The Dulwlch Park Frlends: trustees, annual report as presented at Aprll 2026 AGM
This short Report outlines the following:
The principal events we have organised or been involved with In Dulwich Park.
Our finances and how we have spent our funds.
Other actions and activities related to Dulwich Park.
Our objectives and plans for the upcoming year.
We would very much welcome anyone who would like to join us as a committee memberltrustee, equally
anyone who is able to help us by volunteering in upcoming events. If you are interested in helping in
any way please contact us at dulwichparkfriends@gmail.com.
Princlpal events DPF have organlsedlbeen Involved with
Tend the park sessions- these are gardening activities in the Park- typically every month in the
Springlearly Summer months and then again in the Autumn. We have planted spring bulbs and
plants all over the park as well as undertaking clearance sessions in the copse, American
Gardens and Dry Garden.
Litter picking- every Monday morning from Easter to September a group of around 10 core
members supports the park staff in picking up litter where this has been left by visitors and then
spread by foxes. Litter control in the park continues to be a challenging issue, especially when
the weather is warm enough for pic-nics and take away food in the park. The issue of litter and
waste collection in the park has been raised with the park management and Councillors and is
the subject of on-going discussions but remains unresolved.
The Giant Teddy Bears, picnic 2025" event in May had around 7,000 visitors and raised £6,000
for the playground refurbishment. There was a theatre show, a stage featuring local choirs, bands
and dance acts and a parade. There was a variety of food and drink stalls too. Our"Concert Bands
2025" event in September featured 4 different bands playing across the afternoon and was well
attended too. We'd like to thank all our volunteers, local groups performing, SoLrthwark Council for
awarding us the grants and the Parks staff for their support.
Playground Fundraising Campaign - We have raised £70,000 towards the playground
refurbishment from our campaign. A huge thank you to Howard Jacobs for leading the
campaign, to over 70 supporters and Southwark Council for their funding. Work to resurface all
the wet pour and paint the existing equipment in the playground will be completed on 301h April and
a new fully accessible roundabout has been installed with a Cleaner, Greener, Safer grant and an
inclusive seesaw. After a public consultation in May at our event and approval from Parks, any
remaining funds will be spent on additional improvements to the playground.
Drone photography by Joe Murtagh of the park and posters for sale.
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Other activities
Liaising with Southwark Councillors and park management where issues arise which affect the
Park and visitors to it e.g. Park maintenance issues and the long term plans for a replacement
viewing platform across the lake.
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Making applutions lor Southwark Council grants to fund activities and improvements In the
park. for example under the NeighlK)urhcx)ds funding scheme. We were successful thls year
th grants awarded for Tend the Park plants and our events.
Representing the interests of park users and the preservation of the fabric of the park and
consultatson over commercial events in the Park- this year the Drone show in September 2025.
Encouraging and supporting the participation of volunteer groups in park gardening and care
actjvities. A number of corporate and school groups kindly send groups to dojobs such as weed
pulllng and bramble dearance in the American Garden.
Keeping members informed about Dulwich Park with a seasonal newsletter.
Our flnances
Income from membership subscriptions was £1,706 and from grants received was £6,358 (some grants
were paid late). Donations of £61,298 were received for the playground campaign. Expenditure during
the year was £3,612. We currently have cash in bank of £77,492.
Objectives and prlorltles for the comlng year
Our general objectives and purposes as set out in our constitution are as follows:
the restoration, preservation, conservation, improvement of Dulwich Park, hereinafter the Park, as
a public facility of historic and ecological interest, preserving the features, conserving the natural
parkland and wildlife sanctuary and enhancing the whole of the area and the use of it for the relaxation,
leisure and tranquillity of the public and to stimulate the interest of the public in the Park and the
enhancement of the whole area, its restoration and preservation."
Our specific objectives for the coming year are:
Increasing our membership base and encouraging members to join our committee.
Widening our volunteer base- there are always jobs to do - please spread the word!
Selecting some key projects to work on- e.g. the Japanese Garden and work to improve the
lake biodiversity and cut back overgrown vegetation. We would also like to replace the lake
boardwalk with a viewing platform.
Continuing our summer events-"The Giant Teddy Bears, Picnic 206" on Sunday 10th May 12-
5pm and "Concert Bands 2026" on Sunday 13th September 12-5pm
To work with the park management team. Initiatives include a quarterly ￿alk around" of the
park with management to highlight any issues of con￿rn such as litter and continue the
stakeholder meetings
Thanks to members, volunteers and trustees
We are very grateful for the continued support of the members of Dulwich Park Friends. We extend
special thanks to our wonderful volunteers who turn up in all weathers to help at our events. Finally, as
Chair, I would like to thank our Trustees, Jill Gauntlett, Trevor Moore, Jill Solderer, Nino Harvey- Jones
and Gavin Wagg all of whom have put in a lot of their time and effort as Committee members.
Emily Montague, Chair, April 2026
The Dulwich Park Friends Registered as a charitable incorporated organisation at the Charity
Commission, charity number: 1196576
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
DULMCH PARK FRIENDS
Independent examinerfs report to the Trustees of Dulwlch Park Frlends
I report to the trustees on Ihe examlnatlon of the accounts of the above Charity for
the year ended 28 February 2026.
Responslbllltles and basls of report
As Ihe charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts In
accordance with the requirements of Ihe Charities Act 2011 ('Ihe Acr).
I report in respect of my examination of the trustee's accounts carrled out under s.
145 of the 2011 Act and in carylng out my examination I have followed all the
appllcable Directions glven by the Charity Commission under s. 145(5)(b) of the
2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
My examination was carried out In accordance with the General Dlrections gNen by
the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records
kept by the charity and a comparlson of the accounts presented wlth those records.
It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures In the accounts,
and the seeklng of explanations from you as trustees concemlng any such matters.
The procedures undertaken do not provlde all the evidence that would be requlred In
an audit and, consequenuy, no oplnion Is given as to whether the accounts present a
"true and fair view. and the report is limlted to those matters set out in the statement
below.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have (x)me to
my attention in connection with the examlnation giving me cause to belleve that In
any material respect:
1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Society as required by s.
130 of the Act. or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or
3. the accounts do not comply with the appllcable requlrements conceming the
form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports)
Regulations 2008 other than any requlrement that the accounts gNe a Irue
and fair Vie￿ 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.
S.A. Jeffries (Digitally Represented Signature)
S.A. Jeffries
Chartered Accountant
27 Calton Avenue
London, SE217DE
Date: 1.4.2026