## **Wild Bird Rescue Dorset** **Charity Number: 1194952** ## **Trustees' Annual Report & Financial Statements** for the period 1[st] January 2023 to 31[st] December 2023 18th January 2024 Wild Bird Rescue Dorset. Charity Number: 1194952 # **Wild Bird Rescue Dorset Trustees’ Annual Report & Financial Statements** for the Financial Period from 1[st] January 2023 to 31[st ] December 2023 ## **Reference & Administration Details** ## **Charity Details:** ## **Wild Bird Rescue Dorset** The charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, registration no: 1194952, registered with the Charity Commission on 25[th] June 2021. The charity is registered with HM Revenue & Customs for Gift Aid. ## **Charity’s Address** Phylcott, West Morden, Dorset, BH20 7EA Phone: 07719658751 Email: sandy@wildbirdrescuedorset.uk Website: www.wildbirdrescuedorset.uk Facebook: facebook.com/wildbirdrescuedorset Instagram: #wildbirdrescuedorset ## **Names of the Charity Trustees who Manage the Charity** Sandra Cristel Becker Christopher Keevil Karen Peirce Angela Welch ## **Names & Addresses of Advisors** None ## **Bank** Lloyds Bank plc. Registered Office: 25 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HN 2 Wild Bird Rescue Dorset. Charity Number: 1194952 ## **Structure, Governance & Management** ## **Type of Governing Document:** Constitution – based on the Charity Commission’s model governing document for Foundation Charitable Incorporated Organisations, ie: where the Trustees are the only Members of the charity. ## **Governance** The charity is governed by the Trustees and meetings are held twice yearly, or more frequently if it is deemed necessary. Additional Trustees can be appointed by way of agreement by all existing Trustees by vote. All newly appointed and existing Trustees are reminded regularly of their responsibilities. ## **Risk Management** The Trustees have identified major risks which face the charity and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate the effect of those risks. Trustees take reputational, operational, and financial risk very seriously. Risks are monitored regularly and managed positively to limit the adverse consequences that can arise from unfavourable events. ## **Organisation** The Trustees continue to discuss the financial affairs and management of the charity, and to leave the day-to-day running of the charity to its Founder Sandra Cristel Becker. In the event of any need to acquire capital items, this is presented to the trustees for their decision. ## **Trustee Selection Methods:** There must be at least three charity trustees. In accordance with the Constitution, Trustees are appointed or re-appointed for a term of one year, to be extended automatically unless otherwise dictated by terms laid out in the Constitution. In appointing Trustees due consideration is given to ensuring that the Trustees have, among them, the skills and experience necessary to manage the charity effectively and in accordance with charity law. ## **Objects** ## **Statutory Declaration on Public Benefit** The object of the CIO is for the benefit of the public; To further the conservation and preservation of the Wild Bird species by providing a rescue, care and rehabilitation service for sick, injured, or orphaned wild birds, with the aim of eventually releasing them back to the wild to their natural habitat. ## **Activities & Performance** ## **Statutory Declaration** The Trustees of Wild Bird Rescue Dorset confirm that they have paid due regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit in deciding what activities the charity should undertake. 3 Wild Bird Rescue Dorset. Charity Number: 1194952 ## **Wild Bird Care and Rehabilitation** During 2023, Wild Bird Rescue Dorset had an intake of 623 birds and 45 various species, far more than 2022, which had an intake of a total of 550 wild birds. We had a fantastic result this year of almost 65% of birds making a full recovery and were able to be released. Due to our small set up and limited facilities and future funds, we aim to stay around 500 intakes maximum a year. All release sites for fledglings were carefully vetted for safety and in line with the species’ natural habitat. Older birds were mainly released back to their originating area to join their family and territory. We, once again, encountered an unprecedented number of “catted” birds this year, which many succumbed to infection, despite veterinary support and antibiotics. Catted birds amounted to almost half of intakes, which is drastic for the species of birds that are now heading towards being red listed. We saw a rise in pox cases this year, prevalent amongst crows, wood pigeons, feral pigeons, and collared doves. However, in contrast to last year, the intake of birds afflicted with canker were at an all-time low this year. Many pigeons and doves had to be put to sleep, or they died within a couple of days of being admitted, mainly from pox and paramyxovirus causing emaciation, and secondary infections. Only 23 birds were transferred to other rescues (rare species, sea birds, or raptors). We still have a good working relationship with other local rescues and will continue to exchange certain birds such as migratory fledglings so that the rehabbers who have a good existing flock can intake others of the same species, which ensures a better survival rate upon release. By allowing certain species being raised together and “sharing the load” between us all, meant we all have reasonable capacity. Moreover, the quality of care was not affected by high numbers of varying species being cared for at the same time. Overview: 196 died in total either by euthanasia, dead on arrival or passed away on site. 387 birds were released and 23 were transferred. 17 still in care. We were very lucky to have fantastic support from local vets and committed, hardworking support volunteers. Below is a pie chart showing the percentage of circumstances of intakes. 4 Wild Bird Rescue Dorset. Charity Number: 1194952 Wild Bird Rescue Dorset currently has 2 support volunteers who regularly take ready fledglings such as pigeons to soft release. We were lucky to have help of an experienced lady this year who took on board over 60 small bird fledglings and weaned them until they were ready for soft release. Unfortunately, she is no longer available due to work commitments. We do not have any volunteers on site at the rescue at this time. We have a few volunteers locally who are happy to assist with collecting birds from local vets or finders. We also encourage finders to bring the birds directly to the rescue where possible, or advised to take to a vet, depending on the severity of injury/illness, for example broken legs, wings or open wounds exposing internal organs. This saves crucial time in getting the bird veterinary help and cuts down travel time and stress for an injured or sick bird. Many local vets in the area contact us regarding the rehabilitation of birds that have been brought to them by the general public. 5 Wild Bird Rescue Dorset. Charity Number: 1194952 ## **Other Activities** Wild Bird Rescue Dorset has continued to raise public awareness of conservation issues relating to wild birds, and the way individuals may support our work, through local talks and social media, articles, and in the future, we hope to generate more press articles. We regularly post online and provide seasonally appropriate information and advice. Further information is also available on our website and via social media. Our Facebook page currently stands at 1875 followers, and 178 Instagram followers. We maintained contact with a network of wildlife and bird rescuers, carers, rehabilitators and vets across Dorset and the UK by way of social media, and email, where tips, advice and information relating to birds were discussed and shared. We are still registered with The British Wildlife Rehabilitation Council, where we are registered and listed as a trusted Wild Bird Rescue. Sandy, our Founder and Chair, has completed the Veterinary Assistant course and has passed every assignment, assessment and module, this may enable her to entry into Veterinary Nursing College, if she chooses to explore that path further. Our yearly veterinary inspection by Lynwood Veterinary Practice was carried out by Senior Vet, Dr Joanne Marie Titcomb BVSc MRCVS. She was very thorough and is happy to continue working with us. Avian flu continued to challenge us, not so much in being subjected to afflicted avians but sadly many vets would not even euthanise, let alone triage a bird. This led to unnecessary suffering in some cases, especially out of hours emergencies. Due to this awful experience, we now have a cervical dislocation device to use, should an absolute emergency arise. Although there were no official Avian Bird Flu outbreaks, we continued with extreme measures to ensure that no dangerous pathogens entered our rescue. All birds were triaged outside in full PPE before entry into the rescue and quarantined. Unfortunately, many vets would not see any wild birds at all, and those that did would only euthanise. As we do not take in any waterfowl or water related birds, poultry, or raptors, we have already minimized our risks to the virus, however, the protocols remain in place for the foreseeable future. Our new large aviary proved a success, especially during the extremely busy period in the rehabilitation of larger birds such as corvids. Having fresh water and electric on hand near the aviaries allows us to save time in cleaning and we have also erected 2 security cameras in and around the aviaries so we are able to check in via our phones at any time day or night. The local Pirates of Poole included us in their fundraising day and raised £500 for us. They had a lovely presentation evening in which we received a large cheque. A local ukelele band regularly raises funds when they perform a gig raising around £1000 over the last 12 months, and we were left £2000 in a Will. We have been most fortunate with donations over the year, which has enabled us to buy new incubators and ICUs and other equipment that were desperately needed. Our little charity shop is doing very well and is helping to support us financially. Maureen Bradshaw is in her 80s and runs the shop for us voluntarily, along with a couple of other volunteers that come when they can. The shop is open 4 days a week for 3 hours and Maureen also did a free fall sky dive this year to raise extra funds, totaling a superb amount of £1118.78. The event was broadcasted on local radio stations, which helped immensely in bringing in more donations. We also had instruction to submit 2022 accounts to HMRC, which was completed and sent before year end. 6 Wild Bird Rescue Dorset. Charity Number: 1194952 ## **Financial Review** ## **Principal Sources of Funding and Outgoings** Wild Bird Rescue Dorset’s principal source of funds is from private donations. The charity was supported by a few local businesses, who raised funds by selling certain items and granting us the profit. This has helped the rescue and promotes what we do and encourages other local businesses to find innovative ways to raise funds for us. Wild Bird Rescue Dorset are registered as a CIO Charity with HMRC so that Gift Aid may be reclaimed on donations where the donor indicates that is their wish. ## **Statement of the Charity's Policy on Reserves** The Charity’s policy on reserves is to generate and maintain a balance which is sufficient: a) to preserve the financial viability of the Charity in the event that unforeseen and/or unavoidable circumstance precipitate a short-term fall in its income; b) to enable the Charity, in the interests of meeting its objectives, to fund short-term deficits in a cash budget, e.g. money may need to be spent before donations are received and to cover the risk of unforeseen emergency or other unexpected need for funds, e.g. an unexpected large vets bill. For these purposes the Charity will endeavour in the future to generate and maintain reserves which are at least 20% of its annual turnover. ## **Details of Any Funds Materially in Deficit** The Trustees declare that the charity had no funds which were materially in deficit at the date of the statement of assets & liabilities. ## **State of the Charity’s Finances** Wild Bird Rescue Dorset’s current resources from unrestricted funds are only just sufficient to meet its immediate outgoings. Being a newly registered charity, we aim to raise these funds so that we have funds in place that will sustain us for a few months ahead. ## **Particulars of Any Outstanding Guarantee Given by the Charity** The Trustees declare that the charity has given no guarantee where potential liability is outstanding at the date of the statement of assets & liabilities. ## **Particulars of Any Outstanding Debt** The Trustees declare that the charity has no outstanding debts which are secured by an express charge on any of the assets of the charity at the date of the statement of assets & liabilities. ## **Statutory Statements on Liabilities** The Trustees declare that: • The charity has given no guarantees where potential liability under the guarantee is outstanding at the date of this statement (eg: any outstanding/ongoing contract or legal undertaking to buy or provide specific services); - The charity has no debt outstanding at the date of this statement which is owed by the CIO and 7 Wild Bird Rescue Dorset. Charity Number: 1194952 which is secured by an express charge on any assets of the CIO (eg: a mortgage on property owned by the charity). ## **Remuneration of Trustees** All Trustees act in a voluntary capacity and receive no remuneration or other material benefits from their services to the Charity. Out-of-pocket expenses necessarily and reasonably incurred by Trustees in promoting the purposes of the Charity are reimbursed at cost. ## **Declaration** Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf, Sandra C Becker, Principal Trustee. Date: 18[h] January 2024 8 Wild Bird Rescue Dorset. Charity Number: 1194952 ## **Statement of Financial Activity** ## **Receipts & Payments Accounts for the Financial Year Ended 31[st] December 2023** ## **CC16a Report at end of this document** ## **Disposition of Funds** The Charity has no designated or restricted funds ## **Notes to the Accounts** ## **a) Accounting Policies** The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 Section 133, using the Receipts and Payments basis available to small charities. ## **b) Reimbursement of Out-of-Pocket Expenses** No Trustees received any reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses in the financial year. ## **c) Salaries & Professional Fees** Wild Bird Rescue Dorset does not charge any professional fees for the services that it provides. No trustee receives any payments for the services they provide to the charity. In the current financial year the charity employed no staff or external contractors. ## **d) Fixed Assets** The charity has no fixed assets ## **e) Creditors** Cheques issued prior to the end of the financial year but not appearing in the end of financial year bank statement are only reported as outstanding creditors if they remain unpresented at the time of producing the financial statements. ## **f) Rounding Discrepancies** All amounts are recorded to the penny, but in these accounts are shown as digitally rounded to the nearest pound. This can occasionally result in a total apparently not being the sum of its constituent amounts. All individual amounts, and their totals, are nevertheless correct. ## **Approval of the Board of Trustees** The Trustees declare that they have approved the above Annual Report & Statement of Financial Activity. Signed on behalf of the Trustees Sandra C Becker, Principal Trustee. Date: 18[th] January 2024 8 Wild Bird Rescue Dorset. Charity Number= 1194952 CHAItITY COMMISSION ILD BIRD RESCUE DORSEr No 1194W2 ANU WALE4 Receipts and payments accounts CC16a Forthe peiiod from 01101￿023 3111212 To Section A Receipts and payments Endowment funds rundg totb¢n*ai*st rundg Total funds Last>*ai toth• Tr•ar•st£ tolh• n•ar•stÈ t￿t￿n•ar•￿tt tOt￿n•ar￿￿E A1 Recei tbfiats)ns cash Events ColecDon Pwe5 sak$ t￿nItI￿n￿￿ Po I j￿G￿1n AMAZON SNIILE )NATIoNS DIPECT TO 84NK Sub totallGross income forAfiI 25 7,1 7,168 449 287 225 9,861 14.3B6 A2 Asset And Invèstmènt sAlè$, (sèè t￿￿e1. Sub (o¢al TotalrÈcelpts 19.$91 19,995 A3Pa nts In5uTanrÉ Vetsf￿ (Tre31￿￿) Admin frgEsI 4Vet6rt¢ Wor¢pre55 MBrkpting {Chii*m￿(St￿￿ PD&ers, PÉE¥ 143 ourse5 EQUIPMENTI INC CONSLIMABLESI FEED AIMTENANCE PEST CONTROL 6.B 4.9 402 4Q2 KIEDICATION DIRECT PURCHASE Veteiirtar ￿￿atiOn Fai 531 422 ¥dun￿r cOStÈ 225 ShDP ￿ll￿ty Surn up DEbrtcard 15Th11aneDuSrt ShoP￿￿t 47 47 Sub (o¢al 18,109 i$,ioh I2,￿? A4 Asset and investment purchase5, Sub Iofal 18,109 1B.tDg I1￿2 Iletofrn¢elpts/{paymentsJ Afj Transfers 1JetY￿en funds A6 Cash funds lèsl year end Cash this 1,787 Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period Unre9trKted funds Re9trieted fund5 End0%*7nent fund5 Wild Bird Rescue Dorset. Charity Number= 1194952 ton4ar•#£ to Nar•st ton•ar4St£ B1 Cash funds BM4K s,sss CA￿ net￿¥thIS ￿ar 1,461 Total cash lunds rece￿I5￿p￿rthls UnrestrKted lunds Restri￿e￿ lunds EndowTnent fund5 tofioir•st£ 82 Other monetaryassets NONE . ¥### Fund tow*leh C05tloptillnall urroTht Ydlu Invesbneni assets NONE Fund towhleh asyètbÈlo Castloptlonill CurrnTht val 84 Assets retained fortht charity'5 own use NONE Fund towhlrh I￿3t￿5 Am¢ynt¢uty Whpn du¢ BS Liabilities NONE gr￿ ty0[￿Ort￿trl¢tee¥ on t*hal of alIt￿t[Ust Signature Print Naw Dato of roval CHRISTOPHER KEEWL 18 01.24