**Ealing Parks Foundation Annual Report 23/24** 1 ## **Contents** _**Legal and administration information ..................................................................... 4 Report of trustees .................................................................................................. 5 2023/2024 Annual Review ...................................................................................... 6 Introduction ........................................................................................................... 7 Achievements ........................................................................................................ 8**_ **Green Space Explorers – EPF Forest Schools 2023 .........................................................8 WPI research .............................................................................................................. 10 Park of the Month ........................................................................................................ 11** _**Current Projects .................................................................................................. 13**_ **Pear Tree Park Launch ................................................................................................. 13 South Ealing Cemetery Proposals ............................................................................... 15 Western Road Urban Garden ....................................................................................... 16** _**Strategic and Partnership working........................................................................ 17**_ **Regional Park workshop .............................................................................................. 17 Gurnell redevelopment ............................................................................................... 17 Grove Farm ................................................................................................................. 17 London Borough of Culture bid .................................................................................... 17** _**Fundraising .......................................................................................................... 18**_ **Fundraising and Support ............................................................................................. 18 Fundraising Activities .................................................................................................. 19** _**Engagement ......................................................................................................... 20**_ **Ealing Parks Forum ..................................................................................................... 20 Communications, online and social media .................................................................. 21** _**Governance and Administration ........................................................................... 22 Our plans for the Year Ahead ................................................................................ 23 Financial Statements ........................................................................................... 25 Independent examiners report ............................................................................. 27**_ Cover photo: EPF trustees join the Friends of Perivale Park, James Murray MP, Cllr. Dr Aysha Raza, Cllr Tariq Mahmood, Lager CAN, Ealing Parks team and the Freshwater Foundation to celebrate the new Green Flag Award for Perivale Park. Ealing has 26 Green Flag parks and open spaces. 2 ## _**Foreword by Co-Chairs**_ Welcome to this Ealing Parks Foundation annual report for 2023/ 24. As founder trustees and recently appointed co-chairs of the charity we are delighted to look back on five years of operation and see how far EPF has grown and developed in this short time; building partnerships and delivering events / projects to enhance people's enjoyment of Ealing’s parks and green spaces. During 2023/24 we’ve enjoyed getting out and about, talking to people about how they’d like to shape their local green spaces and working hard to make these ideas happen. We’ve used the data from the Worcester Polytechnic Institute research on community engagement with parks to inform our plans; and we’ve input to strategic discussions affecting the green infrastructure of Ealing borough. EPF Trustees Peter Hutchison, Paul Carter, Jane Fernley and James Woodman capturing feedback at the Pear Tree Park opening event, July 2023 We acknowledge, and are grateful to, our funders, partners, fellow trustees (past and present) and to the unsung heroes in the community who freely give of their time and skills to keep our green spaces clean and vibrant. There are exciting times ahead for EPF as we look forward to working with more groups and growing the charity so that we can deliver improvements for all. We invite others to get involved and be part of the movement to enhance Ealing’s parks and green spaces. Paul Carter Jane Fernley 3 ## Legal and administration information Charity name: Ealing Parks Foundation Charity registration number: 1195171 Company registration number: 11694273 Registered office and operational address: Southall Community Alliance Suite, Southall Town Hall, 1 High Street, Southall, London, England, UB1 3HA First established as limited company 18[th] November 2018; registered with the Charities Commission for England and Wales 14[th] July 2021. Trustees: Sonja Garsvo Chair Resigned 13 October 2024 Paul Carter Appointed 10 July 2020 Jane Fernley Appointed 10 July 2020 Peter Hutchison Appointed 24 August 2022 Jane Newman Appointed 10 July 2020 James Woodman Appointed 24 August 2022 Anne Uwechia Resigned 17 September 2024 Cathy Swift Resigned May 2023 Independent Examiner: Patricia Sucher 4 ## Report of trustees ## Our Vision Ealing Parks Foundation will play a leading role in ensuring that Ealing is a borough with distinctive parks, vibrant green spaces, and exceptional habitat, designed to contribute towards ecological diversity, support environmental sustainability and offer excellent recreational opportunities that connect our community, promoting health and wellbeing, appreciation of our natural environment and providing great places to meet, play, learn, grow, breathe and enjoy nature together. ## Objectives - Enhance the community by supporting parks and green spaces and allowing them to thrive - Realise the full potential of Ealing’s parks and green spaces for everyone to enjoy - - Contribute towards maintaining an excellent quality and appropriate quantity of parks and green spaces - Ensure that parks and green spaces have a positive influence on well-being - Promote activities that engage and empower local communities to actively care for their parks and green spaces - Create and promote opportunities for learning, participating and volunteering, through innovative schemes - Protect and enhance wildlife, heritage, and biodiversity - Celebrate our parks and green spaces ## Delivering Public Beneft The Trustees confirm that they have complied with their duty under the Charites Act 2022 and have due regard to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit. All our charitable activities are focused on health and well-being, education, supporting communities, wildlife, nature and conservation for the benefit of all to enjoy. Our main activities are described in the report below. 5 2023/2024 Annual Review It ## **Forest Schools** Delivered Forest Schools for 30 children with funding from John Lyon’s Charity and Ealing Council’s Holiday Activities and Food Programme (total £6,345) ## **Social Media** Facebook membership grown to 317 Twitter / X grown to 549 followers Sign-ups to EPF newsletter increased 25%. ## **Ealing Parks Forum** Networking event hosted by EPF in October 2023 led to setting up of Ealing Parks Forum - representatives of 18 groups volunteering in Ealing parks and green spaces. ## **Worcester Polytechnic Institute Research** 5 students from the university carried out research in April 2023 on community engagement with parks. 264 people responded and the research generated useful insights for EPF. ## **South Ealing Cemetery Proposal** EPF initiated talks with Ealing Council in January 2024 to refurbish and enhance cemetery. An outline proposal was agreed and improvement work started in summer 2024 with work parties and consultation events. Southfield Recreation Ground ## **Park of the Month** Park of the Month has run successfully promoting visits to Ealing parks and an increase in traffic to EPF website. **----- Start of picture text -----**
Jubilee Park
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## **Funds of the Charity** Total Income 2023 / 2024 £45,882 2022 / 2023 £17,827 Unrestricted Funds 2023 / 2024 £39,537 2022 / 2023 £2,158 Total Expenditure 2023 / 2024 £8,032 2022 / 2023 £6,632 6 ## Introduction This report covers the financial year from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 and includes updates to July 2024 when EPF held its AGM. During this time, we had eight trustees working on a variety of projects. We would like to acknowledge the huge contribution of our outgoing Chair, Sonja Garsvo who resigned in October 2024; after dedicating 5 years’ work to help establish the charity. Sonja has been involved in the charity since its inception in January 2020 and led the Trustees in developing the vision, aims and objectives of the charity and the setting up of policies and governance structures, as well as championing new initiatives and driving communications. Another trustee, Anne Uwechia, resigned after serving two years. We would like to thank Anne for her initiative engaging with friends’ groups, which led to the development of the Ealing Parks Forum. Cathy Swift was a trustee for a short time, but nevertheless made a significant contribution in supporting the development of the website, Park of the Month and in connecting with local green groups; we thank her for her input and continue to work with her as chair of LAGER Can. We now have two co-chairs, Paul Carter and Jane Fernley, who were appointed in October 2024 with the aim of focussing on community engagement and project delivery, as the charity moves into a second phase of development. Paul and Jane bring a wealth of experience, and community contacts, and we have no doubt will help the charity grow and effectively deliver its aims and objectives. During 2023/24 we worked on a variety of projects as the lead or in a supportive role. We also increased our community engagement through improving our website and social media. For the year ahead we aim to build on our successes. We would like to give a special thanks to Ealing Council for financial support during this year and for their partnership and support in kind. 7 ## Achievements ## Green Space Explorers – EPF Forest Schools 2023 Our proudest achievement from this year must be the success of EPF’s ‘Green Explorer’ Forest Schools. In summer 2023 Ealing Parks Foundation, with funding from the John Lyon’s Charity and Ealing Council’s HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) programme, helped 30 children and young people to have memorable school holiday experiences, taking part in exciting, transformative forest-based activities. Some of the children had additional needs (including two who were non-verbal), and these were met by HAF funding an additional support worker, to supplement the two principal Forest School leaders. The children, nominated by their schools, might not otherwise have had the opportunity to have this type of experience. Delivery was once again at Litten Nature reserve in Greenford with 8 days of provision across July and August for children aged 8-11 years old. All the children attending did so at nil cost to themselves, following referral from their schools (Coston’s and Edward Betham primaries) based on the needs of the child or their home circumstances. Nutritional lunches were provided by EPF, supplemented by healthy snacks and treats donated by Waitrose West Ealing. Activities included: - Learning how to safely use different tools – chopping, whittling and transporting logs – and how to safely light a campfire - Developing their physical literacy - practicing balancing skills – and enjoying mindful moments in hammocks slung between the trees - Learning about themselves and immersing in nature - Together they foraged and cooked over the campfire - Creating fabulous crafts from natural materials - Being together and making new friends 8 This year we welcomed visits by: - John the Lyon who enjoyed campfire snacks with the Green Space Explorers - The HAF lead from Ealing Council whose comments included that the scheme was “well organised, children enjoy a real sense of freedom, exercise choice and are physically active throughout the day” - Ealing council’s food inspection team who awarded a 5-star certificate for food safety Due to issues sourcing Forest School leaders, the decision was taken not to run Green Space Explorers in summer 2024, but Ealing Parks Foundation is considering future opportunities to develop the Forest School offer in new settings. 9 ## WPI research In April 2023 we hosted five international students from the Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts – Quentin Collins, Bryce Kennedy, Madison Donahue, Daisy Connors and Alex Moreira. As part of their studies, they devised and undertook research into ‘Evaluating Community Engagement with Parks in Ealing’ providing EPF with an information base for future projects. The group produced a survey and held interviews and conducted observations in four green spaces around Ealing. The survey had a reach of 264 participants from across the borough. Through these academically robust methods the students collected information on the deterrents to park usage, park accessibility, meeting community desires, and how to establish strong relationships between the public and EPF. This research provides invaluable insights and recommendations for how we can improve the awareness of EPF and what concerns we can address in future projects. An example of their findings has been used in the South Ealing Cemetery Project, where issues of ‘personal safety’ have influenced the landscaping and management proposals. We would like to thank the WPI and the students for the tenacity, enthusiasm and energy with which they approached their project work and the detail of the final report. WPI students presenting their research to EPF Trustees and invited guests in a public presentation 10 ## Park of the Month As a charity based in a vibrant and diverse west London borough, EPF is keen to engage the community in parks, particularly people facing barriers to access; we are constantly striving to raise awareness of our wonderful green and blue spaces. Park of the Month is a blog that we have been running since January 2022. Every month we highlight a different green space giving details of its location, history, facilities, and some special mentions such as wildlife areas, sports activities, and children’s centres. We provide pictures showcasing the beauty and nature of the parks and celebrate their uniqueness and variety, from urban pocket parks to precious wild spaces. We are very lucky in this borough to have nearly 150 well maintained and beautiful green spaces, of which have 26 have Green Flag status. Below is a map and pictures from each of our Parks of the Month from April 23 to March 24. From these you can see they range from smaller, more urban parks such as Dean Gardens, to much larger green spaces such as Horsenden Hill, which is the largest nature conservation area in Ealing at 100 hectares. We also have parks such as Brent Lodge, which is a historic site with landscaped gardens and home to various animals and birds as the location of Hanwell Zoo. Some of the parks we featured are at the centre of their community; one such is the new housing development of Acton Gardens, which has a new community centre and green space with play equipment. This park features a sculpture designed by a local resident in collaboration with the community and youth centre and features multiple colourful murals. We are also very lucky to have good sports provision, with many parks offering outdoor gym equipment, basketball, football and tennis courts, cricket nets, and a bowling green. A park to note for their outdoor activity offerings is Spikes Bridge Park which has a sports pavilion providing changing rooms and facility hire. Ealing council has developed a Health Walk initiative, combining close parks together for roughly 2-mile walks: Lammas and Walpole parks, Spikes Bridge and Willow Tree parks, Belvue and Islip Manor parks. 11 **----- Start of picture text -----**
Map of park of the month parks
Horsenden Hill
Northolt Manor
& Belvue Park
Spikes bridge Park
Brent Lodge Park
Dean Gardens
Lammas Park
Acton Gardens
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## Current Projects ## Pear Tree Park Launch Ealing Council officially opened the new Pear Tree Park on July 24[th, ] 2024. In the run up to the event, EPF trustees worked closely with council officers and residents, the Red Green Group, Friends of Perivale Park and local youth leaders in shaping the day and considering how to capture feedback from visitors in person and online. The day itself proved to be a fantastic event for all ages, with a variety of sports, games and cultural activities on offer in wonderful sunshine. EPF were delighted that existing and new park users shared their ideas and priorities for the future of the park. These will be assimilated into thinking for the next stage of development of Pear Tree Park, and its context within the proposed new Ealing regional park. In total we collected 673 survey responses with the most common priorities being to have a café, toilets, and drinking water, green and grassy areas, and play areas for children. Below we feature some of the other suggestions. 13 ## Opportunities ## Activities - Splash park - Geolocation hunt - Radio Control car track - Big chess set - Climbing area - Running trail & junior park run - Padel courts - Sand pit - All ages playground - Events e.g. festivals - A labyrinth - Community fridge / garden - Forest / nature school - Keep fit activities - Wellbeing sessions - Youth engagement - Employability workshops ## Feedback gathered at Pear Tree Park ## Landscaping - Large physical features like Northala - - Water features - Footbridge connecting to Cuckoo Avenue ## Experience improvements - Separate dog area - Better footpath maintenance - Cycle pump & parking - Rubbish bins, picnic tables, lighting - Accessibility for wheelchair / mobility vehicles - Wildlife features 14 ## South Ealing Cemetery Proposals Ealing Parks Foundation began talks with Ealing council in January 2024 on the scope to refurbish and enhance this significant green space (21 acres) which had become rather neglected, while retaining its charm and preserving its dignity as a memorial place for loved ones. Picking up on the outputs of the WPI research regarding personal safety, and reports of antisocial behaviour, we developed a proposal to improve sight lines on the main drive of the Victorian part. Drawing on the expertise of Ealing Wildlife Group we incorporated plans to record and improve biodiversity. Linking with residents, community groups and historians we looked into the possibility of refurbishing the chapels (Grade II listed and on the ‘at risk’ register) and we set a target of achieving Green Flag status in the medium term. This will involve meeting the Green Flag criteria in respect of being a welcoming space, healthy safe and secure, well maintained and clean, environmental management, biodiversity, landscape and heritage, community involvement, marketing and communication, management. To develop this proposal, as well as working with local groups and residents, trustees visited other cemetery parks, such as Tower Hamlets and Margravine, to get ideas for what is achievable in our space. The EPF proposal was accepted in principle by the council and improvement work started in summer 2024; work is continuing and EPF trustees have regular meetings with council officers to review progress and develop ideas. We commissioned local photographer, Crystal Te Moananui Squares, to take before and after photographs of the cemetery to show progress. South Ealing Cemetery entrance and chapels before improvement works 2024 Copyright Crystal Te Moananui Squares 15 ## Western Road Urban Garden Western Road Urban Garden is a former allotment site, covering around 2 acres, that had sat derelict for around 40 years until a consortium of organisations, led by Southall Community Alliance, offered to take it over in 2022 to create a community growing space. The Ealing Parks Foundation is represented on the Steering Committee and has been closely involved in the development of the site. During the period from March 2023, the focus of effort has been principally on clearing the site and putting in place the essential infrastructure for it to operate as an effective growing space. With the help of Ealing Council and a range of volunteer groups, notably Good Gym and LAGER Can, tonnes of fly tipped waste materials were removed from the site. A long stand of overgrown Leylandii were felled to open up the canopy and let light onto the ground. During 23/24 the group also installed: - A 50ft polytunnel - A native hedge around the perimeter of the site - Raised beds built from recycled timber - A fruit orchard including apple, pear, fig, apricot, plum and mulberry - all selected for restricted height - An allotment area made up of 15 mini plots for school or community group use - Raised trugs for individuals with mobility difficulties - Composting toilet - Shipping container to hold tools and materials. The ambition of the site is to become a community growing space operating on environmentally sustainable principles and providing crops to be donated to local food organisations to help combat food poverty. The contribution of EPF to date has been labour and time, but in due course we hope that this can be extended into fundraising and the facilitation of links with other sites and organisations around the borough to share experience and expertise. Volunteers with decorative posts repurposed from a show allotment at RHS Hampton Court 2023 16 ## Strategic and Partnership working ## Regional Park workshop EPF attended the first Regional Park stakeholder workshop held by Ealing Council in early 2024; looking at opportunities and issues around the proposed new regional park utilising and linking existing green spaces and creating a destination for West London. EPF will continue to contribute ideas and support as the proposal develops, particularly around Pear Tree and Perivale Parks, and we welcome the appointment of a new lead officer to drive the next stage of the plan. ## Gurnell redevelopment There has recently been a planning application for redevelopment of Gurnell Leisure Centre. EPF supports the development of a new leisure facility and associated housing, but we are opposed to those aspects of the plan which propose the removal of mature trees (and consequent detrimental impact on wildlife) and the reduction in Metropolitan Open Land. ## Grove Farm Ealing Parks Foundation supported the Friends of Grove Park Farm in drafting their application to the John Spedan Lewis Foundation, which was unfortunately unsuccessful, but provided a good basis for future applications in support of their excellent work. If you want to know more about the extraordinary conservation work going on at Grove Farm, visit https://www.friendsofgrovefarm.org ## London Borough of Culture bid Ealing council made their formal bid for the London Borough of Culture 2025 in February 2024. Ealing Parks Foundation was part of the team put together to develop the bid. Unfortunately, on this occasion, the bid was not successful, but work continues building Ealing’s cultural network and the borough may seek to be reconsidered for the 2027 round. 17 ## Fundraising ## Fundraising and Support The Ealing Parks Foundation raises funds in support of its projects and has the benefit of a small free reserve of funds that can be used as “match-funding” to make any awards go further, increasing value. As well as fundraising for EPF projects, we use our expertise to support other organisations either as a partner in an application or giving advice, guidance, and support in writing an application, in relation to parks and open spaces. We are fortunate to have a Trustee with a wealth of experience in fundraising in the cultural, heritage and environment sector. We understand our responsibilities as set out in the Fundraising Code by the Fundraising Regulator. The focus of our fundraising is for grant funding from charitable Trusts and Foundations, and lottery funding, though we have also fundraised through the Spacehive platform for installation of a drinking water fountain in Southall Park. The Trustees take responsibility for grant applications, researching and producing evidence in support of applications, drafting, working with friends' groups and others, and have the support of a freelance consultant as and when required to support bidwriting for specific projects. In the coming year, as part of our charity growing, we are developing a Fundraising Strategy which will help us achieve delivery of our aims, objectives and projects. We have been developing relationships with local grant makers, as well as London wide organisations, and keep abreast of developments in the fundraising sector e.g. through newsletters from Parks for London, the Heritage Alliance and others. We are immensely grateful to the following for their generosity and support: - Ealing Council - The Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF) - John Lyon’s Charity - The Drinking Fountain Association As well as Winkworth Sherwood, Arnold Clark, Waitrose, and donations through Facebook. We are also grateful for the generosity of private donors who are keen for their donations to make a significant difference to nature and parks projects that are of particular significance to them or as a memorial to others. 18 ## **Gift Aid** Ealing Parks Foundation is registered for gift aid. This has really benefitted delivery of our projects, increasing the value of individual donations. ## Fundraising Activities ## **Southall Pocket Park** Ealing Parks Foundation partnered with Ealing Council to secure £56,880 from the Mayor of London’s £2million Growing Back Greener fund to support plans for a new ‘pocket park’ in Southall. ## **Forest Schools** We made applications to the Holiday Activities Fund and to John Lyon’s charity, both of which were successful. This enabled delivery of the Forest Schools, for disadvantaged young people and those with additional needs, as described in this report under Achievements. ## **Private Donations** One of the key benefits of Ealing Parks Foundation is that we can receive donations from the public to further to work of the charity, for public benefit. We can help individual donors achieve their desire to make a positive difference to parks, playgrounds and countryside, and respect their wish to be anonymous if required. ## **Lammas Park playground** A private donation enabled climbing stones to be created and installed in Lammas Park playground. ## **Horsenden Farm** A donation of £10,000 has been given to EPF to further work in support of Horsenden Farm, a beautiful nature reserve and thriving community farm in Ealing. So far, around £3,500 has been used for provision of gates for the conservation cattle that have been recently introduced to Horsenden to support conservation grazing and wildflower growth. We work very closely with Park Rangers and others to ensure that we can support projects appropriately and make a real difference. If you would like to get a flavour of this unique site, visit https://horsenden.org ## **South Ealing Cemetery** We have an Awards for All application pending, for 3 years of support in delivery of our South Ealing Cemetery project. 19 ## Engagement Good community engagement is central to everything we do. EPF is delighted to be well connected to individuals, community groups, and the council in our common objectives of enhancing Ealing’s green spaces for the enjoyment and wellbeing of residents and visitors and the benefit of wildlife and biodiversity. ## Ealing Parks Forum In October 2023 EPF held a networking event to get to know other groups involved in parks and green spaces in Ealing; these are typically small groups of residents determined to improve and enhance their local green or blue space and include borough-wide groups e.g. Cleaning Up the River Brent (CURB), LAGER Can and others centred on a particular green space. We discussed common issues and the need for better communication between the friends’ groups and the Council. This led to EPF offering to set up a quarterly meeting with the council’s Parks Manager and representative groups. In 2023/4 two Ealing Parks Forum meetings have been held; the Forum is proving a useful space for networking and the resolution of issues, with new members being added by request. The Forum currently comprises 18 members and is expected to grow further. In the short span of 2 meetings it has developed and in future will invite speakers to broaden the agenda; it will also be a stakeholder reference group as the council develops strategies for green infrastructure, climate action and the regional park. Ealing Parks Forum Members: |ling Parks Forum Members:|| |---|---| |Ealing Parks Foundation|Artifcation| |LAGER Can|Brent River and Canal Society| |Southall Community Alliance|West Ealing Green Spaces| |CURB Clean up the River Brent|Goldsmiths Residents Association| |Friends of Grove Farm|Friends of Haven Green| |Friends of Perivale Park|Abundance London| |Friends of Friars Park / Act for Ealing|Freshwater Foundation| |Friends of Grand Union Canal / Ealing
Central Sports Ground|Warren Farm| |Greenshoots Racecourse Community|Ealing Parks Team| 20 ## Communications, online and social media Social media, primarily Facebook and Twitter (now X) are an important resource for community engagement. Facebook’s EPF membership currently stands at 317 members and Twitter at 549. Despite little activity, Instagram has 99 followers; we plan to review our activity and use Insta more effectively. This year also saw a significant refresh of the website, done in-house by our trustee James Woodman; the EPF website is now attracting more attention as the use of socials drives people towards it. EPF is getting 25% more sign-ups and queries via the contact us page. We make good use of our website by promoting current and upcoming projects, and it is the home of our Parks of the Month blog. While we are seeing an increase in sign-ups and total visits to our website, unique visitors have decreased. This could be something to address with further advertising and promoting of our website on our social medias. EPF is conscious of the need to engage in a range of formats suited to our stakeholders: emails, posters and WhatsApp are also widely used. We will continue to review and adapt our means of communication according to our audience and projects. 21 ## Governance and Administration The Foundation was established in 2018 as a Limited Company and has been operating since January 2020, acquiring charitable status in July 2021. The Foundation was initially sponsored by the Parks Department of Ealing Council, who conducted the search for Trustees by open advertisement. The initial Trustees included 7 independent appointments and one nomination from the Council. The Trustees established the vision, aims and objectives, along with a suite of policies and best practice guidance for the Trust’s good governance. We recognised the need to augment the range of skills and experience on the board and selected a further 4 trustees through open recruitment in 2022 to ensure expertise in local community engagement and other areas. The board recognises that further additions to the board would be useful, particularly those with excellent experience in the areas of marketing and communications, legal and finance. The Trust has established a pattern of full board meetings, with project team meetings in-between, ensuring active involvement of all Trustees according to their areas of interest and expertise and the current priorities. It was a challenge to establish our charity activities in the community during Covid 19, alongside limited funding opportunities when many grant givers had to focus their giving to existing charities struggling financially. However, this period gave absolutely clear evidence of the importance of parks and open spaces to people, and the health and well-being of communities. In the next period, we intend to appoint a bookkeeper and a trust administrator / project support officer to help develop and support the charity activities. ## **Reserves** Ealing Parks Foundation holds £63,053 in reserves, of which £56,569 is free reserves. These are held in the charity’s CAF Bank account. The Trustees are anticipating growth in the next financial year, with new spending on staff / consultants and support costs to further the work of the charity. The Trustees have therefore agreed a reserves policy that will hold up to 6 months running costs in reserves, in order that they can meet their financial obligations and regular operational costs. In the next financial year, this amount is anticipated to be £10,500, representing 6 months anticipated operating costs. The Trustees will keep the reserves position under review. 22 ## Our plans for the Year Ahead Ealing Parks Foundation is keen to facilitate tangible improvements to parks and green spaces in Ealing borough for the benefit of local communities. We will continue to promote access to parks and green spaces to the wider public, and work in partnership with Friends groups and other community organisations as well as with park rangers and officers of Ealing council. We will develop a Business Plan for 2025-2028 which will set out our aims and objectives for the period, and how we will achieve delivery of our priority projects and other activities. We will set out a budget for the coming year and monitor progress at 6 weekly Trustee meetings. We will develop a Fundraising Strategy, to sit alongside the Business Plan, which will include potential sources of grant income from trusts and foundations as well as the scope for raising income through public donations, sponsorship etc. A working fundraising plan to deliver the strategy will be developed. We aim to recruit more trustees, having carried out an audit of skills, needs and requirements for the charity. We will continue to develop and build on our excellent relationships with a very wide range of community groups and organisations, to help further our work and create partnerships. We will be part of the London wide strategic initiatives on parks, to both learn from others and share our experiences. We will also link with other parks foundations in the UK with whom we can share ideas and learning. We will conduct a review of our policies and procedures, ensuring they are up to date and relevant. We will continue to co-ordinate and chair the Ealing Parks Forum and play a key role in resolving the issues and concerns raised by members, bringing these to the attention of Ealing Council where relevant and problem solving where we can. We will work proactively with Ealing Parks Forum members in joint initiatives for the benefit of the public encouraging access to parks and open spaces, and in opportunities for getting involved by volunteering. We will continue to look at innovative ways of increasing our presence in the borough and the positive impacts we can bring. 23 We will continue to focus on: - Health and well-being - good quality parks and green spaces support better mental health, physical activity, and opportunities to socialise; in doing so they promote the health and wellbeing of residents and visitors - Education - green spaces provide perfect opportunities for learning about the environment, heritage, culture and the arts via outdoor activities, interpretation, trails, online resources, and social media - Empowerment - parks provide opportunities for all ages to come together and develop personal skills, e.g. Ealing Parks Foundation forest schools offered a perfect opportunity for young people for individual development and team building in a woodland setting. - Wildlife and conservation - supporting the Ealing biodiversity action plan and promoting opportunities for visitors to interact with nature in our parks and green spaces Specific projects will include: - Developing and expanding the Forum into a cohesive and effective strategic stakeholder group - Seizing opportunities to make the most of the new Pear Tree Park and to influence the development of the proposed Regional Park in line with community priorities - Leading and supporting improvements at South Ealing Cemetery, with the aim of establishing a Friends Group and meeting the Green Flag standard within the medium term - Exploring funding opportunities to facilitate EPF projects 24 ## Financial Statements ## **Statements of Financial Activities** For the year ended 31[st] March 2024: 25 ## **Ealing Parks Foundation Balance Sheet as at 31st March 2024** |**Ealing Parks Foundaton**
**Balance Sheet as at 31st March 2024**||| |---|---|---| ||**2024**|**2023**| |**Current assets**|£ 63,703|£ 25,203| |**Creditors: amounts falling due within one year**|£ (650)|£ -| |**Total current assets less current liabilites**|£ 63,053|£ 25,203| |**Total net assets**|£ 63,053|£ 25,203| |**Reserves**|£ 63,053|£ 25,203| |**Charity Funds**||| |Unrestricted General Funds|£ 56,569|£ 18,519| |Restricted Funds|£ 6,484|£ 6,684| |**Total Charity Funds**|£ 63,053|£ 25,203| For the financial year ended 31st March 2024 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies' regime. ## Approved by the Board on: Signed on their behalf by: Paul Carter 26 ## Independent examiners report ## **Independent examiner’s report to the trustees** I report to the charity trustees on my examination on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024. ## **Responsibilities and basis of report** As the charity’s trustees 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 charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the 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 matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: 1. Accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act. 2. The accounts do not accord with those records; or 3. 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. 27 ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDING 31st MARCH 2024** ## **1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES** ## **General information and basis of preparation** Ealing Parks Foundation is a private registered company limited by guarantee in England and Wales. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charity. The address of the registered office and the nature of the charity’s operations and principal activities are detailed within the trustees’ annual report. The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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 issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011, and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention. The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest £. The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated. ## **Funds** Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes. Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. ## **Income recognition** All income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when the charity is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be received. For donations to be recognised the charity will have been notified of the amounts and the settlement date in writing. If there are conditions attached to the donation, and this requires a level of performance before entitlement can be obtained, then income is deferred until those conditions are fully met or the fulfilment of those conditions is within the control of the charity and it is probable that they will be fulfilled. 28 No amount is included in the financial statements for volunteer time in line with the SORP (FRS 102). Investment income is earned through holding money on deposit. ## **Expenditure recognition** All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Irrecoverable VAT is charged as an expense against the activity for which expenditure arose. ## **Support costs allocation** Support costs are those that assist the work of the charity but do not directly represent charitable activities and include office costs and governance costs. They are incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the charity and include project management carried out at Headquarters. ## **Debtors and creditors receivable/payable within one year** Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment of debtors are recognised in expenditure. ## **Tax** The charity is an exempt charity within the meaning of schedule 3 of the Charities Act 2011 and is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. ## **Going concern** The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of the reserves for the charity to be able to continue as going concern. 29 ## **2. INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REMUNERATION** The independent examiners remuneration amounts to an independent examination fee of £150.00 (Not applicable in 2023). ## **3. TRUSTEES REMUNERATION** The trustees neither received nor waived any remuneration during the year (2023: £nil), in their capacity as trustees. ## **4. DEBTORS** 31/03/24 31/03/23 Trade debtors 39 0 **39 0 5. CREDITORS** 31/03/24 31/03/23 Accruals 650 0 **650 0** ## **5. CREDITORS** ## **6. FUNDS RECONCILIATON** Current Year Funds Reconciliation |Restricted
Unrestricted|Balance at Income Expenditure Transfers
Balance at
£
£
£
£
£
6,684
6,345
(7,234)
689
6,484
18,519
39,537
(798)
(689)
56,569
01/04/2023
31/03/2024| |---|---| ||**25,203**
**45,882**
**8,032**
**0**
**63,053**| 30 ## **7. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS** There were no related party transactions in the year or in the prior year. ## **DECLARATION** **The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.** Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees: ## **Signature(s)** **Full name(s)** Paul Carter Jane Fernley **Position** Co-chair Co-chair **Date** 21 January 2025 31