Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 06 April 2024 To 05 April 2025
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 2024.25 included • Restoration of 26 grassland sites covering 74.38 ha working in partnership with Environment Agency, Malvern Hills National Landscape, Wye Valley National Landscape, Wye&Usk Foundation, Buglife & Herefordshire Council. • Harvesting local native provenance wildflower seed from high quality donor meadows covering 12.8 ha. • Delivering 10 floodplain meadow assessments and advice to land managers farming along the Lugg and Wye as part of the Wyescapes Landscape Recovery project • Running an Advisers grassland training day at Parsonage Farm as part of the Wyescapes project. • Hosting 4 summer meadow walks including one run to coincide with National Meadows Day. These were all open to the general public and each had a different focus (native plant anthotypes, insects, medicinal plants) • Running three plant ID training days; 1) At Croft Castle led by Stuart |
Hedley Vice-County Botanical Recorder 2) At Hurstans led by Liz Brookes from Ecohab 3) At Ashperton Primary School with the teaching staff. • Running a Waxcap ID day with Jo Weightman, Herefordshire Fungus Recorder at The Sturts Nature Reserve. • Running a seedling safari and winter management training day at The Batches for landowners and farmers who had created new species rich grasslands in 2024. • Giving 8 talks on the benefits of species rich grasslands to local community groups and organisations. • Running 3 farmer focused grassland workshops events in collaboration with Pasture for Life, CSF and Farm Herefordshire. • Running 5 volunteer seeding days, one with a local primary school; Fownhope Primary, and one with a local running group. In total 75 volunteers of all ages were engaged at these events. • Hosting a work experience student from Hereford Sixth Form College for a week in June. • Training and supporting an Assistant Meadows Adviser, Jane Philips, on a sixth month summer contract. • Running a successful AGM with guest speaker John Phillips, Grazing Manager Epping Forest and FORUM with guest speaker Dan Carne, Director, Woodmeadow Makers. • Running a winter webinar focusing on the new SFI action for species rich grasslands and new CSHT grassland options. • Attending a Houses of Parliament Grassland Westminster Reception hosted by Plantlife and calling on the UK Government and DEFRA to fully recognise and unlock the value of grasslands. • Hosting Natural England’s grassland team for two days of discussion and farm visits focusing on current and future grassland policy. • Keynote speech at the inaugural National Meadows Conference in Shropshire to 180+ representatives of meadow and grassland organisations and enthusiasts. • Contract secured to deliver up to 75 endorsement visits for the new SFI
| action GRH6: manage priority habitat species-rich grassland. • Continuing to increase our social media following and expand the mailing list to enable knowledge sharing and awareness of the benefits of meadows to the wider public and attaining wider awareness of the charity and its goals through a feature piece on BBC Escape to the Country. • Carrying out 7 advisory visits as part of the Wye Valley National Landscape Advice and Guidance fund • Carrying out 27 grassland advisory visits to other landowners and farmers across the county |
||
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Policy on grant making | Para 1.38 | Grant making doesn’t currently form a part of Herefordshire Meadows activities except for capital funding which was offered to two sites using the Kingspan donation funds. These were allocated through a committee of Trustees who evaluated the sites 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 does not have a formal volunteer programme yet but plans to launch one in 2025.26. Members offer to host events and over 75 volunteers of all ages helped with broadcasting wildflower seed by hand including pupils from Fownhope Primary School, members of Croft Running Club, British Canoeing members and other members of the general public. |
| Related Party Transactions | One member of the trustees for Herefordshire Meadows received remuneration in the financial period ending 5th April 2025. The trustee received a payment of £350 in the 2024/25 year for services he |
provided in the period, this service was a botanical training day for Herefordshire Meadows (£350). 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 2024.25 the main 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 landowners with plant 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 • Successfully bidding for new project funds. • 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 third year of the charity's existence was to successfully fulfill existing commitments whilst also seeking to secure new opportunities developed and |
|---|---|---|
| attained as an independent entity. Not only was the area of meadow restoration slightly increased again in 2024.25 but new advisory and engagement opportunities have been secured, most notably through the Natural England ETAFF contract and the Wyescapes Landscape Recovery contract. Additionally, a three year grant from The Jordan Charitable Foundation was secured in September 2024 to develop a formal volunteering programme amongst other outcomes. The growth rate remains sustainable for the size of the charity. |
||
|---|---|---|
| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | A target was set to raise £10,000 as part of the Big Give_Green Match Fund_campaign. The final amount raised including Gift Aid totalled £15,195 or 152% of the target. Herefordshire Meadows is 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 05/04/24 to 04/04/25 total £15,875.00, which included gift aid payments received of £2,581.04 - Meadow Project Income (restricted and unrestricted funds) totalled £142,868.70 which had related expenditure of £100,642.00, showing that in the second year most of the income was generated from projects. - Herefordshire Meadows had a healthy bank balance of £58,012 at the end of the charity year, with few debtors and creditors beingoutstanding. |
|---|---|---|
| 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 third financial year of the charity trading which had £41,888.00 in reserves for the year ending 4.5.25 |
| 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 25.26 year already in place and plans project bids with established funders for future work in 26.27 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 through Big Give and from individuals Three years of grant funding has been secured from the Jordan Charitable Foundation which will predominantly be used to fund a new volunteer programme and support for targeted SSSIgrasslands. |
|---|---|---|
| Investment policy and objectives including any |
Para 1.46 | The charity does not hold any financial investments. |
| social investment policy adopted |
||
|---|---|---|
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | The Trustees have compiled a Charity Risk Management document which details the principle governance, operational, financial, external & compliance risks which the charity could encounter, the level of impact of each, the likelihood and the steps taken to mitigate the risk. |
| 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. In 2024.25 1 new trustee was proposed and voted in by members and two existing Trustees stepped down and were re- elected at the AGM on 3rdDecember 2024 to have staggered three year terms amongst the Trustees body. 1 additional Trustee was coopted onto the Board by the other 8 Trustees on 18thMarch 2025. |
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. They are also given copies of all the charity policies. |
|---|---|---|
| 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, Fran Keogh, Secretary to the Trustees from December 2023, Carys Solman,seed harvestingand donor site |
| co-ordination and Meadows Adviser, Assistant Meadows Adviser Jane Phillips, 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 2024.25 these have included Herefordshire Wildlife Trust, Plantlife, Wye and Usk Foundation, Wye Valley National Landscape, Malvern Hills National Landscape, Jordan Charitable Foundation, Environment Agency, Herefordshire Rural Hub, Pasture for Life, Floodplain Meadows Partnership & Buglife. Herefordshire Meadows is a partner in Farm Herefordshire and has a place on the steering committee for 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 | April to December 2024 | ||
| Lucinda Anne Lewis |
||||
| Andrew Michael Nixon |
||||
| Stuart Hedley | ||||
| Mark Jon Townsend Wood |
||||
| Julian Michael Partridge |
Chair | December 2024 to March 2025 |
||
| Lyn Beryl Langford | ||||
| William Anthony John Watkins |
||||
| Ann Margaret Binns |
||||
– 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
| Signature(s) Full name(s) Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etc) Date |
||
|---|---|---|
Julian Michael Partridge |
Lyn Beryl Langford | |
Chair |
Vice Chair | |
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 2025
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 2025
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 1 to 6 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 7 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 8 |
| Balance Sheet | 9 to 10 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 11 to 17 |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | 18 |
Herefordshire Meadows
Report of the Trustees
for the Year Ended 5 April 2025
(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 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.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims
The objective for the third year of the charity's existence was to successfully fulfill existing commitments whilst also seeking to secure new opportunities developed and attained as an independent entity. Not only was the area of meadow restoration slightly increased again in 2024.25 but new advisory and engagement opportunities have been secured, most notably through the Natural England ETAFF contract and the Wyescapes Landscape Recovery contract. Additionally, a three year grant from The Jordan Charitable Foundation was secured in September 2024 to develop a formal volunteering programme amongst other outcomes.The growth rate remains sustainable for the size of the charity.
Page 1
Herefordshire Meadows
Report of the Trustees
for the Year Ended 5 April 2025
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Significant activities
Activities in 2024.25 included
-
Restoration of 26 grassland sites covering 74.38 ha working in partnership with Environment Agency, Malvern Hills National Landscape, Wye Valley National Landscape, Wye&Usk Foundation, Buglife & Herefordshire Council.
-
Harvesting local native provenance wildflower seed from high quality donor meadows covering 12.8 ha.
-
Delivering 10 floodplain meadow assessments and advice to land managers farming along the Lugg and Wye as part of the Wyescapes Landscape Recovery project
-
Running an Advisers grassland training day at Parsonage Farm as part of the Wyescapes project.
-
Hosting 4 summer meadow walks including one run to coincide with National Meadows Day. These were all open to the general public and each had a different focus (native plant anthotypes, insects, medicinal plants)
-
Running three plant ID training days; 1) At Croft Castle led by Stuart Hedley Vice-County Botanical Recorder 2) At Hurstans led by Liz Brookes from Ecohab 3) At Ashperton Primary School with the teaching staff.
-
Running a Waxcap ID day with Jo Weightman, Herefordshire Fungus Recorder at The Sturts Nature Reserve.
-
Running a seedling safari and winter management training day at The Batches for landowners and farmers who had created new species rich grasslands in 2024.
-
Giving 8 talks on the benefits of species rich grasslands to local community groups and organisations.
-
Running 3 farmer focused grassland workshops events in collaboration with Pasture for Life, CSF and Farm Herefordshire.
-
Running 5 volunteer seeding days, one with a local primary school; Fownhope Primary, and one with a local running group. In total 75 volunteers of all ages were engaged at these events.
-
Hosting a work experience student from Hereford Sixth Form College for a week in June.
-
Training and supporting an Assistant Meadows Adviser, Jane Philips, on a sixth month summer contract.
-
Running a successful AGM with guest speaker John Phillips, Grazing Manager Epping Forest and FORUM with guest speaker Dan Carne, Director, Woodmeadow Makers.
-
Running a winter webinar focusing on the new SFI action for species rich grasslands and new CSHT grassland options.
-
Attending a Houses of Parliament Grassland Westminster Reception hosted by Plantlife and calling on the UK Government and DEFRA to fully recognise and unlock the value of grasslands.
Page 2
Herefordshire Meadows
Report of the Trustees
for the Year Ended 5 April 2025
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
-
Hosting Natural England's grassland team for two days of discussion and farm visits focusing on current and future grassland policy.
-
Keynote speech at the inaugural National Meadows Conference in Shropshire to 180+ representatives of meadow and grassland organisations and enthusiasts.
-
Contract secured to deliver up to 75 endorsement visits for the new SFI action GRH6: manage priority habitat species-rich grassland.
-
Continuing to increase our social media following and expand the mailing list to enable knowledge sharing and awareness of the benefits of meadows to the wider public and attaining wider awareness of the charity and its goals through a feature piece on BBC Escape to the Country.
-
Carrying out 7 advisory visits as part of the Wye Valley National Landscape Advice and Guidance fund
-
Carrying out 27 grassland advisory visits to other landowners and farmers across the county
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 except for capital funding which was offered to two sites using the Kingspan donation funds. These were allocated through a committee of Trustees who evaluated the sites against restoration suitability criteria.
Volunteers
Herefordshire Meadows does not have a formal volunteer programme yet but plans to launch one in 2025.26. Members offer to host events and over 75 volunteers of all ages helped with broadcasting wildflower seed by hand including pupils from Fownhope Primary School, members of Croft Running Club, British Canoeing members and other members of the general public.
Page 3
Herefordshire Meadows
Report of the Trustees
for the Year Ended 5 April 2025
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE
Charitable activities
In 2024.25 the main 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 landowners with plant 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
-
Successfully bidding for new project funds.
-
Developing all the required charitable policy documents.
Fundraising activities
A target was set to raise £10,000 as part of the Big Give Green Match Fund campaign. The final amount raised including Gift Aid totalled £15,195 or 152% of the target. Herefordshire Meadows is 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 05/04/24 to 04/04/25 total £15,875.00, which included gift aid payments received of £2,581.04
-
Meadow Project Income (restricted and unrestricted funds) totalled £142,868.70 which had related expenditure of £100,642.00, showing that in the second year most of the income was generated from projects.
-
Herefordshire Meadows had a healthy bank balance of £58,012 at the end of the charity year, with few debtors and creditors being outstanding.
Page 4
Herefordshire Meadows
Report of the Trustees
for the Year Ended 5 April 2025
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Principal funding sources
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 through Big Give and from individual.
Three years of grant funding has been secured from the Jordan Charitable Foundation which will predominantly be used to fund a new volunteer programme and support for targeted SSSI grasslands.
Investment policy and objectives
The charity does not hold any financial investments.
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 third financial year of the charity trading and has £41,888.00 in reserves for the year ending 4.5.25
Going concern
There are currently no uncertainties. Herefordshire Meadows has project income for the 25.26 year already in place and plans project bids with established funders for future work in 26.27 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 through Big Give and from individuals
Three years of grant funding has been secured from the Jordan Charitable Foundation which will predominantly be used to fund a new volunteer programme and support for targeted SSSI grasslands.
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. They are also given copies of all the charity policies.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Registered Company number
CE028483 (England and Wales)
Registered Charity number
1198105
Page 5
Herefordshire Meadows
Report of the Trustees
for the Year Ended 5 April 2025
Registered office
Warren Farm Brockhampton Park Bringsty Worcester WR6 5TB
Trustees
J Hawkins J Partridge A Nixon L Langford M Wood L Lewis S Hedley W A J Watkins (appointed 3.12.24) A M Binns (appointed 18.3.25)
Company Secretary
Independent Examiner
Golden Valley Accountancy Limited Unit 4 Westwood Industrial Estate Pontrilas Herefordshire HR2 0EL
Approved by order of the board of trustees on ............................................. and signed on its behalf by:
.......................................................... Trustee
Page 6
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Herefordshire Meadows
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Herefordshire Meadows ('the Company') I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 5 April 2025.
Responsibilities 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 accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required 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 charity's accounts as carried out under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 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:
-
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 with 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 accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)).
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.
Golden Valley Accountancy
Golden Valley Accountancy Limited Unit 4 Westwood Industrial Estate Pontrilas Herefordshire HR2 0EL
Date: .............................................
Page 7
Herefordshire Meadows
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 5 April 2025
| Unrestricted funds Notes £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 15,875 Meadows Management, Restoration, Creation and Education Projects 2 67,395 Total 83,270 EXPENDITURE ON Meadows Management, Restoration, Creation and Education Projects 3 64,592 Charitable activities Meadow Projects 40,250 Other 533 Total 105,375 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (22,105) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 38,481 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 16,376 |
Restricted funds £ 61,562 - 61,562 36,050 - - 36,050 25,512 - 25,512 |
5.4.25 Total funds £ 77,437 67,395 144,832 100,642 40,250 533 141,425 3,407 38,481 41,888 |
5.4.24 Total funds £ 6,167 105,948 112,115 87,598 25,398 627 113,623 (1,508) 39,989 38,481 |
|---|---|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 8
Herefordshire Meadows
Balance Sheet
5 April 2025
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds Notes £ £ FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 7 3,023 - CURRENT ASSETS Receivables from donations and other income sources 8 5,166 - Cash at bank 32,500 25,512 37,666 25,512 PAYABLES TO SUPPLIERS AND SERVICE PROVIDERS Amounts falling due within one year 9 (24,313) - NET CURRENT ASSETS 13,353 25,512 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 16,376 25,512 NET ASSETS 16,376 25,512 FUNDS 10 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS |
5.4.25 Total funds £ 3,023 5,166 58,012 63,178 (24,313) 38,865 41,888 41,888 16,376 25,512 41,888 |
5.4.24 Total funds £ 3,556 12,112 37,643 49,755 (14,830) 34,925 38,481 38,481 38,481 - 38,481 |
|---|---|---|
The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 5 April 2025.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 5 April 2025 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 9
continued...
Herefordshire Meadows
Balance Sheet - continued
5 April 2025
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on ............................................. and were signed on its behalf by:
............................................. Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 10
Herefordshire Meadows
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 5 April 2025
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.
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Herefordshire Meadows
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 5 April 2025
2. MEADOWS MANAGEMENT, RESTORATION, CREATION AND EDUCATION PROJECTS
Meadows Management, Restoration, Creation and Education Projects income
3. MEADOWS MANAGEMENT, RESTORATION, CREATION AND EDUCATION PROJECTS
Other trading activities
Expenditure on: Meadows Management, Restoration, Creation and Education Projects
4. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):
| 5.4.25 | 5.4.24 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Depreciation - owned assets | 533 | 627 |
| Hire of plant and machinery | 110 | 564 |
5. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 5 April 2025 nor for the year ended 5 April 2024.
6. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
| Unrestricted funds £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 6,167 Meadows Management, Restoration, Creation and Education Projects 105,948 Total 112,115 EXPENDITURE ON Meadows Management, Restoration, Creation and Education Projects 87,598 Charitable activities Meadow Projects 25,398 Other 627 Total 113,623 |
Restricted funds £ - - - - - - - |
Total funds £ 6,167 105,948 112,115 87,598 25,398 627 113,623 |
|---|---|---|
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Herefordshire Meadows
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 5 April 2025
| 6. | COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued | COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued | COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued | COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued | COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | |||
| funds | funds | funds | |||
| £ | £ | £ | |||
| NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) | (1,508) | - | (1,508) | ||
| RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS | |||||
| Total funds brought forward | 39,989 | - | 39,989 | ||
| TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED | |||||
| FORWARD | 38,481 | - | 38,481 | ||
| 7. | TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS | ||||
| COST | Plant and machinery £ |
||||
| At 6 April 2024 and 5 April 2025 | 4,921 | ||||
| DEPRECIATION | |||||
| At 6 April 2024 | 1,365 | ||||
| Charge for year | 533 | ||||
| At 5 April 2025 | 1,898 | ||||
| NET BOOK VALUE | |||||
| At 5 April 2025 | 3,023 | ||||
| At 5 April 2024 | 3,556 | ||||
| 8. | DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR | ||||
| Trade debtors | 5.4.25 £ 5,166 |
5.4.24 £ 12,112 |
|||
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Herefordshire Meadows
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 5 April 2025
| 9. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 5.4.25 £ Trade creditors 2,218 VAT 2,105 Other creditors - Accruals and deferred income 19,990 24,313 10. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Net movement At 6.4.24 in funds £ £ Unrestricted funds Meadow Managment, Restoration, Creation and Education Projects 38,481 (22,105) Restricted funds WEIF GRANT - 8,004 Jordan Foundation Grant - 231 Flower Rich GL Grant - 11,656 Malvern Hills NL Grant - 5,621 - 25,512 TOTAL FUNDS 38,481 3,407 |
5.4.24 £ 1,217 4,424 9,189 - 14,830 At 5.4.25 £ 16,376 8,004 231 11,656 5,621 25,512 41,888 |
|---|---|
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Herefordshire Meadows
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 5 April 2025
10. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds Meadow Managment, Restoration, Creation and Education Projects Restricted funds WEIF GRANT Jordan Foundation Grant Flower Rich GL Grant Malvern Hills NL Grant TOTAL FUNDS Comparatives for movement in funds Unrestricted funds Meadow Managment, Restoration, Creation and Education Projects TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 83,270 29,996 1,365 20,114 10,087 61,562 144,832 At 6.4.23 £ 39,989 39,989 |
Resources expended £ (105,375) (21,992) (1,134) (8,458) (4,466) (36,050) (141,425) Net movement in funds £ (1,508) (1,508) |
Movement in funds £ (22,105) 8,004 231 11,656 5,621 25,512 3,407 At 5.4.24 £ 38,481 38,481 |
|---|---|---|---|
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Herefordshire Meadows
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 5 April 2025
10. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Incoming | Resources | Movement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| resources | expended | in funds | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||
| Meadow Managment, Restoration, | |||
| Creation and Education Projects | 112,115 | (113,623) | (1,508) |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 112,115 | (113,623) | (1,508) |
| A current year 12 months and prior year 12 | months combined position is as follows: | ||
| Unrestricted funds | At 6.4.23 £ |
Net movement in funds £ |
At 5.4.25 £ |
| Meadow Managment, Restoration, | |||
| Creation and Education Projects | 39,989 | (23,613) | 16,376 |
| Restricted funds | |||
| WEIF GRANT | |||
| Jordan Foundation Grant | - | 8,004 | 8,004 |
| Flower Rich GL Grant | - | 231 | 231 |
| Malvern Hills NL Grant | - - |
11,656 5,621 |
11,656 5,621 |
| - | 25,512 | 25,512 | |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 39,989 | 1,899 | 41,888 |
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Herefordshire Meadows
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 5 April 2025
10. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds Meadow Managment, Restoration, Creation and Education Projects Restricted funds WEIF GRANT Jordan Foundation Grant Flower Rich GL Grant Malvern Hills NL Grant TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 195,385 29,996 1,365 20,114 10,087 61,562 256,947 |
Resources expended £ (218,998) (21,992) (1,134) (8,458) (4,466) (36,050) (255,048) |
Movement in funds £ (23,613) 8,004 231 11,656 5,621 25,512 1,899 |
|---|---|---|---|
11. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
One member of the trustees for Herefordshire Meadows received remuneration in the financial period ending 5th April 2025.
The trustee received a payment of £350 in the 2024/25 year for services he provided in the period, this service was a botanical training day for Herefordshire Meadows (£350). There is a Trustee payment agreement in place covering this work.
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Herefordshire Meadows
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 5 April 2025 INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Donations and legacies Donations Grants Meadows Management, Restoration, Creation and Education Projects Meadow Project Income Total incoming resources EXPENDITURE Other trading activities Meadow Project Expenditure Event Expenses Hall Hire Wild meadow seeds Bank interest Charitable activities Hire of Village Hall Insurance Advertising Travel Costs Finance and Admin Expenses Computer Other Depreciation Support costs Governance costs Accountancy and legal fees Total resources expended Net income/(expenditure) |
5.4.25 £ 15,875 61,562 77,437 67,395 144,832 72,054 14,088 - 14,502 (2) 100,642 110 903 419 7,167 28,569 1,832 39,000 533 1,250 141,425 3,407 |
5.4.24 £ 6,167 - 6,167 105,948 112,115 82,585 4,664 349 - - 87,598 215 903 80 4,554 18,793 353 24,898 627 500 113,623 (1,508) |
|---|---|---|
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
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