Littlest Wildlife Hotel Annual Report
Trustees Annual Report
Name of Charity: The Littlest Wildlife Hotel Charity Number: 1208863
Address: Kempstown Farm, Alswear, South Molton, Devon EX364JJ
Trustees:
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Nikki Rule-Jackson Chair of Trustees and Director
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Valerie Jackson Trustee and Assistant Manager
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Liz Smith Trustee
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Maureen Little Trustee
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Kennedy Redpath Trustee
Structure of Charity
The Littlest Wildlife Hotel operates as a CIO ( Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
It is a relatively small organisation reliant on volunteers and Work Experience Students from Animal Care courses at the local colleges of further education and Veterinary students completing their obligatory experiences during training.
It has been operating as a Not-For-Profit organisation since 2019 and achieved charitable status on 27 June 2024
Purpose of the Charity
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To rescue and support towards release of native wildlife
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To educate and encourage awareness of wildlife especially those under threat
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To work in partnership with local veterinary practices
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To become visible within the community of North Devon and surrounding areas as a haven and sanctuary for wildlife.
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To promote and offer the Five Freedoms for wildlife; a) Freedom from pain, injury or disease
b) Freedom from hunger and thirst
c)Freedom from discomfort
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d) Freedom from fear and distress
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e) Freedom to exhibit natural or
normal behaviour
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Littlest Wildlife Hotel Annual Report
This last year we have given talks to local groups, schools and community workers e.g. YMCA. We have attended fetes in different locations and produced fliers and leaflets detailing our work. We are available 6 days a week from 8.30 to 18.30 to answer queries, take in rescued wildlife, reassure finders and offer explanations for animal and bird behaviours.
More people within North Devon are now aware of our organization and report a find in a more timely manner so that animals and birds are more likely to survive.
We have promoted positive relationships with local schools and colleges and offer in-house training in animal care and rehabilitation. Often students who begin their involvement as work experience candidates return as volunteers.
Financial Review
The majority of our funding is from donations from finders of animals, local groups to whom we have given talks and donations from funeral services.
We receive donations in different ways and for different accounts depending on which is easier for the donor.
We have an account with HSBC, a Paypal account, and a wishlist with Amazon where people can buy things we need and send them to us.
It is regular practice for finders of animals or birds to complete the admissions form with a notified cash donation.
We are fortunate that the local community is supportive of our work and we have retained a healthy bank balance which enables us to purchase specialist foods and equipment. We aim to maintain a balance of around £600.
In December 2024, we were gifted £1022.30 by Holsworthy Ladies Golf and £8462 from the company ‘Kong’.
Our biggest spend is on food which on average amounts to £200 per week with the combination of fresh fruit and vegetables and compound food such as pigeon corn. We can accommodate in excess of 43 hedgehogs at any one time.The previous Winter, we had over 200. We use lots of newspapers and towels and again, the community has been very supportive. Other payments of any note are for fuel, vet bills, electricity.
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Littlest Wildlife Hotel Annual Report
Financial Position for HSB from May 2024 to end December 2024
| Month | Start balance | Incoming | Outgoing | End Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May/June/July | 0.00 | 705.84 | 86.33 | 619.51 |
| August | 619.51 | 1,710.00 | 988.76 | 1,340.75 |
| September | 1,340.75 | 5,178.81 | 2,652.63 | 3,866.93 |
| October | £3,866.93 | £912.95 | £2,126.00 | £2,653.88 |
| November | £2,653.88 | £1,117.61 | £2,939.62 | £831.87 |
| December | £831.87 | £10,682.54 | £2,829.10 | £8,685.31 |
Financial Position for PayPal May to December 2024
| Statement number | Money in | Money out |
|---|---|---|
| One | £956.09 | £523.04 |
| Two | £376.72 | £0 |
| Three | £191.89 | £0 |
| Four | £393.64 | £0 |
| Five | £539.49 | £539.49 |
| Six | £232.30 | £699.46 |
| Seven | £697.45 | £78.40 |
| Eight | £327.02 | £380.00 |
| Nine | £383.44 | £600.00 |
| Ten | £321.85 | £236.18 |
| Eleven | £294.75 | £100.00 |
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Littlest Wildlife Hotel Annual Report
The total income for PayPal was £4,71.64
Total outgoings for PayPal was £3,456.57
Balance for PayPal was £1,258.07
The main risks to our finances are maintaining Rescue buildings and aviaries and ensuring we have able accommodation for each bird and animal we accept.
Copies of bank statements can be forwarded should they be required.
Governance and Management
The original team of trustees were recruited from people we already knew and respected. Each person brings a different skill and knowledge bank to the team.
Nikki is Director and has evidenced training and qualifications in wildlife rescue and first aid.
Valerie has wide experience of working with wildlife in this country and abroad
Kennedie runs her own not-for profit African Pygmy Hedgehog rescue
Maureen is a highly experienced member of several prestigious charities Liz is a member of the local bat rescue service
Key Objectives and Strategies for the next 1 to 3 years:
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We plan to reduce the number of small fundraisers and spend more time on a larger, more profitable event once a year
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We will continue to leave collection boxes in local shops and centres
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We plan to initiate rescue and rehab of feral cats and pregnant queens operating a T’N’R (Trap Neuter Release) programme as the local charities are not in a position to do so with the feral population.
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One the main animal charities in North Devon is closing so we anticipate an influx of animal rescues so we need to add further accommodation
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We have agreed to work closely with the police and wildlife wardens with emergency animal accommodations as required.
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