Astley Burf Conservation Trust (ABCT)
(Registered Charity No: 1213048)
Report covering 24[h] April 2025 to 31[st] March 2026.
Trustees
The trustees during the year were Joan Kearton-Jones (Chair) Dave Bradley, David Taylor and Peter Gorbing.
Purpose
The Objects of the Astley Burf Conservation Trust are to promote for the benefit of the public the conservation and improvement of the physical and natural environment and to advance the education of the public in the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment of Astley Burf.
Governing Document
Astley Burf Conservation Trust is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) registered with the Charity Commission of England and Wales. The charity was registered on 24[th] April 2025.
Report on activities
During the year, the trustees worked on the transfer of a small piece of land owned by the Astley Burf Conservation Association to the newly registered CIO.
Trustees are pleased that there has been considerable community activity to create a wildlife friendly, orchard/place to wander around, enjoy, sit, relax. Over 36 members have joined the Trust during the year.
In September 2025, the Natural Networks Programme produced a biodiversity Enhancement Assessment Report on the site. In November 2025, the trustees applied for a grant and were later awarded £717.10, being 70% of the costs of purchases that will enhance the land. The grant enabled us to buy 3 fruit trees (2 apples and a cherry), hedge whips, 2kg wild meadow seed & a new gate to improve access. Local people have helped to carry out tasks on the land - hedge cutting, grass cutting, digging up brambles, providing logs, building a bug hotel, raking-off cut grass, marking out the path with white posts, bucketing water onto fruit trees and putting up a bird box.
Over the next year, trustees will continue to encourage new members to join and provide opportunities for activity to enhance the site and the general conservation of the village.
Finance Report
Income for the reporting period was £2217.10 and Expenditure £1025.34 meaning the charity has a surplus of £1191.76. A donation from the Astley Burf Conservation Association is expected in 2026 once it closes down. The Astley Burf Conservation Trust does not have a formal reserves policy, but a high level of volunteer activity and low regular maintenance costs means that the charity has sufficient funds to support core activities for many years to come. Additional activity will be funded by grant applications, or local fundraising, as appropriate.
Registered Office
Woodlands Farm, Astley Burf, Stourport on Severn, DY13 0RX.
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