Charity registration number 205245 (England and Wales)
THE FRIENDS OF ASHDOWN FOREST
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
THE FRIENDS OF ASHDOWN FOREST
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
| Trustees | Mrs P Arnold |
|---|---|
| Ms D J Barber MBE | |
| Ms S J Taylor | |
| Ms R R Marriott | |
| Mr W N Lovett | |
| Ms H J Randall | |
| Ms J Wirdnam | |
| Charity number | 205245 |
| Independent examiner | Oliver Read FCCA ACA |
| James Todd & Co Limited | |
| Drayton House | |
| Drayton Lane | |
| Chichester | |
| West Sussex | |
| PO20 2EW |
THE FRIENDS OF ASHDOWN FOREST
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' report | 1 - 2 |
| Independent examiner's report | 3 |
| Statement of financial activities | 4 |
| Balance sheet | 5 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 6 - 12 |
THE FRIENDS OF ASHDOWN FOREST
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2024.
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 charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 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 (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019).
Objectives and activities
The objects, as laid down in the constitution are:
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by voluntary effort to assist in the conservation of Ashdown Forest and the implementation of the charitable purpose of the Forest Act;
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to provide funds for the purpose of supplementing in such a manner as the charity think fit the resources available to the Board of Conservators; and
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to encourage interest in the conservation, maintenance, preservation and peaceful enjoyment of the Forest by such means as the Charity deems fit.
The policies adopted in furtherance of these objects are to publicise the existence of the Charity by whatever means are thought fit and to raise funds by way of donations, subscriptions and legacies and there has been no change in these during the year.
The committee members have paid due regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the Charity should undertake regarding public benefit.
Achievements and performance
Significant activities and achievements against objectives
The committee have continued to work, in a wholly voluntary capacity, to represent your interests in assisting the conservation, preservation and educational aspects of Ashdown Forest.
During this financial year, we have continued to support the funding of the Forest Centre Education Programme. The academic year 2023/24 has been another successful one for the team and over 2,700 children have visited the site. The team has again conducted outreach sessions in local schools, as well as running parent and toddler groups and a series of events for families and children, including a trial of a monthly Wildlife Explorers Club for parents and their children aged 6-12. The monthly Youth Volunteer Group for young people from the age of thirteen up to sixth form age continues to be popular, with many activities from pulling bracken, bramble clearance and cutting Christmas trees to name but a few. As school budgets are increasingly tight and coach travel is becoming even more expensive, some of the schools continue to take up the travel bursaries provided by the Friends.
Financial review
Reserves policy
It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month’s expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.
Plans for future periods
The demands on the Friends are likely to remain for the foreseeable future and our mission is to continue to support the Conservators where we can in these uncertain financial times. In light of recent funding cuts to the Forest and the pressure on their re-structured staff team, it is still envisaged we shall not be actively seeking opportunities to purchase land in the future. We shall continue to support the Forest Centre Education Programme, and this remains a priority. We shall also endeavour to help fund other projects as they arise in times to come, including improvements to the Ashdown Forest Visitor Centre.
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THE FRIENDS OF ASHDOWN FOREST
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
Structure, governance and management
The charity was established by a charitable trust deed on the 2nd of December 1961.
The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: Mrs P Arnold
Ms D J Barber MBE Ms S J Taylor Ms R R Marriott Mr W N Lovett Ms H J Randall Ms J Wirdnam
Total aggregate amount of donations received from the Trustees amounted to £362 (2023: £362) made up as follows:
P Arnold £36, H Randall £120, N Lovett £24, J Wirdnam £36, D Barber £60, R Marriott £36, S Taylor £50.
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
Mrs P Arnold
Trustee
7 December 2024
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THE FRIENDS OF ASHDOWN FOREST
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE FRIENDS OF ASHDOWN FOREST
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The Friends of Ashdown Forest (the charity) for the year ended 30 June 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.
Independent examiner's statement
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared the financial statements in accordance with the relevant version of the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements 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 the financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.
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:
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1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Charities Act 2011.
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2 the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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3 the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of financial statements set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the financial statements give a true and fair view, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
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.
Oliver Read FCCA ACA
James Todd & Co Limited Drayton House Drayton Lane Chichester West Sussex PO20 2EW England
Dated: 9 December 2024
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THE FRIENDS OF ASHDOWN FOREST
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2024 2024 Notes £ £ Income from: Donations and legacies 3 82,909 - Investments 4 880 - Total income 83,789 - Expenditure on: Raising funds 5 5,170 - Charitable activities 6 27,733 - Total expenditure 32,903 - Net gains on investments 11 20,323 - Net income and movement in funds 71,209 - Reconciliation of funds: Fund balances at 1 July 2023 206,458 388 Fund balances at 30 June 2024 277,667 388 |
Total Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2024 2023 2023 £ £ £ 82,909 23,534 - 880 443 - 83,789 23,977 - 5,170 7,770 - 27,733 14,560 - 32,903 22,330 - 20,323 8,408 - 71,209 10,055 - 206,846 196,403 388 278,055 206,458 388 |
Total 2023 £ 23,534 443 |
|---|---|---|
| 23,977 | ||
| 7,770 14,560 |
||
| 22,330 | ||
| 8,408 | ||
| 10,055 196,791 |
||
| 206,846 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
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THE FRIENDS OF ASHDOWN FOREST
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 30 JUNE 2024
| Notes Fixed assets Investments 13 Current assets Debtors 14 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 15 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities The funds of the charity Restricted income funds 16 Unrestricted funds 17 |
2024 £ 183 63,847 64,030 (1,530) |
£ 215,555 62,500 278,055 388 277,667 278,055 |
2023 £ 191 61,367 61,558 (1,338) |
£ 146,626 60,220 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 206,846 | ||||
| 388 206,458 |
||||
| 206,846 |
The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 7 December 2024
Mrs P Arnold Mr W N Lovett Trustee Trustee
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THE FRIENDS OF ASHDOWN FOREST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
1 Accounting policies
Charity information
The Friends of Ashdown Forest is a charity registered with the Charities Commission of England and Wales, number 205245. The charity is governed by a Trust Deed dated 8 November 2012, as detailed in the Trustees' Report.
1.1 Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, 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 charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The charity 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 charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
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. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
1.3 Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors 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.
Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.
1.4 Income
Income is recognised when the charity 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 charity 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 charity 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.
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THE FRIENDS OF ASHDOWN FOREST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
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.
Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
1.6 Fixed asset investments
Fixed asset investments are initially measured at transaction price excluding transaction costs, and are subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date. Changes in fair value are recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.
1.7 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.
1.8 Financial instruments
The charity 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 charity's balance sheet when the charity 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 initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
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THE FRIENDS OF ASHDOWN FOREST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
Basic financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
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 initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
1.9 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 charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements
In the application of the charity’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 Income from donations and legacies
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Donations and gifts | 69,877 | 23,534 |
| Legacies | 2,554 | - |
| Other | 10,478 | - |
| 82,909 | 23,534 |
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THE FRIENDS OF ASHDOWN FOREST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
4 Income from investments
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Interest receivable | 880 | 443 | |
| 5 | Expenditure on raising funds | ||
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | ||
| funds | funds | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Fundraising and publicity | |||
| Seeking donations, grants and legacies | 5,170 | 7,770 | |
| 6 | Expenditure on charitable activities | ||
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | ||
| funds | funds | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Direct costs | |||
| Charitable donations | 1,872 | - | |
| Grant funding of activities (see note 7) | 11,584 | 9,320 | |
| Share of support and governance costs (see note 8) | |||
| Support | 12,747 | 3,806 | |
| Governance | 1,530 | 1,434 | |
| 27,733 | 14,560 | ||
| Analysis by fund | |||
| Unrestricted funds | 27,733 | 14,560 | |
| 7 | Grants payable | ||
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | ||
| funds | funds | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Grants to institutions: | |||
| Education and school travel | 11,584 | 9,320 |
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THE FRIENDS OF ASHDOWN FOREST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
8 Support costs allocated to activities
| Printing, postage and stationery Insurance Podcast Website costs Miscellaneous expenses Governance costs Analysed between: Unrestricted funds |
2024 £ 1,168 239 10,750 120 338 1,662 14,277 14,277 |
2023 £ 1,251 240 2,000 90 225 1,434 |
|---|---|---|
| 5,240 | ||
| 5,240 |
9 Trustees
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.
10 Employees
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Number | Number | |
| Total | - | - |
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.
11 Gains and losses on investments
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Gains/(losses) arising on: | £ | £ |
| Revaluation of investments | 20,323 | 8,408 |
12 Taxation
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
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THE FRIENDS OF ASHDOWN FOREST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
| 13 | Fixed asset investments | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Unlisted | |||
| investments | |||
| £ | |||
| Cost or valuation | |||
| At 1 July 2023 | 146,626 | ||
| Additions | 48,606 | ||
| Valuation changes | 20,323 | ||
| At 30 June 2024 | 215,555 | ||
| Carrying amount | |||
| At 30 June 2024 | 215,555 | ||
| At 30 June 2023 | 146,626 | ||
| 14 | Debtors | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| Amounts falling due within one year: | £ | £ | |
| Prepayments and accrued income | 183 | 191 | |
| 15 | Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Accruals and deferred income | 1,530 | 1,338 | |
| 16 | Restricted funds | ||
| The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to | |||
| specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. | |||
| At 1 July 2023 At 30 June 2024 | |||
| £ | £ | ||
| Chelwood Vachery | 388 | 388 | |
| Previous year: | At 1 July 2022 At 30 June 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Chelwood Vachery | 388 | 388 |
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THE FRIENDS OF ASHDOWN FOREST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
16 Restricted funds
(Continued)
The fund labelled Chelwood Vachery consists of amounts received with the restricted purposes of reclaiming and improving an area of Ashdown Forest known by this name.
17 Unrestricted funds
The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.
| At 1 July 2023 | Incoming | Resources | Gains |
and losses At | 30 June 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| resources | expended | |||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| General funds | 206,458 | 83,789 | (32,903) | 20,323 | 277,667 | |
| Previous year: | At 1 July 2022 | Incoming | Resources | Gains |
and losses At | 30 June 2023 |
| resources | expended | |||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| General funds | 196,403 | 23,977 | (22,330) | 8,408 | 206,458 | |
| Analysis of net assets between funds | ||||||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | ||||
| funds | funds | |||||
| 2024 | 2024 | 2024 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | ||||
| At 30 June 2024: | ||||||
| Investments | 215,555 | - | 215,555 | |||
| Current assets/(liabilities) | 62,112 | 388 | 62,500 | |||
| 277,667 | 388 | 278,055 | ||||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | ||||
| funds | funds | |||||
| 2023 | 2023 | 2023 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | ||||
| At 30 June 2023: | ||||||
| Investments | 146,626 | - | 146,626 | |||
| Current assets/(liabilities) | 59,832 | 388 | 60,220 | |||
| 206,458 | 388 | 206,846 |
18 Analysis of net assets between funds
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