TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT 2024-2025 MENDIP FOUNDATION
CONTENTS
About us Programmes Financial Review
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For the year ended 31 March 2025 Mendip Access Adventure Foundation Charity number: 1196874 Registered address: Mendip Activity Centre, Lyncombe Drive, Churchill, BS25 5PQ
ABOUT US Structure, Governance & Management
The Mendip Access Adventure Foundation was set up by staff at Mendip Activity Centre in 2021 after they identified that many young people were facing barriers to accessing adventure training for a variety of reasons, despite living near the centre.
The foundation had undertaken incredible work in the short period since its inception including planting over 2000 trees with local volunteers, running a learn to ski programme for young people facing barriers to accessing the outdoors, and several outdoor education residentials aimed at broadening access to the outdoors.
Trustees
David Eddins (Chair) Jim Hardcastle Philip Turner
Objectives
The charity exists to provide access to outdoor adventure for underserved communities.
Access to Adventure
Access to the outdoors for groups or individuals from underrepresented or under-privileged backgrounds.
Access to Training
Supporting access to a career in the outdoors for groups or individuals from under-represented or under-privileged backgrounds.
Access to Nature
Enhancing and caring for the Lyncombe hill landscape, and beyond.
OUR PROGRAMMES
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
Two local schools worked with 38 young people engaged 10 different activities Improved confidence and teamwork Contribution to local conservation
During the year the charity provided subsidised outdoor experiences. These activities further the charity’s public benefit by increasing access, confidence, wellbeing and social inclusion.
ACCESS ECOLOGY PROGRAMME
Our Access Ecology programme ran from October 2024 to June 2025 and provided students with direct, hands-on experiences in environmental education and outdoor learning.
We gave 26 young people from Churchill School and Sedgewood Manor School the chance to engage in two hours of outdoor activities every other week, some of whom wouldn’t otherwise get the chance to take part in outdoor learning.
Sessions were designed to develop practical skills, teamwork, and increase awareness of local wildlife, conservation, and climate change.
Young people told us that the programme improved their confidence, and teachers noted an improved interest in learning.
Learn to Ski Programme
A subsidised regular programme of dry ski slope skiing for 12 young people with SEND.
What’s Next?
We plan to continue our Access to Ecology programme for 2026 and beyond. We also plan to review the charity’s aims and objectives, recruit additional trustees and publish a 5- year plan.
“You have allowed students to experience the outdoors and discover new interests, which unfortunately some do not get at home.” Teacher
FINANCIAL REVIEW
“Thank you so much for a fantastic opportunity this year. We have really enjoyed the sessions and learnt lots which we have implemented onto our school pond, herb garden and boundaries. “
Deputy Head
Total receipts for the year were £17.623. Total payments were £16,260. The year-end cash balance was £12,350. The charity remains financially stable.
Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities:
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records, safeguarding assets, and preparing a Trustees’ Annual Report and Accounts compliant with the Charities Act 2011.
Reserves Policy: The trustees aim to hold unrestricted reserves of £2,000.
Approval
Risks: Key risks include reliance on grant funding and maintaining the safe delivery of outdoor activities. Safe delivery is managed through partnerships with qualified activity providers. Core operations (management, finance, and marketing) are covered by Mendip Activity Centre, mitigating the risk of reliance on funding.
Approved by the trustees on 24 January 2026 and signed on their behalf:
David Eddins Trustee (Chair)
Future Plans: Plans for 2025–26 include a review of the charity’s aims and objectives, trustee recruitment, and publication of a 5-year strategy.
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE
For the year ended 31 March 2025
| Income | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Grants | £2,359.00 | ||
| Donations | £15,072.18 | ||
| Sales | £192.00 | ||
| Total Income | £17,623.18 | ||
| Expenditure | |||
| Bank Charges | £21.70 | ||
| Wages | £5,313.75 | ||
| Residential Costs | £9,890.79 | ||
| Bees Project | £904.19 | ||
| SEND Training | £63.00 | ||
| Insuarance | £67.20 | ||
| £16,260.63 | |||
| Total | £1,362.55 |
BALANCE SHEET
For the year ended 31 March 2025
Notes to the Accounts
Related Party Transactions: No trustees received remuneration or expenses.
Fund Analysis: Unrestricted £12,350.62. Restricted £0.
Grants Received:
The following grants were received:
Quartet Community QCFA: £3000.00 D’Oyly Carte: £4000.00 Bristol Airport Co: £2359.00
| Fixed Assets | ||
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Chair | 339 | |
| Total Fixed Assets | 339 | |
| Current Assets | ||
| Bank Account | 12,350.62 | |
| Current Liabilities | ||
| 0 | ||
| Net Current Assets | 12,350.62 | |
| Total Assets Less Current Liabilities | 12,689.62 | |
| Capital and Reserves | ||
| Balance Bfwd (Assets + Bank balance) | 5,268.31 | |
| Profit for the year | 1,362.55 | |
| Income included in last year's accounts | 6,058.76 | |
| Total Capital and Reservces | 12,689.62 |
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