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2022-12-31-accounts

CPRE Avon and Bristol Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2022

CPRE Avon and Bristol is a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) | Branch number 1189628. www.cpreavonandbristol.org.uk

RE Avon and Bristol Annual Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31[st] December 2022

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Number
Trustees’ Report:
Charitable objectives 2
Strategic aims 2
Achievements and performance 4
Financial review 6
Structure, governance and management 7
Plans for the future 7
Reference and administrative details 9
Annual accounts 10

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RE Avon and Bristol Annual Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31[st] December 2022

The Trustees present their annual report and accounts for year to 31[st] December 2022. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and they and the annual report comply with CPRE Avon and Bristol s governing documentation and applicable law.

CHARITABLE OBJECTIVES

CPRE Avon and Bristol ’s charitable objects, as set out in its constitution, are to promote and encourage for the benefit of the public the improvement and protection of the English countryside and in particular that of the unitary authorities of Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire and their towns villages and the better development of the rural environment.

STRATEGIC AIMS

CPRE Avon and Bristol is recognised across the West of England as the only charitable organisation that stands up for the countryside across the whole range of issues affecting it and in doing so can draw on CPRE’s national expertise and experience acquired over many years.

Objectives for 2019-2022:

  1. Protecting our countryside: To focus on preventing or improving those major initiatives and proposals that pose the greatest threat to the future and the sustainability of our countryside.

  2. A Positive Vision for our countryside: To promote and campaign for measures that will increase the prosperity and sustainability of our countryside and the role it can play in enhancing quality of life for urban and rural dwellers alike.

  3. Securing the future of CPRE Avon and Bristol: To achieve a level of financial security for CPRE Avon and Bristol that allows us to expand our activities to levels that significantly increase our effectiveness and public recognition of what we do.

  4. Building recognition and reputation: To build our communications with the public, with key stakeholders and with our members so as to support our strategic goals and achieve our vision.

The organisation’s work will promote a positive vision for the countryside:

Public benefit

The Trustees have complied with their duty to have regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission in accordance with the Charities Act 2011, and they have referred to it when carrying out the Foundation’s charitable purposes.

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RE Avon and Bristol Annual Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31[st] December 2022

IN MEMORY OF DAVID WORSKETT

David was Chair of CPRE Avon and Bristol from November 2018 until he stepped down in June 2022 due to ill health. He sadly died shortly afterwards in July 2022. We are eternally grateful for David, and his leadership of CPRE, contributing to both national and local developments. He led the charity with passion and aplomb and he is sadly missed. The trustees thoughts and well wishes continue to be with David’s family.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

2022 brought a period of change for CPRE Avon and Bristol with the long-standing Director, Sophie Spencer, leaving the branch for new opportunities early in the year. Her eight years’ of service are greatly appreciated by the trustees and have seen the branch develop and professionalise its support for communities across the region.

While recruitment took place, trustee, Charlotte Bennett, stood down from her role to act as interim Director and was re-elected when the new Director, Kate Jordan was appointed in May 2022. This has resulted in a period of change for the organisation.

Hedgerow Heroes

Across the UK, consistent and aggressive flailing has seen many of the Council maintained hedgerows rapidly decline. In the first quarter of the year, the branch secured a grant of £40,000 for a new Hedgerow Heroes project. Funded through a collaboration with national CPRE, the project aimed to transform 118km of hedgerow under the management of South Gloucestershire Council for biodiversity and nature.

A new Project Officer was recruited to lead the work. Sonia Parsons joined the team in June to work with South Gloucestershire Council’s grounds team to upskill and train their workforce to improve the long term their management of hedgerows. During National Hedgerows Week, Sonia ran a series of events and activities to recruit a team of 20 Hedgerow Hero Volunteers, mostly new to hedge-laying, who have been trained and supported to practically manage more than 1km of hedgerow for biodiversity. The project also publicised the importance of more sensitive hedgerow management and explained why hedgerows are being left to grow more naturally.

“This project has ensured this heritage skill is visible and present within the community and valued by the council and partners. We have increased understanding, awareness and won over the hearts and minds within the council grounds team. The tractor drivers feel involved” – Sally Pattison, South Gloucestershire Council Biodiversity Officer. Our South Gloucestershire District Group has reported better relationships with Local Councillors because of this positive project.

The project has also engaged with primary and secondary schools in South Gloucestershire by providing hedgerow toolkits to interested schools to supplement the curriculum. There was significant uptake with 30 toolkits provided and a waiting list established.

Starry Skies

Dark, star-filled skies are magical and awe-inspiring, however light-pollution makes this experience a rarity in the UK. This has a detrimental effect on wildlife, including amphibians, birds, mammals, insects and plants, as well as human health.

2021 saw our most successful Starry Skies and Star Count activities. Due to the change in personnel, the branch focused on promoting and encouraging local participation in the February Star Count and submitted a joint bid with Bristol Natural History Consortium, to run a Night in Nature during their Festival of Nature in June. Based on our experience, we provided the partnership with connections, networks and expertise to ensure it was a success.

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RE Avon and Bristol Annual Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31[st] December 2022

Outreach

During the summer months, the Director partnered with CPRE Gloucestershire to attend two events to raise awareness of our work and explore future partnership opportunities with our neighbouring branch.

Bristol Airport Campaign

Despite tireless campaigning by CPRE Avon and Bristol and a strong cohort of local organisations and residents forming the Bristol Airport Action Network, 2022 saw a serious blow to the campaign against the expansion of Bristol Airport. In 2020 North Somerset Council’s refused the application to expand the airport’s capacity by 20% due to misalignment with their Climate Strategy. However, in early 2022, the Planning Inspectors overruled this and agreed to increase the current limit of 10 million flights a year to 12 million. This was devastating news with which we and Bristol Airport Action Network were bitterly disappointed with serious concerns about the precedent this sets nationally.

Keynsham Anaerobic Digester

Following a robust campaign, in March 2022, we celebrated the unanimous rejection from Bath and North East Somerset Council Planning Committee of proposals for a giant Anaerobic Digester within the Green Belt just outside Keynsham at Queen Charlton.

Council Officers recommended rejection on multiple planning grounds including the complete absence of any “special circumstances” that would have justified over-riding Green Belt protection. Ecological, environmental, and major traffic implications were all also important considerations in the decision.

CPRE Avon and Bristol worked closed with the local campaign group POKE, submitting a submission that received considerable attention and was given significant prominence, being quoted by local Councillors during the debate.

District Groups

In Avon and Bristol, there are three long-established and committed District Groups, mirroring the Local Authority boundaries of North Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Bath and North East Somerset Councils. These volunteers lead work to monitor and influence developing Local Plans, respond to planning applications and build relationships with local decision makers. They are also invaluable in providing local insight and expertise to determine our approach to regional issues, like the Bristol Airport campaign and the Bath and North East Somerset District Group were instrumental in the campaign against the Keynsham Anaerobic Digester

Thanks to the recruitment of several new and energetic Trustees living in Bristol, a new District Group has been created to cover the area of Bristol. The group is focused on strategic planning responses and influencing Bristol City Council. It also aims to recruit new members from the city area, from which the branch traditionally has not secured much traction. This work will continue to be developed with new partnerships and opportunities explored as they arise.

National CPRE

One of the greatest strengths of CPRE is its structure. The expertise and national capacity of National CPRE continue to strengthen and support our local efforts. The Hedgerow Heroes project is the perfect example of this partnership’s strengths, where national policy and priorities attract funding that enables local, grassroots projects, like ours, to thrive.

Our Chair, David Worskett, was instrumental in leading the development of the new Network Assembly which is a new structure designed to strengthen decision making and relationships between National CPRE and the branch network. CPRE Avon and Bristol welcome this change and look forward to supporting its implementation.

Trustee Kaley Hart and local volunteer Care Le Grice Mack sit on the national Policy Committee, providing advice and local insight to policy matters.

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RE Avon and Bristol Annual Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31[st] December 2022

Volunteers

The Board of Trustees would like to thank our District Groups for their tireless efforts protecting and enhance the countryside in their local areas. We would also like to extend special thanks to those that attend the Executive Committee, ensuring local issues are raised.

Our Hedgerow Heroes project would not have been possible without the support of our Hedgerow Hero volunteers who have committed hours to understanding the importance of hedgerows for biodiversity and taking action to enhance them in South Gloucestershire.

Sincere gratitude goes to Kelsey Parker an office volunteer leading our volunteer and social media coordination in 2022.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

2022 saw a significant increase in our income from 2021 due to a new project grant and an increase in unrestricted income for core costs. This is indicative of the new focus on fundraising, work to diversify income streams and the ongoing development of the branch.

Please note that the organisation’s accounts are prepared on a receipts and payments basis and no account has been taken of accrued or prepaid income or expenditure.

Our unrestricted income in 2022 included £13,723 of membership fees, £9,854 of donations including one legacy of £4000, a generous donation of £3,500 from our former Chair, David Worskett, £150 of donations secured through an appeal to Parish and Town Councils and £2,000 from AXA’s Community Fund. Finally, we issued our first mailing appeal to smaller trusts and foundations from which we received a £500 unrestricted grant from Arnold Clark.

Our restricted income of £26,218.66 was received from a private donor who, through national CPRE, has supported our Hedgerow Heroes project which will continue to March 2023. This project will also support the branch’s core costs.

The trustees are sincerely grateful to all those that have supported CPRE Avon and Bristol’s work during this period.

In total during the year, CPRE Avon and Bristol received income of £50,357 and paid out £39,599 on charitable activities and fundraising. Net movement in funds on unrestricted funds was £4,652 and £6,106 on restricted funds resulting in total funds balances of £53,192 at the end of this financial year.

Reserves policy

CPRE Avon and Bristol has reserves equating to a full years’ operational costs. This will be held to smooth out fluctuations in cash flow, meet emergencies and allow CPRE Avon and Bristol to maintain its financial sustainability. The balance of free reserves at the end of 2022 was £47,086.

Risk management

The Trustees have examined the major strategic and operational risks which CPRE Avon and Bristol may face, and they have established systems which enable regular reports to be produced so that the necessary steps can be taken to minimise these risks.

Going concern

The Board of Trustees are satisfied with the performance of the branch during the accounting period and the position at 31st December 2022 and consider that the CPRE Avon and Bristol is in a reasonable position to continue its activities during the coming year, and that the branch’s assets are adequate to fulfil its obligations.

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RE Avon and Bristol Annual Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31[st] December 2022

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

CPRE Avon and Bristol is a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO).

CPRE Avon and Bristol is governed by a board of trustees who have overall responsibility for the governance, regulatory obligations and management of the foundation. The board of trustees seeks to ensure the best interest of stakeholders in all management decisions. There are several key people, including District Group members who are invited to join the Executive Committee, providing expertise and guidance to the trustees but without voting rights.

In June, our Chair, David Worskett stood down due to ill health and tragically died in July 2022. David was our driving force during his period in office. He pushed forward many new initiatives to develop the branch and led development projects at National CPRE. He was instrumental in the campaign against the expansion of Bristol Airport, in establishing the new Bristol District Group and the charity’s new approach in delivering practical and positive projects.

In the interim while recruiting for a new Chair, Vice-Chairs David Ambrose and Charlotte Bennett stepped up to provide stability. The branch commissioned a recruitment agency to appoint the right candidate at Sarah Pitt was elected as Chair in early 2023.

The board of trustees work to a framework structure to cover regulatory, financial and stakeholder obligations. Board meetings primary took place on Zoom and in-person in 2022.

Management

CPRE Avon and Bristol services are delivered by an operational, part time team. The team includes the Director and one project team member on a short-term contract. The team work from home.

The reporting structure includes the staff team reporting into the Director with the Director reporting directly to the Chair and Board of Trustees. The performance review of the Director is undertaken by the Chair of Trustees.

The resources required to run a successful branch includes office equipment, such as IT and general office equipment which has been provided from funds from CPRE Avon and Bristol.

Complaints

CPRE Avon and Bristol received no complaints regarding our fundraising practices.

Independent examiners

MJB Accounting were re-appointed as independent examiners to the branch during the year and have expressed their willingness to continue in that capacity.

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

2022 was a turbulent year for the branch and we look to 2023 with optimism for stability and quick progression on our priorities.

CPRE Avon & Bristol objectives for 2023:

  1. Protect our countryside - with a focus on planning, protecting greenbelt and greenfield in urban areas;

  2. Positive vision for our countryside - offering opportunities for people to experience the natural world through projects like Star Count and Hedgerow Heroes;

  3. Secure the future of CPRE Avon & Bristol - attract more volunteers, refine and strengthen our volunteering offer, grow membership, fundraise;

  4. Build recognition and reputation – run events, strengthen social media, fundraise.

We hope to continue to build on our projects. Phase 1 of the Hedgerow Heroes project draws to a close in March 2023, however plans for phase 2 have been submitted for funding. In 2023, we aim to continue supporting the Hedgerow Heroes volunteers in South Gloucestershire to enhance further hedgerows and to expand the project into Bath and North East Somerset Council, focusing on both

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RE Avon and Bristol Annual Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31[st] December 2022

Local Authority and privately owned hedgerows and we will seek funding for a campaign on rooftop renewables.

We sincerely thank our members for their ongoing support and hope to see them at the 2023 AGM.

Charlee Bennett Vice Chair

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RE Avon and Bristol Annual Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31[st] December 2022

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Trustees

The following served as Trustees during the year (unless shown otherwise):

Chair:

David Worskett (to June 2022) Christopher Ambrose (Vice Chair) Charlotte Bennett (Vice Chair) Dr Miles Thompson Prof Chris Wilmore Kaley Hart (Treasurer) Catherine Withers

Correspondence Address

PO Box 3435 Bristol BS6 9PS

Branch Registration Number

1189628

Independent Examiner

MJB Accounting 83 Upper Halfway Beanacre Wiltshire SN12 7QA

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Bristol and Bath Parks Foundation Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31[st] December 2021

ANNUAL ACCOUNTS

Statement of Financial Activities to 31[st] December 2022

The following accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) issued by the Charity Commission to comply with the Executive Committee's obligations as the trustees of the Charity for keeping accounting records.

----- Start of picture text -----
2022 2022 2022 2021
Restricted Total
Income
Subscriptions & Donations
Subscriptions 13,723.79 13,723.79 13,371.97
Donations & Legacies 9,854.21 9,854.21 1,803.14
Restricted Grants Hedgerow Heroes 26,218.66 26,218.66
Unrestricted Grants 500.00 500.00
Other Income
Training Supplied 100.00
Investment Income
Bank Interest 59.94 59.94 30.46
Total Income 24,137.94 26,218.66 50,356.60 15,305.57
----- End of picture text -----

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Bristol and Bath Parks Foundation Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31[st] December 2021

2022 2022 2022 2021
Expenditure Restricted Total
Direct Charity
Insurance 390.68 390.68 533.70
Telephone 99.29 99.29 116.59
Fundraising 1,200.00 1,200.00
Travel,Accomodation & Room Hire 301.99 301.99
Other
Office & Administration Expenses 116.99 116.99 107.51
Salaries & Wages 12,581.46 12,307.48 24,888.94 10,547.16
Recruitment 574.00 574.00
Staff Expenses 802.30 802.30
Volunteer Expenses and Welfare 391.73 391.73
Training 1,050.00 1,050.00
Materials 241.30 241.30
Publicity& Promotion 813.44 813.44
Costs of Education 1,872.60 1,872.60
Events 69.20 69.20
Equipment 1,990.97 1,990.97
Postage,Copying& Stationery 525.66 525.66 870.93
Professional 4,248.84 4,248.84 1,342.00
Subscriptions 180.00
Restricted Fund Expenditure 2021 18,453.48
Bank Charges 21.20 21.20 21.30
Total Expenditure **19,486.11 ** **20,113.02 ** 39,599.13 32,172.67
Surplus/Deficit 4,651.83 **6,105.64 ** **10,757.47 ** (16,867.10)
Retained Funds B/fwd 42,434.58 59,301.68
Total Funds 53,192.05 42,434.58
Funded By:
Current Accounts 16,274.59 5,567.77
Deposit Account 36,817.46 36,766.81
Bristol Pounds 100.00 100.00
53,192.05 42,434.58

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Bristol and Bath Parks Foundation Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31[st] December 2021

Notes to the Accounts

  1. The accounts are prepared on a receipts and payments basis and no account has been taken of accrued/ prepaid income or expenditure.

Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees of CPRE Avon & Bristol Respective responsibilities 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 Charities Act 2011 (the charities act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of Independent Examiners Statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with 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 these records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in in audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair' view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below;

Independent Examiners Statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

  1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met; or;

  2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

M J Bowles MJB Accounting

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