REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: CE028483 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1198105
Report of the Trustees and
Unaudited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 5 April 2024
for
Herefordshire Meadows
Golden Valley Accountancy Limited Unit 4 Westwood Industrial Estate Pontrilas Herefordshire HR2 0EL
Herefordshire Meadows
Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 5 April 2024
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 1 to 4 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 5 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 6 |
| Balance Sheet | 7 to 8 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 9 to 13 |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | 14 to 15 |
Herefordshire Meadows
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 5 April 2024
The advancement of conservation, restoration and creation of flower-rich grasslands in Herefordshire for the benefit of the public, in particular but not exclusively, by promoting sustainable land management systems to achieve the purpose. The advancement of education of the public on the benefits of flower-rich grasslands and the need to conserve them.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims
The objective for the second year of the charity's existence was to take up new opportunities and explore ways to act as an independent entity. These ongoing projects supported a higher level of advisory and knowledge exchange activity and a greater area of meadow restoration than in 2022.23. With the expanded meadow advisory capacity this is considered to be a sustainable growth rate for the new charity's activities
There are no set fundraising objectives for the reporting period. Unsolicited donations were received as soon as the charity bank account was set up in October 2022. Herefordshire Meadows is now also registered with the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) which can accept and process online donations on the charity's behalf.
Significant activities
Activities in 2023.24 included
-
Restoration of 23 grassland sites covering 70.14 ha working in partnership with Wye&Usk, WWF-UK, AirWick Botanica, Buglife, Woolhope Dome Environment Trust, Herefordshire Council & Wye Valley National Landscape.
-
Harvesting local native provenance wildflower seed from high quality donor meadows covering 14.7 ha.
-
Working in the Wye Valley AONB floodplain to encourage 10 farmers to explore floodplain meadow restoration opportunities using Farming in Protected Landscape funding in partnership with Wye and Usk Foundation.
-
Hosting a farm workshop at Waterhay Farm, Swindon and running an Advisers training day on floodplain grassland as part of the Wye Water Resources project.
-
Hosting 4 summer evening meadow walk events at sites across the county. Running a Bumblebee ID training day at Croft Castle with Dr Richard Comont. A Grass ID training day with Stuart Hedley Vice-County Botanical Recorder at The Leen Farm. A Waxcap ID day with Jo Weightman, Herefordshire Fungus Recorder at Eaton Bishop. A seedling safari and winter management training day at Homme House.
-
Running three SFI soil workshops on behalf of Farm Herefordshire.
-
Running 4 volunteer seeding days, two of which were with local primary schools; Ashperton Primary and Much Marcle Primary.
-
Re-launching the annual FORUM with guest speaker Nikki Yoxall from Pasture for Life.
-
Running winter webinar with Jo Riggall from Plantlife to look at how policy to support diverse grasslands can be improved and expanded.
-
Using a new seed cleaner to improve the grade of our brush harvested seed to facilitate ease of broadcasting.
-
Setting up and increasing social media following to enable knowledge sharing and awareness of the benefits of meadows to the wider public.
-
Launching a new project with the Wye Valley National Landscape aimed at developing an application to National Grid's Landscape Enhancement Initiative. Carrying out site visits to 15 landholdings and engaging with landowner at the launch event.
-
Carrying out 7 advisory visits as part of the Wye Valley National Landscape Advice and Guidance fund to holdings within the WVNL to carry out grassland condition assessments and signpost to FiPL funding to support grassland restoration works.
Page 1
Herefordshire Meadows
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 5 April 2024
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Public benefit
The Trustees have considered public benefit in line with the Charity Commission's general guidance and its charitable status: Membership of Herefordshire Meadows is currently free and open to all who share an interest in flower rich grasslands.
Social investments
There are currently no social investments.
Grantmaking
Grant making doesn't currently form a part of Herefordshire Meadows activities. In 2023.24 advisers supported members to access grants from project partners in order to create and restore meadows. Trustees will develop a policy for future projects where funds for meadow restoration are held by Herefordshire Meadows. (Kingspan funds were allocated through a committee of Trustees who evaluated each site against restoration suitability criteria)
Volunteers
Herefordshire Meadows are building up a network of volunteers among members who volunteer to host knowledge exchange events and meadow walks. They also volunteer to support each other with meadow plant and insect surveys to monitor the success of restorations. Volunteer groups help during restoration work to broadcast wildflower seed by hand.
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE
Charitable activities
In 2023.24 the mains achievements of Herefordshire Meadows have been to
-
Work with local partners, grassland owners and managers to offer management advice, signpost to specialist machinery and source seed from local donor sites to facilitate restoration projects. - Expand and increase the area of meadow restoration, creation and conservation in Herefordshire. - Encourage changes to grassland management for the benefit of biodiversity, climate resilience, soil and water quality, to conserve cultural heritage, increase carbon sequestration, enhance landscape character and provide amenity and enjoyment for the public in the wider landscape.
-
Co-ordinate monitoring programmes on existing flower rich grasslands and baseline surveys before restorations take place through educating members and volunteers from the general public with plant and bumblebee ID skills.
-
Keep the organisation's website and social media platforms up to date with freely available information and educational resources on flower rich grasslands
-
Arrange workshops, training days, meadow and farm walks, and speaker meetings to raise awareness of the benefits of flower rich grasslands and sustainable land management systems - Increase confidence of the wider public in simple measures that can be taken to improve grassland for the benefit of local communities and the wider landscape.
-
Train Assistant Meadows Adviser, Carys Solman, contracted by the charity to help realise it's charitable objectives, in particular, to manage and run the charity's seed harvesting operations which are critical to the creation of new areas of flower-rich grassland across the county.
-
Enable a smooth transition from being a Natural England funded Countryside Stewardship Facilitation Funded discussion group with 63 core members and a wider network of >500 meadows enthusiasts to a formal charitable CIO entity. This sets Herefordshire Meadows on a much more secure footing; now governed by trustees to ensure that the wider public benefits continue in the long term.
Page 2
Herefordshire Meadows
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 5 April 2024
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE
Fundraising activities
There are no set fundraising objectives for the reporting period. Unsolicited donations were received as soon as the charity bank account was set up in October 2022. Herefordshire Meadows is now also registered with the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) which can accept and process online donations on the charity's behalf.
Investment performance
NO financial investments are held
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Financial position
-
Donations received by Herefordshire Meadows for the financial period 5.4.23 to 4.5.24 total £6,167 there was no gift aid this year.
-
Meadow Project Income total £105,948 which had related expenditure of £106,391 , showing that in the second year most of the income was generated from projects. Spending on Kingspan funded project began in 23.24 year using funds donated in 22.23.
-
Herefordshire Meadows had a healthy bank balance of £37,643 at the end of the charity year, with few debtors and creditors being outstanding.
Investment policy and objectives
No financial investments are held
Reserves policy
The Trustees have written a reserves policy. The policy covers 6 months of core operating costs plus the insurance excess on the charity assets (seed harvester).
This is the second financial year of the charity trading and has £38,581 in reserves for the year ending 4.5.24
Going concern
There are currently no uncertainties. Herefordshire Meadows has project income for the 24.25 year already in place and project bids submitted with established partners for future work for 25.26 year.
Funds have been from project income for advisory work, for meadow restoration planning and implementation and for knowledge exchange and education events. Donations have been received from individuals.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
At present there are no formal policies and procedures for the induction and training of new trustees. New trustees are directed to the Charity Commission guidance on trustee duties, the Charity Governance Code. and "Charity trustee what's involved (CC3a). They receive a briefing from the Chair which gives the necessary information about the Charity, its charitable purpose, strategic objectives, the history of the charity and are given a copy of the Constitution.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Registered Company number
CE028483 (England and Wales)
Registered Charity number
1198105
Page 3
Herefordshire Meadows Re ort of the Trustees for the Year Ended 5 A ri12024 Registered office Warren Farm Brockhampton Park Bringsly WOrSter WR6 5TB Trustees J Hawkins J Partridge A Nixon L Langford M Wood L Lewis S Hedley Company Secretary Independent Examiner Golden Valley Accountancy knmited Unit 4 Weshvood Industrial Estate Pontrilas Herefordshire HR2 OEL Approved by order of the board of trustees on behalf by: and signed on tts Trustee Page 4
Inde ndent Examinerfs Re Herefordshire Meadows rt to the Trustees of Independent examinerfs report to the trustees of Herefordshlre Meadows (Iho Company.) I report to the charity trust*s on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 5 April 2024. Responsibilit5es and basis of report As the charity's trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordan with Ihe requiremenls of the Companies Act 2006 {'the 2006 Act,). Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not requireAd to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charitls accounts as carried out under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (Yhe 2011 Act,). In carying oul my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act. Independent examinefs statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giwng me cause to believe.. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by Section 386 of the 2006 Act., or the accounts do not accord wrth those records" or the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of Section 396 of the 2006 Act 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.. or the accounts have not been prepared in accordan with the meth&Js and principles of the statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities {applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance wf(h the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of IrelarKI (FRS 102))- I have no concems and have come across no other matters in conneclion 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. Golden Valley Accountsncy Golden Valley Accountancy Limited Unit 4 Westwood Industrtal Estate Pontrilas Herefordshire HR2 OEL Page 5
Herefordshire Meadows
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 5 April 2024
| Year Ended 5.4.24 Unrestricted funds Notes £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 6,167 Meadows Management, Restoration, Creation and Education Projects 2 105,948 Total 112,115 EXPENDITURE ON Meadows Management, Restoration, Creation and Education Projects 3 87,598 Charitable activities Meadow Projects 25,398 Other 627 Total 113,623 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (1,508) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 39,989 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 38,481 |
Period 2.3.22 to 5.4.23 Total funds £ 37,138 41,706 78,844 31,366 6,751 738 38,855 39,989 - 39,989 |
|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 6
Herefordshire Meadows
Balance Sheet
5 April 2024
| 5.4.24 Unrestricted funds Notes £ FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 7 3,556 CURRENT ASSETS Receivables from donations and other income sources 8 12,112 Cash at bank 37,643 49,755 PAYABLES TO SUPPLIERS AND SERVICE PROVIDERS Amounts falling due within one year 9 (14,830) NET CURRENT ASSETS 34,925 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 38,481 NET ASSETS 38,481 FUNDS 10 Unrestricted funds 38,481 TOTAL FUNDS 38,481 |
5.4.23 Total funds £ 4,183 6,121 36,416 42,537 (6,731) 35,806 39,989 39,989 39,989 39,989 |
|---|---|
The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 5 April 2024.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 5 April 2024 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
-
The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for
-
(a) ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and
-
(b) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company.
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 7
continued...
Herefordshire Meadows Balance Sheet- continu 5 A ril 2024 These financial statements have been prepared in accordan(2 with the prowsions applicable to tharitable companies subject to the small companies regime. The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on . aniJ were signed on Tts behair ty: Trustee The notes fonn part of these financial ststements Page 8
Herefordshire Meadows
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 5 April 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) '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 (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
Hire purchase and leasing commitments
Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.
Page 9
continued...
Herefordshire Meadows
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 5 April 2024
2. MEADOWS MANAGEMENT, RESTORATION, CREATION AND EDUCATION PROJECTS
Meadows Management, Restoration, Creation and Education Projects income
3. MEADOWS MANAGEMENT, RESTORATION, CREATION AND EDUCATION PROJECTS
Raising donations and legacies
| Raising donations and legacies | ||
|---|---|---|
| Period | ||
| 2.3.22 | ||
| Year Ended | to | |
| 5.4.24 | 5.4.23 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Support costs | - | 92 |
Other trading activities
Expenditure on: Meadows Management, Restoration, Creation and Education Projects
Aggregate amounts 87,598 31,366
4. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):
| Depreciation - owned assets | Period 2.3.22 Year Ended to 5.4.24 5.4.23 £ £ 627 738 |
|---|---|
| Hire of plant and machinery | 564 153 |
5. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 5 April 2024 nor for the period ended 5 April 2023.
Page 10
continued...
Herefordshire Meadows
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 5 April 2024
6. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
| Unrestricted | ||
|---|---|---|
| funds | ||
| £ | ||
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM | ||
| Donations and legacies | 37,138 | |
| Meadows Management, Restoration, | ||
| Creation and Education Projects | 41,706 | |
| Total | 78,844 | |
| EXPENDITURE ON | ||
| Meadows Management, Restoration, | ||
| Creation and Education Projects | 31,366 | |
| Charitable activities | ||
| Meadow Projects | ||
| Other | 6,751 738 |
|
| Total | 38,855 | |
| NET INCOME | 39,989 | |
| TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED | ||
| FORWARD | 39,989 | |
| 7. | TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS | |
| COST | Plant and machinery £ |
|
| At 6 April 2023 and 5 April 2024 | 4,921 | |
| DEPRECIATION | ||
| At 6 April 2023 | 738 | |
| Charge for year | 627 | |
| At 5 April 2024 | 1,365 | |
| NET BOOK VALUE | ||
| At 5 April 2024 | 3,556 | |
| At 5 April 2023 | 4,183 | |
Page 11
continued...
Herefordshire Meadows
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 5 April 2024
8. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
| Trade debtors Other debtors 9. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Trade creditors VAT Other creditors 10. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS At 6.4.23 £ Unrestricted funds Meadow Managment, Restoration, Creation and Education Projects 39,989 TOTAL FUNDS 39,989 Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: Incoming resources £ Unrestricted funds Meadow Managment, Restoration, Creation and Education Projects 112,115 TOTAL FUNDS 112,115 |
5.4.24 £ 12,112 - 12,112 5.4.24 £ 1,217 4,424 9,189 14,830 Net movement in funds £ (1,508) (1,508) Resources expended £ (113,623) (113,623) |
5.4.23 £ 5,201 920 6,121 5.4.23 £ 6,731 - - 6,731 At 5.4.24 £ 38,481 38,481 Movement in funds £ (1,508) (1,508) |
|---|---|---|
Page 12
continued...
Herefordshire Meadows
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 5 April 2024
10. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Comparatives for movement in funds
| Net | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| movement | At | ||
| in funds | 5.4.23 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Unrestricted funds | |||
| Meadow Managment, Restoration, | |||
| Creation and Education Projects | 39,989 | 39,989 | |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 39,989 | 39,989 | |
| Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as | follows: | ||
| Unrestricted funds | Incoming resources £ |
Resources expended £ |
Movement in funds £ |
| Meadow Managment, Restoration, | |||
| Creation and Education Projects | 78,844 | (38,855) | 39,989 |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 78,844 | (38,855) | 39,989 |
11. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
One member of the trustees for Herefordshire Meadows received remuneration in the financial period ending 5th April 2023.
The trustee received a payment of £2,100 in the 2023/24 year for services he provided in the period, this service was a botanical training day for Herefordshire Meadows (£350) and the collation and statistical analysis of survey data from meadow restoration sites from 2019 to 2023 (£1750). There is a Trustee payment agreement in place covering this work.
Page 13
Herefordshire Meadows
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 5 April 2024
| Year Ended 5.4.24 £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Donations and legacies Donations 6,167 Gift aid - Donated Equipment - 6,167 Meadows Management, Restoration, Creation and Education Projects Meadow Project Income 105,948 Total incoming resources 112,115 EXPENDITURE Other trading activities Meadow Project Expenditure 82,585 Event Expenses 4,664 Hall Hire 349 87,598 Charitable activities Hire of Village Hall 215 Insurance 903 Advertising 80 Travel Costs 4,554 Administration Expenses 18,793 Computer 353 24,898 Other Depreciation 627 Support costs Governance costs Legal and Professional Fees - Carried forward - |
Period 2.3.22 to 5.4.23 £ 31,297 920 4,921 37,138 41,706 78,844 31,274 - - 31,274 153 877 259 482 4,330 50 6,151 738 92 92 |
|---|---|
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
Page 14
Herefordshire Meadows
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 5 April 2024
| Year Ended 5.4.24 £ Governance costs Brought forward - Accountancy and legal fees 500 500 Total resources expended 113,623 Net (expenditure)/income (1,508) |
Period 2.3.22 to 5.4.23 £ 92 600 692 38,855 39,989 |
|---|---|
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
Page 15
Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 06 April 2023 To 05 April 2024
Charity name: Herefordshire Meadows
Charity registration number: 1198105
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | (1) THE ADVANCEMENT OF CONSERVATION, RESTORATION AND CREATION OF FLOWER-RICH GRASSLANDS IN HEREFORDSHIRE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PUBLIC, IN PARTICULAR BUT NOT EXCLUSIVELY BY PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE LAND MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS TO ACHIEVE THIS PURPOSE. (2) THE ADVANCEMENT OF EDUCATION OF THE PUBLIC ON THE BENEFITS OF FLOWER-RICH GRASSLANDS AND THE NEED TO CONSERVE THEM. |
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
Activities in 2023.24 included • Restoration of 23 grassland sites covering 70.14 ha working in partnership with Wye&Usk, WWF- UK, AirWick Botanica, Buglife, Woolhope Dome Environment Trust, Herefordshire Council & Wye Valley National Landscape. • Harvesting local native provenance wildflower seed from high quality donor meadows covering 14.7 ha. • Working in the Wye Valley AONB floodplain to encourage 10 farmers to explore floodplain meadow restoration opportunities using Farming in Protected Landscape funding in partnership with Wye and Usk Foundation. • Hosting a farm workshop at Waterhay Farm, Swindon and running an Advisers training day on floodplain grassland as part of the Wye Water Resources project. • Hosting 4 summer evening meadow walk events at sites across the county. Running a Bumblebee ID training day at Croft Castle with Dr Richard Comont. A Grass ID training |
| day with Stuart Hedley Vice-County Botanical Recorder at The Leen Farm. A Waxcap ID day with Jo Weightman, Herefordshire Fungus Recorder at Eaton Bishop. A seedling safari and winter management training day at Homme House. • Running three SFI soil workshops on behalf of Farm Herefordshire. • Running 4 volunteer seeding days, two of which were with local primary schools; Ashperton Primary and Much Marcle Primary. • Re-launching the annual FORUM with guest speaker Nikki Yoxall from Pasture for Life. • Running winter webinar with Jo Riggall from Plantlife to look at how policy to support diverse grasslands can be improved and expanded. • Using a new seed cleaner to improve the grade of our brush harvested seed to facilitate ease of broadcasting. • Setting up and increasing social media following to enable knowledge sharing and awareness of the benefits of meadows to the wider public. • Launching a new project with the Wye Valley National Landscape aimed at developing an application to National Grid’s Landscape Enhancement Initiative. Carrying out site visits to 15 landholdings and engaging with landowner at the launch event. • Carrying out 7 advisory visits as part of the Wye Valley National Landscape Advice and Guidance fund to holdings within the WVNL to carry out grassland condition assessments and signpost to FiPL funding to support grassland restoration works. |
||
|---|---|---|
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | The Trustees have considered public benefit in line with the Charity Commission's general guidance and its charitable status: Membership of Herefordshire Meadows is currently free and open to all who share an interest in flower rich grasslands. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
SORP reference
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Policy on grant making | Para 1.38 | Grant making doesn’t currently form a part of Herefordshire Meadows activities. In 2023.24 advisers supported members to access grants from project partners in |
| order to create and restore meadows. Trustees will develop a policy for future projects where funds for meadow restoration are held by Herefordshire Meadows.(Kingspan funds were allocated through a committee of Trustees who evaluated each site against restoration suitability criteria) |
||
|---|---|---|
| Policy on social investment including program related investment |
Para 1.38 | There are currently no social investments |
| Contribution made by volunteers |
Para 1.38 | Herefordshire Meadows are building up a network of volunteers among members who volunteer to host knowledge exchange events and meadow walks. They also volunteer to support each other with meadow plant and insect surveys to monitor the success of restorations. Volunteer groups help during restoration work to broadcasting wildflower seed by hand. |
| Related Party Transactions | One member of the trustees for Herefordshire Meadows received remuneration in the financial period ending 5th April 2023. The trustee received a payment of £2,100 in the 2023/24 year for services he provided in the period, this service was a botanical training day for Herefordshire Meadows (£350) and the collation and statistical analysis of survey data from meadow restoration sites from 2019 to 2023 (£1750). There is a Trustee payment agreement in place covering this work. |
Achievements and Performance
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. |
Para 1.20 | In 2023.24 the mains achievements of Herefordshire Meadows have been to • Work with local partners, grassland owners and managers to offer management advice, signpost to specialist machinery and source seed from local donor sites to facilitate restoration projects. • Expand and increase the area of meadow restoration, creation and conservation in Herefordshire. • Encourage changes to grassland management for the benefit of |
| biodiversity, climate resilience, soil | |
|---|---|
| and water quality, to conserve | |
| cultural heritage, increase carbon | |
| sequestration, enhance landscape | |
| character and provide amenity and | |
| enjoyment for the public in the wider | |
| landscape. | |
| • | Co-ordinate monitoring programmes |
| on existing flower rich grasslands | |
| and baseline surveys before | |
| restorations take place through | |
| educating members and volunteers | |
| from the general public with plant | |
| and bumblebee ID skills. | |
| • | Keep the organisation's website and |
| social media platforms up to date | |
| with freely available information and | |
| educational resources on flower rich | |
| grasslands | |
| • | Arrange workshops, training days, |
| meadow and farm walks, and | |
| speaker meetings to raise | |
| awareness of the benefits of flower | |
| rich grasslands and sustainable | |
| land management systems | |
| • | Increase confidence of the wider |
| public in simple measures that can | |
| be taken to improve grassland for | |
| the benefit of local communities and | |
| the wider landscape. | |
| • | Successfully bidding for new project |
| funds for the Landscape | |
| Enhancement Project and Advice | |
| and Guidance fund. | |
| • | Developing all the required |
| charitable policy documents. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Achievements against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | The objective for the second year of the charity's existence was to take up new opportunities and explore ways to act as an independent entity. These ongoing projects supported a higher level of advisory and knowledge exchange activity and a greater area of meadow restoration than in 2022.23. With the expanded meadow advisory capacity this is considered to be a sustainable growth rate for the new charity's activities. |
|---|---|---|
| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | There are no set fundraising objectives for the reporting period. Unsolicited donations were received as soon as the charity bank account was set up in October 2022. Herefordshire Meadows is now also registered with the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) which can accept and process online donations on the charity’s behalf. |
| Investment performance against objectives |
Para 1.41 | NO financial investments are held |
|---|---|---|
| Other |
Financial Review
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | - Donations received by Herefordshire Meadows for the financial period 5.4.23 to 4.5.24 total £6,167 there was no gift aid this year. - Meadow Project Income total £105,948 which had related expenditure of £106,391 , showing that in the second year most of the income was generated from projects. Spending on Kingspan funded project began in 23.24 year using funds donated in 22.23. - Herefordshire Meadows had a healthy bank balance of £37,643 at the end of the charity year, with few debtors and creditors being outstanding. |
|---|---|---|
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | The Trustees have written a reserves policy. The policy covers 6 months of core operating costs plus the insurance excess on the charity assets (seed harvester). |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | This is the second financial year of the charity trading and has £38,581 in reserves for the year ending 4.5.24 |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | N/A |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | N/A |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 | There are currently no uncertainties. Herefordshire Meadows has project income for the 24.25 year already in place and project bids submitted with established partners for future work for 25.26 year. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
Para 1.47 | Funds have been from project income for advisory work, for meadow restoration planning and implementation and for knowledge exchange and education events. Donations have been received from individuals. |
|---|---|---|
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | The charity does not hold any financial investments. |
| The Trustees are developing a risk management strategyto review the risks the |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | charity may face, mitigate against them and minimise any potential impact on the charity within the financial constraints imposed by available funds. |
|---|---|---|
| Other |
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
||
|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 |
Herefordshire Meadows’ constitution was last amended on 7 February 2022 using the "Association” model constitution of a Charitable Incorporated Organisation with voting members other than its charitable trustees. Under the constitution, the members have no liability to contribute to the assets of Herefordshire Meadows and no personal responsibility for settling its debts and liabilities. |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | Herefordshire Meadows was incorporated as a charitable incorporated organisation by the Charity Commission on 2 March 2022 |
| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees |
Para 1.25 | 7 first trustees were selected in February 2022 from the former members of Herefordshire Meadows Countryside Stewardship Facilitation Funded discussion group who encouraged the formation of the CIO. In accordance with the constitution they retired from office at the first AGM on 23 September 2023 and were all re- elected. Since then 1 new trustee has been proposed for consideration for the 24.25year. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees |
Para 1.51 | At present there are no formal policies and procedures for the induction and training of new trustees. New trustees are directed to the Charity Commission guidance on trustee duties, the Charity Governance Code. and "Charity trustee what’s involved (CC3a). They receive a briefing from the Chair which gives the necessary information about the Charity, its charitable purpose, strategic objectives, the history of the charity and are given a copy of the Constitution. |
|---|---|---|
| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
Para 1.51 | The Trustees meet quarterly to manage the Charity's affairs. Such meetings are minuted and records kept indefinitely. The day-to-day management of the Charity is the responsibility of the Chair of Trustees, the Meadows Advisers (Caroline Hanks and Rory Johnson also Meadows Advisers), Fran Keogh, administrator and bookkeeper (until December 2023), Carys Solman, seed harvesting and donor site co- ordination and Meadows Adviser, Matt Cobb is the seed harvesting contractor. The Chair and Trustees play a vital role in the development and running of the Charity as governance, financial and project administrative and reporting systems are being consolidated. |
| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 | Herefordshire Meadows works in partnership with other local and national wildlife conservation charities, through partnership agreements, contracts and MOUs. Herefordshire Meadows provides advice and support for its members to access funding and education and advocacy opportunities that deliver the charitable objectives. In 2023.24 these have included Herefordshire Wildlife Trust, Plantlife, Wye and Usk Foundation, Wye Valley AONB, Environment Agency, Herefordshire Rural Hub, Pasture for Life, Floodplain Meadows Partnership and BugLife. Herefordshire Meadows is a partner in Farm Herefordshire and has a place on Herefordshire Council’s Natural Flood Management Project, |
|---|---|---|
| Other |
Reference and Administrative details
| Charity name | Herefordshire Meadows |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses | N/A |
| Registered charity number | 1198105 |
| Charity’s principal address | Warren Farm Brockhampton Park Bringsty Worcester WR6 5TB |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole **year ** |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| James Ian Hawkins | Chair | |||
| Lucinda Anne Lewis |
||||
| Andrew Michael Nixon |
||||
| Stuart Hedley | ||||
| Mark Jon Townsend Wood |
||||
| Julian Michael Partridge |
||||
| Lyn Beryl Langford | ||||
– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved
Director name N/A
Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
| Trustee name | Dates acted if not for whole year | |
|---|---|---|
| N/A | ||
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Description of the assets there are none held in this capacity
Name and objects of the N/A charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for N/A safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
| Type of adviser Name Address |
Type of adviser Name Address |
Type of adviser Name Address |
|---|---|---|
| There are none | ||
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Herefordshire Meadows does not employ any staff. It uses self-employed contractors to deliver meadows advice and administer and manage the work of the charity on it’s behalf. Rory Johnson and Caroline Hanks share overall responsibility as “Directors” of Herefordshire Meadows to report to, and work closely with, the Trustees.
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
N/A
Other optional information
Declarations The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees, report above. Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees Slgnature(s Full name(s) Position (eg Secretary. Chair, etcl Julian ichael Partridge Chair Lyn Beryl Langford Vice Chair Date