CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Trustees, Annual Report for the period From 20 September 2023 Period start date To 31 March 2024 Period end date Charity name: Ponteland and District Red Squirrels Charity registration number: 1204829 Objectives and Activities SORP reference Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in ils governing document Para 1.17 To further the conservation and preservation of the red squirrel species primarily but not exclusively in the Ponteland area and to advance the education of the public in the study of red squirrels and in their conservation and habitst preservation. The charity is involved in monitoring the red squirrel population in Ponteland and engaging with the public to encourage them to report sightings of both red and grey squirrels in the area. We offer advice on how to support red squirrels and also assist in removing grey squirrels. We have attended many community events to educate the public about the vulnerability to extinction of the red squirrel and also given talks to the PLSblic on how to help to save red squirrels for future generations. Summary of the main activities in relation lo those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. Par8 1.17and We make and sell squirrel feeders to enable the residents of the area to support the fragile red squirrel population. We produced and sold calendars. This initiative was to raise funds but more importantly to raise the profile of the group and also to raise awareness of the danger that grey squirrels pose to our native reds. Statement confirming whether the Iruslees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit Para 1.18 The trustees have all reviewed the Charity Commission statement on I public benefit found on the website. Additional infomiation (optional)
You ma choose to include further statements where relevant about.. SORP reference Nla Para 1.38 Policy on granl making Nla Para 1.38 Policy on social investment including program related investment The trustees oversee the day to day running of the charity working closely with volunteers. The charity is run by volunteers and the trustees, who receive no remuneration. Para 1.38 Contribution made by volunteers We currently have a pool of over x volunteers who regularly report sightings of red and grey squirrels in the area. A large number of local residents also pennit trapping of grey squirrels in their gardens. We have 5 volunteers trained in despatching grey squirrels with further volunteers to receive training, other Achievements and Performance SORP reference Ponteland Red Squirrels was founded by our Chair over 20 years ago when she realised that no one was protecting the red squirrels in the area and grey squirrels were moving up from the south of England bringing squirrel pox virus with them and killing off the small red squirrel population. Grey squirrels had taken over many surrounding areas. Summary ofthe main achievements of the charity, identitying 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 Charitable status achieved on 20 September was a step towards raising the profile of the efforts of the group with local residents and businesses and in turn showing people the plight of the red squirrels. Educating the public about the vulnerabili of the red s uirrel is one of
our main aims and we have had a stand once a month at a local farmerfs market to enable us to reach out and talk to members of the public about red squirrels. We have given talks to the local Rotary group and the Ponteland Guides and Brownies. During the period we have managed to have published several articles in our local press about red squirrels and our conservation work. The charity has been harnessing social media to help monitor sightings of squirrels in the area. We have set up a public FaGebook Group and Facebook Page for the community in the area to post photographs, questions and comments about squirrels and conservation. This presence has helped infomiation to be spread to a wider audience. We have also created watts app groups to enable the community to communicate more easily and report sightings. The distribution of flyers at events, delivering door to door and providing to local businesses has assisted in spreading information about squirrels and the work we do to protect them for people to enjoy in the future. Similarly producing our own calendar has enable us to disseminate information and engage local and wider support. We ran a competition asking people to submit their photographs of red squirrels. We selected the winners and then have produced and Sold calendars. We had one calendar featuring photographs of the local red squirrels taken by local photographers and a second calendar of photographs of red squirrels of the British Isles. The calendar, as well as having delightful pictures of our red squirrels, provides informative facts and figures about red and grey squirrels. We sold calendars every week in the run up to Christmas at our local shops and at Christmas markets aswell as online. Again, in an attempt to raise awareness of the red s uirrels that still live in our
area we have squirrel costumes which our volunteers wear at various events and when selling calendars. Pictures can also then be posted on social media. We also provide live traps to resldents who agree to allow us to trap grey squirrels in their gardens. By removing the grey Squirrels we are trying to reduce the risk of transmission of squirrel pox virus to the red squirrels. We have removed over 1200 grey squirrels from Ponteland and the surrounding area in the period 20 September 2023 to 31 March 2024. A number of trail Cameras are deployed in the area and these are checked regularly to monitor squirrel activity. It Is hoped that remotely activated squirrel traps can be purchased in the future to reduce the cost in both time and money of the need to check live traps on a regular basis. Any red squirrels found dead orwhich have to be euthanised are preserved and statistics taken and catalogued. The body is also sent to the laboratory for testing in situations where squirrel pox or other virus is suspected. We also support academic researchers by providing our statistics. In an attempt to reduce the number of road deaths involving red squirrels we have designed and printed signs for drivers to be made aware of the risks of squirrels crossing the roads. These signs have been erected in particular areas where a number of road fatalities have occurred. An initiative for the future is to raise funds to erect a squirrel bridge to try and reduce road deaths. Next year we would like to create our own website to provide an accessible platform to share information about squirrels. We would also like to have a patron as a figure head to support our work. Additional information loptionall You ma choose lo include further statements where relevant about..
Achievements against objectives set Para 1.41 Our main fundraising stream is the one- off and regular donations we receive from our supporters. To supplement this income, our volunteers have manned stalls at various fairs and charity events, selling squirrel feeders which we make ourselves from recycled materials, squirrel nuts and our calendars. Performance of fundraising activities against objectives sel Para 1.41 This also assists in raising awareness of our cause. Further community events are planned and the charity intend to purchase branded banners etc to make their stand more eye catching. Flyers and posters will be printed to offer advice about helping red squirrels and these will be distributed at all such events. Fundraising events as well as raisin9 money also increase awareness of the vulnerabilities of red squirrels. The charity will continue to have a visible presence at as many local community events as ossible. Investment performan against objectives Para 1.41 Other
Financial Review Review of the charity's financial position at the end of the period Para 1.21 The charity had a £3305 credit cash balance as at 31 March 2024 with no large expenses predicted for the coming financial year. Expenses were the cost of purchasing the calendars and squirrel food aswell as operational costs of the volunteers, expenses. The charity has no large assets. Some minimal stock remains and crossing signs which were purchased during this period will be used b the chari in the comin ears. Reserves are held to cover volunteer expenses such as petrol. Slalemenl explaining the policy for holding reserves stalin are held Amount of reseNes held Para 1.22 Para 1.22 Reserves of approximately £3,000 were held in March 2024. Reasons for holding zero reserves Details of fund materially in deficit Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern Para 1.22 Para 1.24 Nla Para 1.23 No concerns Additional infomiation (optional) You ma choose to include further statements where relevant about". Funds come from donations made by supporters and funds raised from selling calendars, squirrel food and feeders. The charity's principal sources of funds lincluding any fundraising) Para 1 47 . Tabletop sales at local community events raise a small amount of funds, although time consumlng are still worthwhile to raise awareness. A small amount of donations are generated from educational events and talks. Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted Para 1.46 A lack of volunteers is a problem especially finding volunteers willing and able to despatch grey Squirrels. This is also an emotive issue and many people are unwilling to trap or report sightings A description of the principal risks facing the charity Para 1.46
because of the legal requirement to euthanise the greys. We anticipate that soon there will be no red squirrels in our area despits our best efforts and then there will be no motivation or incentive for fund raising to support red squirrels when there are none around. Unless there is government support and funding made available for various methods to control greys we will not be able to continue with what we do. Other
Structure, Governance and Management Description of charity's trusts.. Type of governing document Para 1.25 Constitution adopted 20 September 2023 cio How is the charity constituted? rpo",aled Par3 1 25 Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election lo post or name of any person or body entitled lo appoint one or more trustees Para 1.25 New trustees are appointed by the existing trustees at a scheduled trustee meeting. The proposed person is nominated then seconded by trustee members and appointed by a simple majority. Additional information (optional) You ma choose to include further statements where relevant about.. Trustees are provided with written infonnation on their role and responsibilities. This information includes links to all the Charity Commission advice and guidance. The role of a trustee is then explained and reinforced at the trustees, inaugural trustee meeting. Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees Para 1.51 The charity is a small organisation with a chair. treasurer and secretary who are responsible for running the charity. The charity is run entirely by volunteers. The charity s organisational structure and any wider network wilh which the charity works P8ra 1.51 The charity meets regularly and communicates with other local red squirrel groups under the umbrella of the Northern Red Squirrels. We share good practice and support each other to raise awareness of the vulnerability of red squirrels nationally. Relationship with any related parties Para 1 51 Other Reference and Administrative details Charit name l Other name the charit uses istered charit number Ponteland and District Red S Ponteland Red S uirrels 1204829 uirrels
Charity's principal address 75 Errington Road Darras Hall Ponteland Newcastle upon Tyne NE20 9LA
Names of the charity trustees who manage the chartty Dates acted If not for whole ear Trustee name Office lif any) Name of person lor body) entitled toa oint trustee ifan Sally Margaret Hardy Donna Ann Hazard Chair Treasurer Jane-Louise Hodson-Hamillon Secretary 10 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Cor orate trustees - names of the directors at the date the re D1Ctor name ortwasa roved Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole ear
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others Description of the assets Nla held in this capacity Name and objects ofthe charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity's objects Nla Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity s own assets Nla Additional information (optional) Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) Type of Name Address adviser Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information) Exemptions from disclosure Reason for non-disclosure of ke ersonnel details Other o tional information
Declarations The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees, report above. Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees Signaturelsl Full name{sl Position leg Secretary, Chair, etc} Jane HodsDn-Hamilton Secretary Date 28 January 2025
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Ponteland and Dlstrl¢t Red Squirnels 1204829 Receipts and payments accounts CC16a For the period from 20-SÈp-23 31-Mar-24 Section A Receipts and payments Unrestricted fuftds to th? nearest Restricted funds Endowment funds Total fund5 Last year to the neare5t£ to tho nearest E to lh8 neare8t £ to the nearest£ A1 Recelpts Voluntary recepis Other trading aGlivilies 1,206 1,437 1,206 1.437 Sub total(Gross income for AR) 2,643 2,643 A2 Assel and investment sales, Isee table). Sub total Total receipts 2,643 A3 Payments Operation of the charity Purchases Bank ch8rges 650 712 35 650 712 35 Sub total 1,397 1,397 A4 A55et and investment purchases.15ee table Sub total rotal payments 1,397 1,297 Net of receipts/{payments) A5 Transfers behveen funds A6 Cash funds last year end Cash funds this year end 1,246 1,246 2.059 3,305 2,059 3,305 CCXX R1 accounts ISSI 2910112025
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period Unrestricted funds to noarest £ Restricted fund5 to nearest E Endowment funds to neare$tÉ Categorles Details B1 Cash funds cssh In bank 3,305 Cash in Paypal Account Total cash funds 3,305 IB9iee bALqnce5wllh recwpts and paymEnts a¢CQUMIsii Unre$tricttd lund Restricted funds to nearpst£ Endowrnènt funds to nearest£ Details Mugs to nearest £ B2 Other monetary a8sets 55 Fund w whlch a55Pt belon Details Costloptlonall Currentvaluo tic1 Fund io whlch a5sel belon Currentvalue D?tails Crossing signs ostloptlonall B4 Assets retained for the charity's own use 240 Fund to which rolates Amount duo ¥onal Wheti du• Details 85 Liabiltties Signed by one or two Iru5tees on behalf of all the trustees Date of roval Signature Print Name Jane Hodson-Hamilton 2810112025 CCXX R2 accoun15 ISSI 2910112025