FOREST KIDS ANNUAL REPORT
For the period 1[st] January 2025 to 31 December 2025
A. Reference and Administration
Charity Name: Forest Kids Registered Charity Number: 1199728 Principal Address: Woodcock, Fox Hills Lane, Ash, Aldershot GU12 6AF
Trustees:
Sam Stephens (Chair), appointed 20 July 2022 by governing document
Peter Findley, appointed 20 July 2022 by governing document
Sophie Burrows, appointed 26[th] March 2025 by resolution of the Trustees
Christina Manning, appointed 27[th] May 2025 by resolution of the Trustees
Bank: Virgin Money
B. Reference and Administration
Type of Governing Document: CIO Constitution
How the Charity is Constituted: Charitable Incorporated Organisation
How New Trustees are Appointed: Resolution of existing Trustees
C. Objectives and Activities
Objectives:
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The advancement of the Christian faith for the public benefit, in accordance with the statement of faith in the schedule, in Surrey and Hampshire and in such other parts of the United Kingdom as the Trustees may determine, especially in relation to children and young people.
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The advancement of education for the public benefit, in relation to the environment and the natural world, in Surrey and Hampshire and in such other parts of the United Kingdom as the Trustees may determine, especially in relation to children and young people.
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Main Activities
Forest Kids exists to enable children and young people in the Ash area and beyond to find a place of belonging where they can explore the Christian faith, improve their mental and physical wellbeing, and cultivate an interest in and care for the natural environment. This is done through regular age-appropriate group activities in a woodland setting.
The Charity was formed in July 2022, and started running activities for children in November 2022. The Charity has been offered the use of Candle Wood, adjoining Henley Business Park, free of charge for sessions with children, and this has been very suitable for its needs so far.
Transport for the children to get to Candle Wood has been provided by renting a minibus from Woking Community Transport, whose help and support is gratefully acknowledged.
D. Management and Performance
The Charity has continued its work in delivering weekly term time woodland-based sessions. Termly family events have continued, along with pre-session home visits.
Each session welcomed up to 12 children, with an average attendance of 8. Over the year, 10 new children joined, with referrals primarily coming from a local school. Participants have continued to enjoy learning bushcraft skills, deepening their understanding of the natural environment, and engaging in discussions about the Christian faith and positive life choices. Children have continued to grow in confidence, and strong relationships have developed between them, with some families now taking part in activities together outside of Forest Kids sessions. Parent feedback has continued to be very positive.
Two new Trustees were appointed in March and May 2025: one to fill the vacancy created by a Trustee resignation in 2024, and the other to broaden the skills and experience represented on the Board. The Trustees met four times during the financial period.
The Trustees extend their sincere gratitude to the volunteers who support the Charity’s events. Their dedication and willingness make it possible for the Charity to continue its valuable work.
The Trustees have referred to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Charity’s aims and objectives and in planning activities. They are confident that the Charity’s activities as outlined in this report meet the public benefit requirements.
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Financial Review
The Charity’s main source of income is regular giving from individual supporters (£12,243). Most giving comes via Stewardship, which collects Gift Aid on the Charity’s behalf. Total income for the period was £12,293.
The Charity’s main expenditure consists of salaries and pension (£6,733), equipment and materials for sessions (£829), and the hire of minibuses for transport (£1,456). Total expenditure was £9,657, leaving a net balance of £2,636. The Trustees consider that these reserves are sufficient for the Charity’s needs.
The Charity has no restricted funds. The Charity does not hold any investments for income generation, or any interest in land.
The Charity has not made or received any grants.
Risk Assessment and Safeguarding
The Trustees have reviewed the major risks to which the Charity is exposed, and have policies and procedures in place to mitigate these risks.
E. Declaration
No serious incident has occurred during the financial period which should have been reported to the Charity Commission.
The Trustees have approved this report.
Signed
Sam Stephens
Sam Stephens Chair of Trustees
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Forest Kids
Statement of Income and Expenditure and Balances for the period
from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.
These accounts have been prepared using the receipts and payments method available to CIOs with income below £250,000.
| Receipts | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Giving (Stewardship) | £10,579 | £8,754 |
| Giving (Other) | £1,664 | £1,830 |
| Other Income | £50 | £117 |
| Total Receipts | £12,293 | £10,700 |
| Payments | ||
| Staff Salaries and Pension | £6,733 | £5,689 |
| Staff Expenses | £0 | £222 |
| Insurance | £435 | £435 |
| Safeguarding | £204 | £234 |
| Administration | £0 | £0 |
| Equipment and Materials | £829 | £1,202 |
| Transport (Minibus Hire) | £1,456 | £1,424 |
| Training | £0 | £52 |
| Other Expenditure | £0 | £0 |
| Total Payments | £9,657 | £9,257 |
| Surplus / deficit | £2,636 | £1,443 |
| Balances | ||
| Opening Balance | £4,020 | £2,577 |
| Receipts | £12,293 | £10,700 |
| Payments | £9,657 | £9,257 |
| Closing Balance | £6,656 | £4,020 |
No Trustee received any remuneration or expenses in relation to their services as trustees. The Charity has given no guarantees and has no capital commitments or long term contracts.
Candle Wood is part owned by one of the Trustees, and the Charity uses it by permission. No payment is made by the Charity for its use of the wood. This arrangement is reviewed annually by the other Trustees. Except as stated in this paragraph, there were no related party transactions during the financial period.
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