GRSG Trustees Annual Report for 2023
This Annual report for the Grasmere Red Squirrel Group, Charity number 1197379, covers the 2023 calendar year.
Our primary objective is to save the indigenous red squirrels in our area from extinction. The main threat is from grey squirrels entering our area and passing on squirrelpox to the reds which results in their death. The only way the reds can be protected is by eliminating grey squirrels using humane control methods. This work is carried out by two part time Rangers and volunteers.
Our annual population survey showed that the red population had reduced slightly to 60, compared to 62 in 2022. There was a record number of greys entering our area in 2023 causing cases of Squirrelpox which resulted in the deaths of several reds.
We work closely with the National Trust at a local level, and they provided our largest source of income. We received donations from individual residents and visitors, as well as local businesses. The Trustees are grateful to everyone who has contributed funding.
As a major contribution to our educational work, we created a leaflet about Red squirrels and the threat posed by grey squirrels. We distribute the leaflets to the public at the National Trust property in Grasmere, Allan Bank, local hotels and events. We publicise developments in squirrel management on our Facebook Page @GrasmereReds, present talks to local societies about red squirrel physiology and behaviour and grey squirrel management.
We report squirrel statistics to Red Squirrels Northern England. The group is a member of Northern Red Squirrels and we share best practice with them. One of our Trustees carried out surveys for RSNE’s annual squirrel monitoring programme and has continued working with UK Squirrel Accord on development of a delivery system for bait which will include a contraceptive for grey squirrels.
To communicate with our supporters, we used our Facebook page, Twitter, Instagram, the Parish Magazine and send out newsletters via email with detailed information about the squirrels in Grasmere.
It is very satisfying that so many members of the public have been delighted to see their first red squirrel and we continue our efforts to ensure that future generations will be able to see them here in Grasmere.
The Trustees would like to thank our rangers and volunteers for carrying out the work, landowners for their cooperation and the local community for their support and encouragement. All Trustees give their time voluntarily and received no payment or other benefits for their role as trustees.
The trust made a financial loss of £3983 in 2023.
Approved by the Trustees on 16th October 2024 and signed on their behalf by Stewart Sutcliffe, Chair of Trustees.
Charity Address: Flat 2, Broadgate House Broadgate Grasmere Cumbria LA22 9TA
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGIAND ANO WALES Grasmere Red Squirrel Group Receipts and For the 0110112023 eriod from ments accounts 3111212023 CC16a To Section A Receipts and payments Unrestricted funds Restricted Endowmen funds tfunds Total funds Last ygar A1 Receipts Donations and legaaes Grants Services Interest 8,695 8.695 10,OS3 8,000 294 8,000 294 8,670 99 Sub total (Gross income forAR) 16,989 16,989 18,821 A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table). Sub total 16,989 16,989 18,821 A3 Payments Rangers ()ther'. food, trquipmént, insurancé 19,683 1,290 19,683 1,290 13,690 866 Sub totsl 20.972 20,972 14,556 A4 Asset and Investment purchases, (see table} Sub total Total payments 20,972 20,972 14,556 Net of receipts/(payments) A5 Transfers between funds A6 Cash funds last year end Cash funds this year end 3,983 3,983 4,266 24,788 24,788 20.522 20,805 20.805 24,788
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period Unre8trictod RestriGted funds ftsnd5 ta nast £ to nearest £ Endowmo fund5 to nearest £ B1 Cash funds Curnberland BS Current Cumbeiland BS 30 Day Acex)unt Nat West Current 310 18,062 2,433 20.805 Total cash funds laoree balances with re(iptS 8nd paYts accountl511 Unrestricted fund$ Restricted funds Endowment fund8 Fund to which asset bèlongs C1 loptlonall Current valLto loptionall B3 Investment assets Fund to whlch asset bglong$ Cost lopuonall Current value loptlonall B4 Assets retained for tho charity's own use Fund to which Ilability relate¥ Amount du• loptional} When due loptionall D?triils B5 Liabilities Signed by one or trustees on behalf of all the trustees Signature Print Name Date of approval Stewart Sutcliffe Samantha Dixon 118/1