Sustainable Duddon
Trustees Report
26.04.24-31.12.24
Annual report -Sustainable Duddon
Trustees
Reg Charity No: 1208017 Adrianne Calsy Underwood Cottage Shelley Hackett (treasurer) Bank End Gillian Brown Broughton-in-Furness John Roger Sutton LA20 6DR Jacqueline Ann Lancaster (chair)
Structure & Governance
The charity is administered and managed in conformity with a scheme sealed by the Charity Commission on 26th April 2024.
When a vacancy arises, suggestions for new trustees are discussed and if appropriate approached. Induction to the charity is on an ad hoc basis, and
experience is gained by attending regular trustee meetings, and the supply of relevant charity commission publications.
Objectives
The advancement of environmental protection or improvement and to promote sustainable development for the benefit of the public by:
(a) the preservation, conservation and protection of the environment and the prudent use of resources.
(b) the promotion of waste reduction, recycling, use of recycled products and the use of surplus.
(c) the promotion of sustainable means of achieving economic growth and regeneration.
(d) To promote, for the benefit of the public, the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment by promoting biodiversity. The definition of sustainable development is as follows: “Sustainable development means development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
Activity
During this first year as a registered charity, Sustainable Duddon has been actively involved in several initiatives:
Community Orchard
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The Charity was able to obtain funding for the provision and development of a Community Orchard The orchard is positioned adjacent to Broughton Primary School and Kepplewray Trust to enable the children to be involved and harvest apples for their school dinners.
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Later in 2024, we applied for extra trees for the orchard plus signage from the W&F Kings Coronation Community Orchard Fund. We purchased another 45 trees, tree stakes, tags, guards etc plus maintenance to the dry stone wall and wooden signage for the orchard.
Community Garden
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The kitchen garden at Ulpha school was obtained on a temporary basis to restore back to its former glory.
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Despite poor weather in 2024, we were able to donate produce to Duddon Support Group for their Meals on Wheels program and the rest was given to the local community for a small donation in which to purchase seeds for the subsequent year.
Litter picking
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There have been 10 organised litter picks within our catchment area. In addition individuals have gone out independently.
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LDNPA supplied the charity with litter picks and signs, gloves and high-vis tabards
Local Shows
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The charity has attended local shows to promote awareness, Millom Show, Thwaites Show and Millom and Broughon Show
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We demonstrated our achievements and encouraged attendees to consider their environmental choices by using surveys, map of activities in the area and provision of information
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We were able to talk to local residents regarding what we have been doing and recruiting extra volunteers to help with the work.
Active Travel
We are collaborating with various organisations to try to provide a safe active travel route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
Geological Disposal Facility (GDF)
One of our Trustees attends the GDF meeting and has an active part in negotiations from an environmental aspect.
Duddon Catchment Partnership
During 2024 we joined forces with South Cumbria Rivers trust (SCRT), Duddon Rivers Association (DRA), South Lakes Squirrel Group to form the Duddon Catchment Partnership. This was to apply for funding to benefit all the above organizations and to work collaboratively with them to form a partnership to promote activities and increase volunteer numbers. So far, we have:
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Provided Squirrel Management Course for 12 people
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Deployed 50 squirrel and mink traps to manage invasive species.
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Water monitoring which goes into a national database (Survey 123)
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Record fauna and flora via iNaturalist, project Duddon Catchment Wildlife
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Set up nature cameras
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Ran MoRPh training courses for 24 people to map the condition of the river
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Himalayan Balsam Bashing mornings to try to control this invasive species, nearly 200,000 plants pulled
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Set up acoustic monitors for bats and natterjack toads
Thermal Imaging Camera
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We can offer a service to identify heat loss in buildings with a thermal imaging camera as part of Futureproof Cumbria (formally CAfS)
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This can also be used to identify the presence of birds and mammals
Weather Stations
We have two weather stations set up at Woodend, Birker Fell and School Ellis near The Hill. The aim will be to have a live feed in the future, on a website, but we need to achieve funding for building a site.
Social Media
There are regular posts on social media for Sustainable Duddon and the Duddon Catchment Partnership showing events, activities and achievements plus lots of images.
Jackie Lancaster- Chair
Sustainable Duddon - Income & Expenditure account 26/04/24 31/12/24
INCOME
INCOME Notes Coronation Community Orchard grantDonations £ Westmoreland & Furness Council 37.50 1 £4,500 £ Grants (see note 1) 4,500.00 Fund Raising £ TOTAL INCOME 4,537.50 EXPENDITURE £ Orchard Costs 2,043.11 £ Promotions 21.99 £ Display Boards 10.00 TOTAL £ EXPENDITURE 2,075.10 Surplus Income over expenditure £ 2023 2,462.40 Surplus income over expenditure £ brought forward 419.06 TOTAL FUNDS @ £ 31/12/24 2,881.46 Shelley Hackett Treasurer