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2024-03-31-accounts

Charity registration number (CIO) 1201792 Charity registration number (Unincorporated) 702223

CARSTAIRS COUNTRYSIDE TRUST CIO (INCLUDING CARSTAIRS COUNTRYSIDE TRUST)

MERGED ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

CARSTAIRS COUNTRYSIDE TRUST CIO

CONTENTS

Page
Legal and administrative information 1
Trustees' report 2 - 3
Independent examiner's report 4
Statement of financial activities 5 - 6
Balance sheet 7
Notes to the financial statements 8 - 17

CARSTAIRS COUNTRYSIDE TRUST CIO

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Mr I Carstairs OBE
Mr N Turton
Dr R H A Baker
Mr M R Watson (appointed 23 January 2024)
Charity numbers 1201792
702223
Principal address Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors
1Clifford House
York
YO1 9RJ
Independent examiner Frances Howard FCA
Fortus Limited
Business Advisors and Accountants
Equinox House
Clifton Park
Shipton Road
York
YO30 5PA
Bankers CAF Bank Limited
25 Kings Hill Avenue
Kings Hill
West Malling
Kent
ME19 4JQ
Solicitors Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors LLP
Clifford House
19 Clifford Street
York
YO1 9RJ
Land Agents Tim Paxman
John H Pickup & Co.
2 Doncaster Road
Bawtry
Doncaster
DN10 6NF
Oliver Farghar
Clubleys
2nd Floor
60-64 Market Place
Market Weighton
YO43 3AL
Key Management Personnel Mr D Hargreaves - Operations Manager

CARSTAIRS COUNTRYSIDE TRUST CIO

TRUSTEES' REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024. During the year Carstairs Countryside Trust merged with Carstairs Countryside Trust CIO. This report shows the merged accounts.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the Trust's governing document, the Charities Acts and "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 published in October 2019".

The legal and administrative information page forms part of this report.

Objectives and activities

The Unincorporated Charitable Trust was established by Deed on 15 September 1989. Conversion to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation was approved by the Charity Commission on 1 February 2023 and the transition has been taking place during the Year. The Trust’s Objects are to promote either through its own act or by supporting the acts of other registered charities:

The Trustees confirm that the Trust has complied with its duty to have due regard to the guidance on public benefit published by the Charity Commission in exercising its powers and duties. Trustees believe that all the Trust's work is of great public benefit. Volunteers are key to driving the ethos at the heart of the Trust's work. Trust land holdings are managed in a way to ensure that rare and scarce habitats and species are conserved for future generations. Appropriate management delivers optimum opportunity for both the safeguarding of important habitats and supporting species survival.

Achievements and performance

Land Management

The Trust continues to benefit from five Countryside Stewardship (CS) agreements covering the majority of its holdings. During the year, a new agreement was negotiated with Natural England to cover Sutton Common, Shirley Pool and Sykehouse Meadows. These agreements guide our management in protecting the nature conservation or archaeological interests of the sites. In their early years, they provide vital support towards the cost of essential capital works.

In common with other farming landholders the very wet conditions during the year posed significant challenges, perhaps highlighting a general trend towards variable and extreme weather conditions thought to be connected with climate change. In collaboration with Natural England, the Government’s advisor on nature conservation Trustees remain alert to the long term implications of the impact of erratic and more extreme weather on the management prescriptions for the Trust’s land holdings and the conservation and enhancement of the habitats on which the wild plants and animals depend.

Control of unwelcome plants in the Lower Derwent Valley holdings, such as docks, marsh ragwort and Himalayan balsam, pose a perennial challenge and Trustees are ever mindful that they do not diminish the quality of the meadows.

Monitoring

The Trust continues to collect biological data about its holdings to help inform management. The information gained also assists in assessing any need for repeat surveys. From this work, it is pleasing to report two particular successes from specific surveys: the extremely rare tansy beetle known locally as ‘The Jewel of York’ has been found in extended locations away from the river bank at Water Fulford, increasing confidence in the Trust’s approach to the conservation of this spectacular insect; and similarly, a survey revealed good numbers of the rare water beetle Agabus undulates . The information and advice gained from these surveys will help to inform Trustees on future habitat management for the benefit of both species.

Conservation Issues

The Trust maintains a keen vigil on activities which may pose a threat to the wildlife interest of its sites which included objections to a number of planning applications and contributions to Local Plan Policy development. This is particularly significant in relation to the internationally important Lower Derwent Valley, with its National Nature Reserve designation, which experiences increasing pressure on the security of sanctuary areas from manifold directions.

Working with Natural England, The Friends of the Lower Derwent Valley Conservation Group, the North Yorkshire Moors Association and representatives of the community from Redenhall with Harleston, South Norfolk, the Trust ran two seminars to promote the principles of Nature Recovery at parish level. Held at the Yorkshire Air Museum, Elvington and the Moors Centre, Danby, both events were well attended with constructive outcomes.

The Trust assisted the North York Moors Association with a grant towards its work to promote the conservation of the countryside and nature recovery and pledged support to the Harold Dean Charity to provide a public viewing platform at the Ocean Lake, Weybread, Suffolk , a listed County Wildlife Site. Support in the latter case is dependent on the Harold Dean Trust raising the funds to acquire the Ocean Lake site.

CARSTAIRS COUNTRYSIDE TRUST CIO

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Financial review

The Trust reported a surplus of £23,330 for the year ended 31 March 2024 (2023: £183,584). This comprises a surplus of £27,255 on unrestricted funds (2023: £184,795) and a deficit on restricted funds of £3,925 (2023: £1,211 deficit).

Overall funds at 31 March 2024 were £2,605,734 (2023: £2,582,404), consisting of £929,237 unrestricted funds (2023: £899,460), designated funds £5,997 (2023: £8,519) and £1,670,500 restricted funds (2023: £1,674,425).

Policies

The Carstairs Countryside Trust Charitable Incorporated Organisation (No 1201792) formally adopted all the rights and responsibilities and specifically the policies of the Charitable Trust.

Reserves Policy

The Trust continues to remain independent and self-sustaining with its farming activities underpinning the delivery of conservation objectives to maintain and enhance important wildlife assemblages, with particular regards to its holdings in the historical floodplain. The agricultural support reforms continue with the Farm Basic Payment Scheme being phased out. The new Strategic Farming Initiative, to be fully rolledout in Summer 2025 may give some, but very limited support, though it will not replace the loss of income from BPS. However, the payment rates for Countryside Stewardship, as revised by the Government during the year, will substantially increase and should , if maintained, more than offset the loss of the BPS payments, which come to an end in 2027.

Trustees regularly reviewed commitments and concluded that the level of financial reserves should be reduced to a sum which equates to the core running costs of the Charity for a five year period, on the assumption that there would be no income.

With increasing financial stability brought about by the bequest from James Goodhart, Trustees determined to seek better financial returns on its financial reserves whilst allowing for rapid access to these funds if required. Consequently, Trustees opened three accounts with separate institutions giving varying degrees of access and rates of return.

Free reserves at 31 March 2024 were £440,344 (2023: £410,567)

Structure, governance and management

The CIO Trust was founded by a Deed of Constitution dated 1 February 2023. The Deed mirrors the charitable objects of the erstwhile Charitable Trust and the opportunity was taken to update procedural matters. The CIO has has four Trustees, one of whom is Chair, and Trustees anticipate that, on a skill based basis, new trustees will be recruited from time to time. Trustees retire on a rotational basis.

The Trust employs an Operations Manager, who transferred, under TUPE, in November 2023, and who is responsible for the day to day management of the sites and the administration of the Trust. The Trust is supported by professional advisors, being solicitors, chartered surveyors and accountants.

Recruitment, appointment, induction and training of new trustees

The Trust continues to operate through the efforts of a small number of trustees supported through professional advisors. Given the modus operandi of the Trust, existing trustees are mindful of the need to ensure that there is both continuity and sustainability. We will be looking to recruit new trustees when appropriate and the opportunity arises.

Risk management

Trustees have policies in place in respect of risk management and their aim is to identify, remove and and minimise risk, especially in respect of public liability and fraud. Trustees review the policies annually and, where appropriate, with the assistance of advisors.

Acknowledgements

Thanks are due to: Land Agents, Tim Paxman of John H Pickup and Oliver Farghar of Clubleys; Richard Watson of Crombie Wilkinson, the Trust’s Clerk, who on retirement took up a role as a Trustee; Veronica Ridsdale of Fortus Limited for accountancy and financial advice; and Hilary Bevan for specialist VAT support. The Trustees also extend thanks and appreciation to all the farmers and contractors who have worked with the Trust throughout the year to deliver wildlife-friendly landscapes across Yorkshire; and volunteers Justy Nelson, Phil Nelson, Chris Wilson, John Bell, Peter Rhodes, Matthew Baker and Elaine Blake who have helped achieve our aims.

The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

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..............................
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.............................. I Carstairs OBE Chair of Trustees

Date: 10 September 2024

CARSTAIRS COUNTRYSIDE TRUST CIO

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF CARSTAIRS COUNTRYSIDE TRUST

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Carstairs Countryside Trust (the Trust) for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act).

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared financial statements in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn.

I understand that this has been done in order for financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.

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 that in any material respect:

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 financial statements to be reached.

Frances Howard FCA

Fortus Limited Business Advisors and Accountants Equinox House Clifton Park Shipton Road YO30 5PA York

Dated: 12 September 2024

CARSTAIRS COUNTRYSIDE TRUST CIO

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
funds
general
designated
2024
2024
2024
Notes
£
£
£
Income and endowments
Donations and legacies
3
11,970
-
-
Charitable activities
4
159,615
-
2,500
Investments
5
9,861
150
390
Other income
6
260
-
-
Total income
181,706
150
2,890
Expenditure
Charitable activities
7
151,929
2,672
6,815
Net income/(expenditure) for the year
29,777
(2,522)
(3,925)
Net movement in funds
29,777
(2,522)
(3,925)
Fund balances at 1 April 2023
899,460
8,519
1,674,425
Fund balances at 31 March 2024
929,237
5,997
1,670,500		 Total
Combined
total
2024
2023
£
£
11,970
150,000
162,115
192,001
10,401
1,508
260
9
184,746
343,518
161,416
159,934
23,330
183,584
23,330
183,584
2,582,404
2,398,820
2,605,734
2,582,404		 Total
Combined
total
2024
2023
£
£
11,970
150,000
162,115
192,001
10,401
1,508
260
9
184,746
343,518
161,416
159,934
23,330
183,584
23,330
183,584
2,582,404
2,398,820
2,605,734
2,582,404
343,518
159,934
183,584
183,584
2,398,820
2,582,404

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

CARSTAIRS COUNTRYSIDE TRUST CIO

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED) INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

PRIOR FINANCIAL YEAR
Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted Combined
funds funds funds total
general designated
2023 2023 2023 2023
Notes £ £ £ £
Income and endowments
Donations and legacies 3 150,000 - - 150,000
Charitable activities 4 192,001 - - 192,001
Investments 5 1,322 50 136 1,508
Other income 6 9 - - 9
Total income 343,332 50 136 343,518
Expenditure
Charitable activities 7 158,787 - 1,147 159,934
Net income/(expenditure) for the year 184,545 50 (1,011) 183,584
Gross transfers between funds 200 - (200) -
Net movement in funds 184,745 50 (1,211) 183,584
Fund balances at 1 April 2022 714,715 8,469 1,675,636 2,398,820
Fund balances at 31 March 2023 899,460 8,519 1,674,425 2,582,404

CARSTAIRS COUNTRYSIDE TRUST CIO

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 MARCH 2024

2024 Combined 2023
Notes £ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Intangible assets 12 32,572 32,572
Tangible assets 13 2,111,514 2,111,514
2,144,086 2,144,086
Current assets
Debtors 14 34,577 31,322
Cash at bank and in hand 447,169 426,043
481,746 457,365
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 15 (20,098) (19,047)
Net current assets 461,648 438,318
Total assets less current liabilities 2,605,734 2,582,404
Income funds
Restricted funds 16 1,670,500 1,674,425
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds 17 5,997 8,519
General unrestricted funds 929,237 899,460
935,234 907,979
2,605,734 2,582,404
The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 10 September 2024 and signed on their behalf by:
.............................. ..............................
I Carstairs OBE N Turton
Chair of Trustees Trustee

CARSTAIRS COUNTRYSIDE TRUST CIO

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Carstairs Countryside Trust is a charity registered in England and Wales. It's registered office is c/o Crombie Wilkinson, Clifford House, 19 Clifford Street, York, YO1 9RJ.

Carstairs Countryside Trust CIO is a charity registered in England and Wales. It's registered office is c/o Crombie Wilkinson, Clifford House, 19 Clifford Street, York, YO1 9RJ.

1.1 Accounting convention

Following the merger of Carstairs Countryside Trust and Carstairs Countryside Trust CIO, the financial statements have been prepared as merged accounts following guidance of the Charities SORP FRS 102 2019a section 27.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Trust's governing documents, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "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). The Trust is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The Trust has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

The financial statements have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair view. This departure has involved following the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the Trust.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements as the assets will continue to be transferred from Carstairs Countryside Trust to Carstairs Countryside Trust CIO.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular purposes.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the Trust is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the Trust has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the Trust has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

CARSTAIRS COUNTRYSIDE TRUST CIO

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.6 Intangible fixed assets other than goodwill

Intangible assets acquired separately from a business are recognised at cost and are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses.

Intangible assets acquired on business combinations are recognised separately from goodwill at the acquisition date where it is probable that the expected future economic benefits that are attributable to the asset will flow to the entity and the fair value of the asset can be measured reliably; the intangible asset arises from contractual or other legal rights; and the intangible asset is separable from the entity.

Amortisation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Fishing rights

nil

1.7 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Freehold land

nil

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.8 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the Trust reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.9 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.10 Financial instruments

The Trust has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the Trust's balance sheet when the Trust becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are measured at transaction price including transaction costs. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are recognised at transaction price. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised at transaction price.

CARSTAIRS COUNTRYSIDE TRUST CIO

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the Trust’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.11 Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.

1.12 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the Trust is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.13 Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

1.14 Merger accounting

During the year, Carstairs Countryside Trust merged with Carstairs Countryside Trust CIO. The date of the merger was 19 June 2023.

There have been no adjustments to the accounting policies or net assets of either entity.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the Trust’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

3 Donations and legacies

Donations and legacies
Combined
Unrestricted unrestricted
funds funds
general general
2024 2023
£ £
Legacies receivable 11,970 150,000

CARSTAIRS COUNTRYSIDE TRUST CIO

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Charitable activities
Combined
Charitable charitable
activities activities
2024 2023
£ £
Stewardship 97,333 101,976
Licences, rent and wayleaves 30,297 46,945
Basic payment scheme 34,485 43,080
162,115 192,001
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds - general 159,615 192,001
Restricted funds 2,500 -
162,115 192,001

5 Investments

Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds
general designated
2024 2024 2024 2024
£ £ £ £
Interest receivable 9,861 150 390 10,401
Combined Combined Combined Combined
unrestricted unrestricted restricted total
funds funds funds
general designated
2023 2023 2023 2023
£ £ £ £
Interest receivable 1,322 50 136 1,508
6 Other income
Combined
Unrestricted unrestricted
funds funds
general general
2024 2023
£ £
Sundry income 260 9

CARSTAIRS COUNTRYSIDE TRUST CIO

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

7 Charitable activities

Charitable
expenditure
Staff costs
2024
2024
£
£
Staff costs
-
43,300
Drainage rates and water
2,466
-
Insurance
3,024
-
Repairs and maintenance
67,982
-
Subscriptions
632
-
Land agent's fees
963
-
Trustees' expenses
1,062
-
Legal fees
15,669
-
Other specialist fees
5,900
-
Staff and volunteer
expenses
4,990
-
Printing expenses
463
-
Aerial and other
photography
1,600
-
Website costs
120
-
Irrecoverable VAT
4,848
-
Bank charges
95
-
109,814
43,300
Grant funding of activities
(see note 8)
5,000
-
Share of governance costs
(see note 9)
3,302
-
118,116
43,300
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds - general
108,629
43,300
Unrestricted funds -
designated
2,672
-
Restricted funds
6,815
-
118,116
43,300		 Total
2024
Combined
charitable
expenditure
Combined
staff costs
Combined
total
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
£
43,300
-
39,544
39,544
2,466
2,998
-
2,998
3,024
3,136
-
3,136
67,982
78,591
-
78,591
632
115
-
115
963
1,200
-
1,200
1,062
590
-
590
15,669
19,985
-
19,985
5,900
-
-
-
4,990
3,731
-
3,731
463
509
-
509
1,600
30
-
30
120
145
-
145
4,848
6,075
-
6,075
95
75
-
75
153,114
117,180
39,544
156,724
5,000
-
-
-
3,302
3,210
-
3,210
161,416
120,390
39,544
159,934
151,929
119,243
39,544
158,787
2,672
-
-
-
6,815
1,147
-
1,147
161,416
120,390
39,544
159,934		 Total
2024
Combined
charitable
expenditure
Combined
staff costs
Combined
total
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
£
43,300
-
39,544
39,544
2,466
2,998
-
2,998
3,024
3,136
-
3,136
67,982
78,591
-
78,591
632
115
-
115
963
1,200
-
1,200
1,062
590
-
590
15,669
19,985
-
19,985
5,900
-
-
-
4,990
3,731
-
3,731
463
509
-
509
1,600
30
-
30
120
145
-
145
4,848
6,075
-
6,075
95
75
-
75
153,114
117,180
39,544
156,724
5,000
-
-
-
3,302
3,210
-
3,210
161,416
120,390
39,544
159,934
151,929
119,243
39,544
158,787
2,672
-
-
-
6,815
1,147
-
1,147
161,416
120,390
39,544
159,934
156,724
-
3,210
159,934
158,787
-
1,147
159,934

8 Grants payable

Grants to institutions (1 grants): North Yorkshire Moors Association

Charitable Combined
expenditure 2023
2024
£ £
5,000 -

CARSTAIRS COUNTRYSIDE TRUST CIO

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

9 Support costs

Support costs
Support costs
Governance
costs
£
£
Independent examination fee
-
3,302
-
3,302
Analysed between
Charitable activities
-
3,302		 2024
Combined
2023
£
£
3,302
3,210
3,302
3,210
3,302
3,210
3,210
3,210

10 Trustees

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2024 nor for the year ended 31 March 2023.

Expenses in the sum of £1,062 (2023: £590) have been reimbursed to two trustees (2023: two) during the year. These reimbursements are in respect of travel, postage, stationery and sundry expenditure incurred by the trustees in the running of the Trust. At the year end £228 (2023: £137) was outstanding.

11 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2024 Combined 2023
Number Number
1 1
Employment costs 2024 Combined 2023
£ £
Wages and salaries 40,641 37,458
Other pension costs 1,974 1,851
Payroll charges 685 235
43,300 39,544

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000 in either year.

CARSTAIRS COUNTRYSIDE TRUST CIO

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

12
Intangible fixed assets
Cost
At 1 April 2023 (combined) and 31 March 2024
Amortisation and impairment
At 1 April 2023 (combined) and 31 March 2024
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2024
At 31 March 2023 (combined)
13
Tangible fixed assets
Cost
At 1 April 2023 (combined)
At 31 March 2024
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2024
At 31 March 2023 (combined)
14
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
15
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income		 Fishing rights
£
32,572
-
32,572
32,572
Freehold land
£
2,111,514
2,111,514
2,111,514
2,111,514
2024 Combined 2023
£
£
1,560
9,456
5,130
2,263
27,887
19,603
34,577
31,322
2024 Combined 2023
£
£
8,241
10,075
11,857
8,972
20,098
19,047
19,047

CARSTAIRS COUNTRYSIDE TRUST CIO

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

16 Restricted funds

The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes:

Combined
balance at
1 April 2023
£
Land Conservancy Fund
1,655,193
LOT Fund - Skipwith
9,733
Cottingwith Lock Pastures
2,975
Hearts and Minds Project
6,524
1,674,425
Balance at
1 April 2022
£
Land Conservancy Fund
1,655,193
LOT Fund - Skipwith
9,667
Cottingwith Lock Pastures
4,300
Hearts and Minds Project
6,476
1,675,636		 Movement in funds
Income
Expenditure
Transfers
Balance at
31 March 2024
£
£
£
£
-
-
-
1,655,193
210
-
-
9,943
108
-
-
3,083
2,573
(6,816)
-
2,281
2,891
(6,816)
-
1,670,500
Combined movement in funds
Income
Expenditure
Transfers
Balance at
31 March 2023
£
£
£
£
-
-
-
1,655,193
66
-
-
9,733
22
(1,147)
(200)
2,975
48
-
-
6,524
136
(1,147)
(200)
1,674,425		 Movement in funds
Income
Expenditure
Transfers
Balance at
31 March 2024
£
£
£
£
-
-
-
1,655,193
210
-
-
9,943
108
-
-
3,083
2,573
(6,816)
-
2,281
2,891
(6,816)
-
1,670,500
Combined movement in funds
Income
Expenditure
Transfers
Balance at
31 March 2023
£
£
£
£
-
-
-
1,655,193
66
-
-
9,733
22
(1,147)
(200)
2,975
48
-
-
6,524
136
(1,147)
(200)
1,674,425
1,674,425

Restricted funds represent monies to be used for the following specific purposes:

Land Conservancy Fund

The Trust identifies land for the Land Conservancy Fund that it feels meet its criteria for ongoing environmental conservation. Specific funds are raised to purchase the land. The Trust's aim is to keep or return land in a way that will maintain and/or enhance the flora and fauna or other features of countryside conservation interest for the benefit of future generations.

Light Owler Trust (Skipwith)

The charity holds restricted funds which are to be spent to further nature conservation on Skipwith Common at the behest of and approval by Natural England. The transfer in the prior year related to interest received not previously allocated to the fund.

Cottingwith Lock Pastures

Grant funding received from Natural England towards the cost of practical works at Cottingwith Lock Pastures. The transfer relates to staff costs incurred on the project in the year.

Hearts and Minds Project

Grant funding received from Natural England towards the cost of a small Hearts and Minds Project in connection with the Lower Derwent Valley National Nature Reserve. Hearts and Minds is to encourage nature recovery and respect of the needs of the wildlife of the international importance of the lower Derwent Valley.

CARSTAIRS COUNTRYSIDE TRUST CIO

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

17 Designated funds

The income funds of the charity include the following designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes:

Combined
balance at
1 April 2022
Combined
transfers
Combined
balance at
1 April 2023
£
£
£
Sykes legacies
fund
8,469
-
8,519
8,469
-
8,519		 Movement in funds
Income
Expenditure
£
£
150
(2,672)
150
(2,672)		 Transfers
Balance at
31 March 2024
£
£
-
5,997
-
5,997		 Transfers
Balance at
31 March 2024
£
£
-
5,997
-
5,997
5,997

Sykes legacies fund

The trustees designated the legacies received from Mary and Dennis Sykes to be spent on projects in the Lower Derwent Valley which was well known to both donors. The transfer relates to the legacy payment received last year.

18 Analysis of net assets between funds

Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Total
funds funds funds
2024 2024 2024 2024
£ £ £ £
Fund balances at 31 March 2024 are represented by:
Intangible fixed assets 32,572 - - 32,572
Tangible assets 456,321 - 1,655,193 2,111,514
Current assets/(liabilities) 440,344 5,997 15,307 461,648
929,237 5,997 1,670,500 2,605,734
Combined Combined Combined Combined
unrestricted designated restricted total
funds funds funds
2023 2023 2023 2023
£ £ £ £
Fund balances at 31 March 2023 are represented by:
Intangible fixed assets 32,572 - - 32,572
Tangible assets 456,321 - 1,655,193 2,111,514
Current assets/(liabilities) 410,567 8,519 19,232 438,318
899,460 8,519 1,674,425 2,582,404

At the year end, tangible and intangible fixed assets were still held by the unincorporated charity. The current assets and liabilities are all held by the CIO.

19 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2023 - none).

CARSTAIRS COUNTRYSIDE TRUST CIO

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

CCT CCT CIO CCT CIO Combined
(pre-merger) (pre-merger) (post-merger) total
2024 2024 2024 2024
£ £ £ £
Total income 22,227 - 162,519 184,746
Total expenditure (13,270) - (148,146) (161,416)
Total income/(expenditure) 8,957 - 14,373 23,330
Other gains.(losses) - - - -
Net movement in funds 8,957 - 14,373 23,330
CCT CCT CIO Combined
2023 2023 total
2023
£ £ £
Total income 343,518 - 343,518
Total expenditure (159,934) - (159,934)
Total income/(expenditure) 183,584 - 183,584
Other gains.(losses) - - -
Net movement in funds 183,584 - 183,584
et assets at the date of the merger
CCT CCT CIO Combined
total
£ £ £
Net assets 2,591,361 - 2,591,361
Represented by:
Unrestricted funds 908,417 - 908,417
Designated funds 8,519 - 8,519
Restricted funds 1,674,425 - 1,674,425
Total funds 2,591,361 - 2,591,361

20 Net assets at the date of the merger

21 Grant commitments

Grant expenditure (charitable activities) committed at 31 December 2023 was £10,000.