative Journalist. ● Highlighted the impact of grassland fires and unmanaged conifer regeneration on grassland, heathland and woodland habitats. ● Continued a 2-year campaign and ongoing legal challenge, to ensure that Natural Resources Wales safeguards a grassland/heathland Site of Special Scientific Interest in Rhondda Cynon Taf,
that is currently in unfavourable condition. Supporting early career conservationists and conservation volunteers ● Worked with over 50 volunteers – taking part in practical habitat management for a range of species and habitats, including in the Amman Valley, Carmarthenshire, led by our Community Wildlife Officer. This includes nestbox schemes for Barn Owls, House Martins and Pied Flycatchers, and a community wildlife garden producing plants and seeds for farmland habitat restoration projects across south Wales ● Delivered 20 volunteer events – mainly focused on our landscape restoration work around the Amman Valley (Carmarthenshire), and our Marsh Fritillary reinforcement (Llantrisant). Other major volunteer events involve working closely with Bridgend College students at our farm restoration project, Cefn Garthenor (Ceredigion). ● Delivered 2 training days – For Water vole and Marsh Fritillary conservation. ● Our small team of conservation staff gain a wide experience through working on the projects outlined above, as well as a range of external contracts with other organisations such as the RSPB. Engagement and education ● Delivered 12 educational talks to numerous groups and organisations about nature conservation and the work of INCC. ● Delivered 3 school / children’s group conservation activities. Communication ● Continued the twice-yearly publication of Natur Cymru , the bilingual journal of record for wildlife and conservation in Wales, with a circulation of ~650 subscribers. ● Written 6 informative articles – for various media, and including topics such as habitat restoration at Cefn Garthenor and the state of our SSSIs. ● Written 3 press releases to help inform
| supporters of the work of INCC and our conservation projects. ● Used social media to communicate our messages to a wide audience, via Facebook, X, Bluesky and LinkedIn. ● Used two hard-hitting animations to demonstrate to the wider public the issues that wildlife faces: https://bit.ly/StopTheWarOnNature https://bit.ly/INCCWaterVole ● Given 2 radio interviews / segments ● Given 2 TV interviews / segments |
||
|---|---|---|
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | The Trustees of INCC are aware of their legal requirement under the Charities Act to have regard to the commission’s public benefit Guidance (PB1, PB2 and PB3). Furthermore, INCC Trustees have taken the guidance into account when making a decision to which the guidance is relevant. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
SORP reference |
||
|---|---|---|
| Policy on grant making | Para 1.38 | n.a. |
| Policy on social investment including program related investment |
Para 1.38 | n.a. |
| Contribution made by volunteers |
Para 1.38 | INCC worked with over 50 volunteers – taking part in practical habitat management for a range of species and habitats. as INCC delivered 20 volunteer events – mainly focused on our landscape restoration work around the Amman Valley (Carmarthenshire), and our Marsh Fritillary reinforcement (Llantrisant). Other major volunteer events involve working closely with Bridgend College students at our farm restoration project, Cefn Garthenor (Ceredigion). |
| Other |
Achievements and Performance
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
Para 1.20 | Key Achievements Llwyndewi Farm nature reserve ● We began management of our first nature reserve, inviting groups and volunteers to help with its management, including reinstating traditional cattle grazing to improve habitat. Other habitat restoration projects ● Various habitat restoration projects, across multiple sites, including planting Devil’s-bit Scabious and creating arable margins to support species like Yellowhammer and Brown Hare. SSSI management in south Wales ● Legal pressure on Natural Resources Wales (NRW) to manage a neglected grassland SSSI, resulting in increased efforts to engage with the land manager. Marsh Fritillary population restoration projects ● Continued success in the Marsh Fritillary restoration project at Llantrisant Common, publication of a Marsh Fritillary conservation handbook in 2024, and initiation of a new population restoration project in N Pembrokeshire. Water Vole conservation and associated American Mink control ● Partnership project to reintroduce Water Voles to the River Thaw, and conserve Water Voles in the Rhondda Valley, with efforts to control non-native American Mink and improve habitat. Investigative journalism project ● Development of a unique investigative project to challenge environmental decision-makers and deliver effective campaigns. This has subsequently led to appointment of a Press Officer and an Investigative Journalist during the 2025-26 financial year. |
Community engagement ● Involvement of local communities and volunteers in conservation projects, including school children and local residents. Public engagement and education ● Delivered 12 educational talks, 20 volunteer events, and 9 school conservation activities. ● Published Natur Cymru and articles in other publications, and maintained an active social media presence, promoting and explaining our activities to the wider public. Support and funding ● Continued support from donors, volunteers, and organisations like The Waterloo Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, and the National Lottery Community Fund. Public Benefit ● Biodiversity conservation: our projects directly contribute to the conservation and restoration of species and habitats, ensuring a richer and more diverse natural environment for future generations. ● Community involvement: by engaging local communities in conservation activities, we foster a culture of environmental stewardship and enhances public understanding of ecological issues. ● Educational outreach: through talks, publications, and school programs, we educate the public about the importance of nature conservation, inspiring more people to take action for wildlife. ● Advocacy and legal action: our advocacy work, including legal challenges, ensures that environmental laws are upheld and that wildlife receives the protection it needs. ● Sustainable practices: we promote sustainable land management practices that benefit both wildlife and local communities, demonstrating how
conservation and agriculture can coexist. These achievements highlight our commitment to wildlife conservation, community involvement, and effective advocacy for environmental protection in Wales.
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
Achievements against objectives set |
Para 1.41 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | |
| Investment performance against objectives |
Para 1.41 | |
| Other |
Financial Review
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | At the end of the period INCC had cash assets totalling £105,258, of which £36,857 was restricted grants and donations, and £68,401 was unrestricted funds and reserves (£38,377 reserves). Total income for the period was £156,779 of which £72,195 was from restricted grants and donations, £26,497 from_Natur Cymru_ magazine and INCC supporter scheme income, £29,391 from consultancy services, and £28,716 from unrestricted donations. Total spending during the reporting period was £123,876 of which £61,086 was restricted grant expenditure, £27,787 was _Natur Cymru_and Supporter Scheme running costs, £31,220 was project delivery and core costs, e.g. project staff costs, and £3,783 was consultancy services expenditure. INCC is in a secure financial position, with income up approximately 64% on the previous financial year. |
|---|---|---|
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | It is INCC policy to retain financial reserves totalling 6 months staff,_Natur Cymru_and supporter scheme costs. These reserves are held so that INCC has the means with which to deliver on grant, subscription, and supporter scheme promises in the event of a planned closure. |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | £38,377 |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | NA |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | None |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 | None |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
The charity’s principal sources of funds (including Para 1.47 any fundraising) Investment policy and objectives including any Para 1.46
| social investment policy adopted |
||
|---|---|---|
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | |
| Other |
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
||
|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 | Constitution |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | CIO |
| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees |
Para 1.25 | The incoming Chair and new trustees were appointed by current board of trustees. The other trustees and Treasurer were self- appointed at the initial constitution of the Initiative for Nature Conservation Cymru. |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees |
Para 1.51 |
|
|---|---|---|
| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
Para 1.51 | |
| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 | |
| Other |
Reference and Administrative details
| Charity name | Initiative for Nature Conservation Cymru |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses | Name subsequently changed to Wild Cymru / Cymru Wyllt after the current reporting period. |
| Registered charity number | 1180113 |
| Charity’s principal address | Science Centre, c/o National Botanic Garden of Wales Llanarthne, Carmarthenshire SA32 8HG |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole year |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth Chadwick |
Chair | Chair until 09/01/2025 | ||
| LyndseyMaiden | Secretary | |||
| Carys Solman | Treasurer | |||
| Daniel Jenkins- Jones |
Trustee, incoming Chair |
Chair from 09/01/2025 | ||
| Robert Thomas | Trustee | |||
| Julian Jones | Trustee | |||
| Michael Shewring | Trustee | |||
| James Vafidis | Trustee | Resigned 14/02/2025 |
– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved Director name None
Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
| Trustee name | Dates acted if not for whole year | |
|---|---|---|
| None | ||
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Description of the assets None held in this capacity
Name and objects of the None charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for n.a. safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
| Type of adviser |
Name Address |
Name Address |
|---|---|---|
| n.a. | ||
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Robert Jones Parry
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
n.a.
Other optional information
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s) Robert J. Thomas Full name(s) Carys Solman
Position (e.g. Secretary, Treasurer Trustee during the reporting period, Chair, etc) now Secretary
Date
23rd January 2026
----- Start of picture text -----
Charity Name 1180113
Initiative for Nature Conservation Cymru (INCC)
Receipts and payments accounts CC16a
For the period Period start date Period end date
To
from 01.04.24 31.03.25
Section A Receipts and payments
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment
Total funds Last year
funds funds funds
to the nearest
to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £
£
A1 Receipts
Supporter Scheme & Natur Cymru 26,497 - 26,497 24,825
Donations 28,716 19,926 - 48,642 4,637
Services 29,391 - 29,391 14,540
- - -
Grants 51,941 - 51,941 51,097
Other 328 - 328 238
- - -
- - -
Sub total (Gross income for
84,604 72,195 - 156,799 95,337
AR)
A2 Asset and investment sales,
(see table).
- - - -
- - - - -
Sub total - - - - -
Total receipts 84,604 72,195 - 156,799 95,337
A3 Payments
Core costs & Project delivery 31,220 - - 31,220 15,426
Supporter Scheme & Natur Cymru 27,787 - - 27,787 20,270
Services expenditure 3,783 - - 3,783 5,197
Grant expenditure 61,086 - 61,086 32,435
- - - - -
- - - - -
- - - - -
- - - - -
- - - - -
Sub total [ 62,790 ] 61,086 - 123,876 73,328
A4 Asset and investment
purchases, (see table)
- - - -
- - - -
Sub total [ - ] - - - -
Total payments 62,790 61,086 - 123,876 73,328
Net of receipts/(payments) 21,814 11,109 - 32,923 22,009
A5 Transfers between funds 8,249 - 8,249 - - -
A6 Cash funds last year end 38,338 33,997 - 72,335 -
Cash funds this year end 68,401 36,857 - 105,258 22,009
----- End of picture text -----
CCXX R1 accounts (SS)
27/11/2025
1
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
| Categories Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees B1 Cash funds B2 Other monetary assets B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use B5 Liabilities B3 Investment assets |
Signature Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Details Details Laptop & software 18 x wildflife cameras Details Polytunnel Details (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) Total cash funds Reserves Details |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ 36,857 30,024 - 38,377 - 68,401 36,857 OK OK Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) Awards for All - Waterloo Foundation - Pen-y-cymoedd Watervole project - - - - - - - Fund to which liability relates Amount due (optional) - - - - - Lyndsey Maiden Print Name Carys Solman |
Endowment funds to nearest £ - - - |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | |||
| OK | |||
| Endowment funds to nearest £ - - - - - - Current value (optional) - - - - - Current value (optional) - - - - - - - - - When due (optional) Date of approval 15/05/2025 15/05/2025 |
CCXX R2 accounts (SS)
27/11/2025
2
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trusteesl members of INITIATIVE FOR NATURE CONSERVATION CYMRU On accounts for the year ended 31 MARCH 2025 Charity no lif any) Set out on pages I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts oflhe above charity I'the Trust") for the year ended 3110312025. Responsibilities and As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation basis of report of the accounts in accordan with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 1"the ACY'I I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Direclions given by the Charity Commission under section 145151{b) of the Act. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention (other than that disciosed below "l in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect". accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or the accounls do not accord with the accounting records Independent examiner's statement I have no concerns and have Come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which altention should be drawn in order to 8nable a proper understanding of the accounts lo be reached. Ple8se delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply. Signed: Date: Name: PETER EVANS LEA Relevant professional qualification{s) or body lif any): FCA Address: LINDEN HOUSE. MONK STREET, ABERGAVENNY, NP7 5NF IER October 2018
Section B Disclosure Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight matters of Concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charty accounts.. directions and guidancè for examiners). Give here brief detalls of any Items that the examiner wishes to disclose. IER October 2018
----- Start of picture text -----
Charity Name 1180113
Initiative for Nature Conservation Cymru (INCC)
Receipts and payments accounts CC16a
For the period Period start date Period end date
To
from 01.04.24 31.03.25
Section A Receipts and payments
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment
Total funds Last year
funds funds funds
to the nearest
to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £
£
A1 Receipts
Supporter Scheme & Natur Cymru 26,497 - 26,497 24,825
Donations 28,716 19,926 - 48,642 4,637
Services 29,391 - 29,391 14,540
- - -
Grants 51,941 - 51,941 51,097
Other 328 - 328 238
- - -
- - -
Sub total (Gross income for
84,604 72,195 - 156,799 95,337
AR)
A2 Asset and investment sales,
(see table).
- - - -
- - - - -
Sub total - - - - -
Total receipts 84,604 72,195 - 156,799 95,337
A3 Payments
Core costs & Project delivery 31,220 - - 31,220 15,426
Supporter Scheme & Natur Cymru 27,787 - - 27,787 20,270
Services expenditure 3,783 - - 3,783 5,197
Grant expenditure 61,086 - 61,086 32,435
- - - - -
- - - - -
- - - - -
- - - - -
- - - - -
Sub total [ 62,790 ] 61,086 - 123,876 73,328
A4 Asset and investment
purchases, (see table)
- - - -
- - - -
Sub total [ - ] - - - -
Total payments 62,790 61,086 - 123,876 73,328
Net of receipts/(payments) 21,814 11,109 - 32,923 22,009
A5 Transfers between funds 8,249 - 8,249 - - -
A6 Cash funds last year end 38,338 33,997 - 72,335 -
Cash funds this year end 68,401 36,857 - 105,258 22,009
----- End of picture text -----
CCXX R1 accounts (SS)
27/11/2025
1
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
| Categories Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees B1 Cash funds B2 Other monetary assets B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use B5 Liabilities B3 Investment assets |
Signature Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Details Details Laptop & software 18 x wildflife cameras Details Polytunnel Details (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) Total cash funds Reserves Details |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ 36,857 30,024 - 38,377 - 68,401 36,857 OK OK Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) Awards for All - Waterloo Foundation - Pen-y-cymoedd Watervole project - - - - - - - Fund to which liability relates Amount due (optional) - - - - - Lyndsey Maiden Print Name Carys Solman |
Endowment funds to nearest £ - - - |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | |||
| OK | |||
| Endowment funds to nearest £ - - - - - - Current value (optional) - - - - - Current value (optional) - - - - - - - - - When due (optional) Date of approval 15/05/2025 15/05/2025 |
CCXX R2 accounts (SS)
27/11/2025
2