REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1190335
Report of the Trustees and Unaudited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2023 for Knepp Wildland Foundation
Auguste & Auguste
1 Dukes Passage Brighton East Sussex BN1 1BS
Knepp Wildland Foundation
Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2023
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 1 to 5 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 6 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 7 |
| Balance Sheet | 8 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 9 to 12 |
Knepp Wildland Foundation
Report of the Trustees
for the Year Ended 31 December 2023
The trustees of the Knepp Wildland Foundation present their annual report and unaudited accounts for the period ended 31st December 2023. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).
This report covers:
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
The Knepp Wildland Foundation is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), registered with the Charity Commission in England & Wales on 9th July 2020 (Charity Number 1190335).
The Registered office is Knepp Castle Estate Office, West Grinstead, Horsham, RH13 8LJ. The CIO is not known by any other name.
The CIO is governed by a constitution and its trustees are:
| Dr Anthony Malcolm Whitbread | Chair |
|---|---|
| Isabella Elizabeth Nancy Tree | Trustee |
| Sir Charles Raymond Burrell Bt | Trustee |
| David Anthony Green | Trustee |
| Helen Chapman | Trustee |
The CIO has no corporate trustees.
The CIO commits to the recruitment and appointment of at least one new charity trustee in the next reporting period, based on election to post by the current trustees.
Libby Drew is Director of the Foundation.
At the 31st December 2023 there were 6 employees including Libby Drew.
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OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
The objects of the CIO are:
physical and natural environment; and/or
physical and natural environment by promoting biological diversity.
Our charitable activities are:
1. Land management for nature conservation
Including instigating new nature recovery projects elsewhere in the UK, including through land purchase for rewilding.
2. Habitat restoration
Extending habitat restoration work to parts of the estate currently outside the rewilding project, including fencing to protect valuable habitats, and creation of additional wetland habitats.
3. Species reintroduction and reinforcement
The reintroduction and reinforcement of species missing from our landscape.
4. Supporting wildlife education
Community outreach, including providing experience in nature conservation for young people at Knepp.
5. Wildlife survey, recording and research projects
Ongoing wildlife surveys and recording work associated with important natural breeding populations within the Knepp rewilding project.
6. Contributing to the national nature conservation debate
Including participation and conducting workshops and conferences at Knepp.
MISSION AND ORIGIN
The Knepp Wildland Foundation was founded to galvanise nature recovery across Sussex and beyond, contributing to our global effort to reverse our biodiversity crisis. We were established to harness evidence, knowledge and inspiration from the pioneering work of Knepp to support nature recovery at scale, with a particular focus on communities, corridors and the next generation.
Established in 2020, we have set out to invest in nature education, research, reporting, and landscape-scale recovery. This year marked the initiation of our charitable activities within these strategic pillars and the first stages of team development.
ACHIEVEMENTS
This year, Knepp Wildland Foundation made significant strides across its portfolio of projects, reflecting both growth and innovation, as well as consolidating key partnerships and early work on the Weald to Waves corridor. Fundraising efforts secured £352,161, with an
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ACHIEVEMENTS CONTINUED..
Our work is aligning with the growing national focus on conservation at scale, laying the groundwork for sustainable river and landscape recovery that integrates both biodiversity and community engagement. At the heart of our organisation, Weald to Waves is growing in momentum towards a transformative 100-mile nature corridor initiative. This year has seen an exciting new leap towards new digital mapping and communication tools alongside on farm and field work that, together, go a long way to fostering collaboration and civic participation.
2023 marked the first year that Knepp Wildland Foundation took on management of The White Stork Project from the Knepp Estate to continue and expand its pioneering work in both species reintroduction and public engagement. Our new youth engagement programme, Wild Futures, has launched, equipping the next generation of environmental leaders with skills for green jobs. We are also expanding our data-driven approach with the development both the public and specialist audiences. These initiatives fit into the wider momentum around nature recovery, targeted funding interventions, and preparing new generations for careers in the green economy.
PROJECT PROGRESS
Weald to Waves
Weald to Waves has seen notable progress in defining a 100-mile primary route for biodiversity, connecting pledged land with local wildlife sites and priority habitats. Over 12% of farmland and estates in the corridor now pledged and the first smaller plots now registered under a new Gardens and Greenspaces network. Our new digital home launched mid-April, offering interactive maps, blogs, and resources for land managers and the community. This platform will facilitate civic engagement, track impact and provide a this work has been secured from Natural England, The Chalk Cliff Trust, Woodroffe Benton Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, the Woodspring Trust and Patagonia. Additionally, we have secured further funding from Natural England to invest in new areas of scrubland along the corridor. Working with farms and estates, this will introduce and enhance dense thorny scrubland as part of our efforts to boost numbers of scrubland birds such as nightingales, cuckoos and turtle doves, as well as prepare for a possible reintroduction of the red-backed shrike and the black-veined white butterfly.
Adur River Recovery
Knepp Wildland Foundation is proud to coordinate one of the first national river recovery pilots under the new Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS). Funded by DEFRA and managed through grants by the Environment Agency, the Adur River Recovery project is one of the largest collaborations in the country. It involves 27 farms working alongside councils and conservation partners to develop a sustainable model for restoring the River Adur in West Sussex.
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Adur River Recovery continued
A steering committee, composed of land managers and representatives from partner organisations, has been formed to guide key decisions. We are actively collaborating with consultants on natural capital market research, baseline surveys, and legal advisory work. Community engagement is central to the project, with river user surveys and outreach to local businesses, schools, and heritage groups. This development phase will continue until spring 2025, at which point the project will transition into the delivery phase, informed by the ecological, financial, and governance frameworks established.
White Stork Project
We took on management of the successful White Stork Project in May this year. Based at Knepp Estate, with a second site at Wadhurst Park, the project aims to re-establish a wild, breeding population of white storks in the UK. Historically native to the British Isles, white storks were once widely distributed, with records of sightings from 1958 until 1983, when they were considered a regular species. However, due to a lack of breeding, they were unlikely to return without intervention. In partnership with Cotswolds Wildlife Park and the Roy Dennis Foundation, the project has successfully established a thriving population at Knepp, with the goal of increasing public engagement.
To support this, we recruited a new project officer, an experienced educator with a background in biology and science communication. Her role combines practical tasks with community engagement and education. This year, the project recorded 12 stork nests and 26 successful fledglings. Over 400 students visited the stork sites and learned more through success, and we have raised funds for satellite tags to track and share their journeys via an online map. Donations from the Lochlands Trust and Skylark Coffee have helped cover project costs.
Wild Futures Youth Engagement programme
engagement programme to provide skills, networks, and opportunities for 12-25 year olds, while learning from their ideas and experiences. This initiative includes six weeks of summer residential courses, delivered in collaboration with Operation Wallacea (OpWall), which equipped over 100 young participants and volunteer staff with transferable skills in survey and habitat work. Additionally, we introduced our first bursary programme, offering support Carte Charitable Trust.
This year, we also piloted two paid placements for graduates, offering hands-on experience in biodiversity and nature recovery careers. These placements will become a key part of our strategy to create more paid work opportunities for young people in Sussex alongside
We hosted the second annual youth-led summit, Resurgence, in partnership with Heal and Young Wilders. The event brought together over 100 young people at Knepp for two days of workshops focused on access to the countryside, diversity and inclusion in the green sector, and environmental connectivity. The summit was generously supported by SkyLark Coffee and the Ernest Kleinwort Charitable Trust, and the insights gained continue to shape our youth engagement and nature education strategies.
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Data and Insights
to a wider audience. Data is crucial for driving effective conservation efforts, informing decision-making, and enhancing public understanding of ecosystems. We are developing an initial platform, Wild Data, that showcases species and habitat data. Supported by Rewilding
with surveys, data sets, and science stories in the coming months. By providing transparent access to this data, we hope to empower researchers, students, conservationists, and encourage new interest across public audiences. We are aiming for an initial launch in winter 2024.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
For the year ended 31 December 2023, there was a surplus of £50,304 (2022: £70,343)
There was a balance of £87,224 of unrestricted funds (2022: £79,898) and £42,978 of restricted funds (2022: £nil).
The trustees agreed to maintain three months of operational reserves to ensure the smooth ongoing day to day operations of the charity.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Registered Charity number 1190335
Principal address
Estate Office Knepp Castle West Grinstead HORSHAM RH13 8LJ
C Burrell - Trustee A Whitbread - Chair
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Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Knepp Wildland Foundation
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of the Knepp Wildland Foundation
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Knepp Wildland Foundation (the Trust) for the period 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 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:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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.
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.
K. Auguste - ACA 1590984 Auguste & Auguste 1 Dukes Passage Brighton East Sussex BN1 1BS
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Knepp Wildland Foundation
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 December 2023
| Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 December 2023 |
|
|---|---|
| Notes INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM 3 Grants Donations and legacies Charitable activities EXPENDITURE ON 4 Fundraising Charitable activities NET INCOME RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds at brought forward TOTAL FUNDS AT CARRIED FORWARD |
Year ended Year ended 31.12.2023 31.12.2022 Unrestricted Restricted Total Total Funds Funds Funds Funds £ £ £ £ - 199,559 199,559 - 44,095 45,122 89,217 128,827 3,735 51,550 55,285 49,911 (24,069) - (24,069) - (16,435) (253,253) (269,688) (108,395) |
| 7,326 42,978 50,304 70,343 |
|
| 79,898 - 79,898 9,555 |
|
| 87,224 42,978 130,202 79,898 |
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Knepp Wildland Foundation
Balance Sheet
for the Year Ended 31 December 2023
| Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 9 CURRENT ASSETS Cash at bank and in hand Prepayments Accrued income CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 6 NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES NET ASSETS FUNDS Unrestricted funds 7 Restricted TOTAL FUNDS |
Year ended 31.12.2023 Total Funds £ 16,925 177,251 560 50,576 (115,110) 113,277 113,277 130,202 87,224 42,978 130,202 |
Year ended 31.12.2022 Total Funds £ 16,238 68,299 536 - (5,175) |
|---|---|---|
| 63,660 | ||
| 63,660 | ||
| 79,898 | ||
| 79,898 - |
||
| 79,898 |
and were signed on its behalf by:
A Whitbread - Chair
C Burrell - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
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Knepp Wildland Foundation
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2023
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Going Concern
The Trustees have reviewed the Financial Position of the Foundation and consider that the going concern basis of accounting is appropriate. There are no material uncertainties in relation to the going concern status of the Foundation.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
Plant and equipment - 20% on cost Computer equipment - 20% on cost
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Knepp Wildland Foundation
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2023
2. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the period ended 31 December 2023.
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the period ended 31 December 2023
| Year ended | Year ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 31.12.2023 | 31.12.2022 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| 3. | INCOME | ||
| Grants | 199,559 | - | |
| Donations and legacies | 89,217 | 128,828 | |
| Charitable activities | 55,285 | 49,911 | |
| 344,061 | 178,739 | ||
| 4. | EXPENDITURE | ||
| Fundraising Costs | 24,069 | - | |
| Charitable Activities | 248,704 | 66,091 | |
| Support Costs (See note 5) | 20,984 | 42,304 | |
| 293,757 | 108,395 | ||
| 5. | SUPPORT COSTS | ||
| Legal / Professional Fees | 328 | 990 | |
| Accountancy Fees | 3,774 | 3,207 | |
| Office Costs | 2,454 | 367 | |
| Computer running costs | 2,444 | - | |
| Marketing costs | 659 | - | |
| Bank Charges | 110 | 117 | |
| Staff costs | 4,086 | 34,167 | |
| Travel | 2,695 | 169 | |
| Depreciation | 4,434 | 3,287 | |
| 20,984 | 42,304 | ||
| 6. | CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR | ||
| Accruals & deferred income | 105,507 | 2,472 | |
| Creditors | 8,832 | 2,477 | |
| Social Security | 771 | 226 | |
| 115,110 | 5,175 |
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Knepp Wildland Foundation
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2023
| 7. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Knowledge and Influence Landscape Recovery New Generation Species Recovery TOTAL FUNDS |
Net At movement At 01.01.2023 in funds 31.12.2023 £ 79,898 7,326 87,224 - 1,603 1,603 - 11,419 11,419 - 9,207 9,207 - 20,749 20,749 |
|---|---|
| 79,898 50,304 130,202 |
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Knowledge and Influence Landscape Recovery New Generation Species Recovery TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming Resources Movement resources expended in funds £ £ £ 47,830 (40,504) 7,326 17,582 (15,979) 1,603 172,177 (160,758) 11,419 62,489 (53,282) 9,207 43,983 (23,234) 20,749 |
|---|---|
| 344,061 (293,757) 50,304 |
8. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
Charles Raymond Burrell & Isabella Elizabeth Nancy Tree
Trustee Joint donation of £10,000
Isabella Elizabeth Nancy Tree Trustee Donation of £3,000
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Knepp Wildland Foundation
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2023
8. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES continued
The charity has a very close relationship with Knepp Farms LLP, Knepp Castle Estate and Knepp Swallow Ltd, all of which enable the charity to carry out its charitable objectives. The following transactions were made with those entities during the year ended 31 December 2023:
Expenditure incurred
| Expenditure incurred | |
|---|---|
| Knepp Farms LLP | £1,531.96 |
| Knepp Castle Estate | £2,016.29 |
| Knepp Swallows Ltd | £143.85 |
9.
10.
| TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Plant and Computer equipment equipment COST £ £ At 1 January 2023 19,525 - Additions 3,331 1,790 At 31 December 2023 22,856 1,790 DEPRECIATION At 1 January 2023 3,287 - Charge for year 4,238 196 At 31 December 2023 7,525 196 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 December 2023 15,331 1,594 At 1 January 2023 16,238 - STAFF COSTS 31.12.23 £ Salary staff 115,836 Social security costs 5,897 Other pension costs 2,695 124,428 The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows: 31.12.23 Employees 6 |
Totals £ 19,525 5,121 |
|---|---|
| 24,646 | |
| 3,287 4,434 |
|
| 7,721 | |
| 16,925 16,238 31.12.22 £ 29,885 3,510 772 |
|
| 34,167 31.12.22 1 |
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
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