Trustees’ Annual Report and Accounts Year ended 31 March 2025
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Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is the only charity
entirely dedicated to conserving, protecting and
enhancing Yorkshire's wildlife and wild places
Yorkshire�Wildlife�Trust�is�registered�in�England�no.�00409650�and�is�a�registered�charity�no.�210807.�Registered�Oce:�1�St�George’s�Place,�York,�YO24�1GN
Cover�Image:�Curlew�by�Shu�erstock
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Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Report of the Board of Trustees
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Report of the Board of Trustees
Contents
Celebra�ng�our�achievements�...................... 4 More�land�and�sea�managed�� posi�vely�for�wildlife�..................................... 5 Wildlife�highlights�across�our�reserves�......... 6 Ac�ve�support�for�wildlife�is�� embedded�within�society�............................. 10 Create�a�wilder�future�................................... 12 Our�corporate�members�and�supporters��.... 14 Trustees Annual Report�............................... 17 Auditors Report�............................................ 21 Annual Accounts �......................................... 24 Consolidated�Statement�of�� Financial�Ac�vi�es�........................................ 24 Consolidated�and�Charity�Balance�Sheets�.... 25 Consolidated�Cash�Flow�Statement�.............. 27 Notes�to�the�accounts�................................... 28
Swallows�at�Spurn
2 Annual Report and consolidated accounts | Year ended 31 March 2025
Working together for a Wilder Yorkshire
Yorkshire�Wildlife�Trust�is�running�and�inves�ng�in�more� landscape-scale�restora�on�programmes,�projects�and�people� than�ever�before.�Expanding�our�networks�for�nature’s�recovery� is�increasingly�vital�as�we�reach�the�mid-point�in�our�na�onal� goal�to�restore�30%�of�nature�by�2030.�The�publica�on�of�the� county’s��rst-ever�State�of�Yorkshire’s�Nature�report�was�a�crucial� step�in�outlining�new�and�meaningful�evidence,�helping�us�to� iden�fy�and�inspiring�ac�on�where�it�can�have�the�most�impact.� Here�are�just�a�few�of�our�highlights�from�another�busy�year.
Nick Perks, Chair Dr Mick Armitage, Hon.Treasurer
Our Governance
Directors and trustees
Trustees serving during the
year�are:� Gurdev�Singh Joanna�Webb�(to�Oct�24)� Mar�n�Randle�(to�Oct�24)� Nick�Perks Dr�Mick�Armitage� Peter�Meadows� Dr�Ceri�Williams� Nabil�Abbas� Michael�Graham� Dr�Jane�Smart�OBE Suzannah�Rocke��(from�Oct�24)� Anna�Dimitropoulou�(from�Oct�24)� Neil�Bramley�(from�Oct�24)
Patrons Stephen�Mar�n�OBE
Vice�President Prof.�Alastair�Fi�er�CBE
Chair of the Board Joanna�Webb�(to�Oct�24) Nick�Perks�(from�Oct�24)
Honorary�Secretary� Dr�Ceri�Williams�
Honorary Treasurer Dr�Mick�Armitage�
Directors of Yorkshire Wildlife
Services�Limited Darren�Ti�ney Pete�Meadows�
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Charity�number�210807 Company�number�00409650�
Yorkshire�Wildlife�Services�Ltd Company�number�09922108�
Registered�and�Principal�Oce 1�St.�George’s�Place,�York,�� YO24�1GN
Legal�Advisors
Harland�&�Co,�18�St�Saviourgate,� York,�YO1�8NS Squire�Pa�on�Boggs,�6�Wellington� Place,�Leeds,�LS1�4AP
Auditors
Armstrong�Watson�Audit�Limited,� Third�Floor,�10�South�Parade,� Leeds,�LS1�5QS
Bankers
Barclays�Bank�plc,�1�Parliament� Street,�York,�YO1�8SE
Chief�Execu�ve�Ocer Rachael�Bice
Deputy�Chief�Execu�ve Mar�n�Slater�
Director of Finance and Central�Services� Darren�Ti�ney
Director of Fundraising and Engagement Amanda�Spivack
Head of Human Resources Jane�Hamilton
Director�of�Nature�Recovery Sharne�McMillan
President Prof.�Sir�John�Lawton
Year ended 31 March 2025 | Annual Report and consolidated accounts 3
Celebrating our achievements
110 addi�onal�hectares� £1.4m under our care through invested in new or extensions to our reserves expanding nature reserves
560 events delivered�with�22,500� a�endees
1,204 task days 132 miles run�with�help�from�our� of riverbank surveyed and volunteers restored�for�wildlife
48,138 hours contributed by 1428 volunteers�
73 groups £101,450 engaged as part of raised for #TeamWilder Wild�Ingleborough
400m of�dry�stone�wall�restored�
65 broadcast interviews 2000 media articles promo�ng�Yorkshire’s�wildlife
2,222 ha of�addi�onal�peatland� brought�into�restora�on
4 Annual Report and consolidated accounts | Year ended 31 March 2025
More land and sea managed positively for wildlife – Restore and grow wild places
The first-ever State of Yorkshire’s Nature report
We�launched�the��rst-ever�report�that�gives�� an�accurate�insight�into�how�Yorkshire’s�nature� is�faring�–�and,�crucially�where�ac�on�is�now� needed�to�create�healthier,�resilient�and�more� abundant�landscapes.�
The�headlines�were�striking;
-
n��Two-thirds�of�all�Bri�sh�species�are�found�� in�Yorkshire�
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n��Our�county�is�the�only�place�in�the�country� where�Yorkshire�sandwort�and�thistle� broomrape�are�found,�along�with�21%�of� UK’s�willow��ts.�
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n��Yorkshire�is�home�to�some�na�onallyrare�habitats,�including�our�limestone� pavements�and�great�white�coastal�cli�s.
This�leading�evidence�and�approach�is�now�shaping�our� work,�as�well�as�conserva�on�and�policy�right�across� Yorkshire.�Our�Nature�Recovery�and�evidence�team�has� been�asked�to�support�the�produc�on�of�Local�Nature� Recovery�Strategies,�which�will�help�shape�public�sector� policy�in�the�years�ahead.
Year ended 31 March 2025 | Annual Report and consolidated accounts 5
Wildlife highlights across our reserves
An� osprey �was�� recorded�prospec�ng�the� new�pla�orm�at�Ripon�City� Wetlands,�and�another� osprey�was�spo�ed� at�Denaby�Ings�on�its� migra�on�south
21 bee orchids
were�spo�ed�on�Chalk�Bank� at�Spurn�for�the��rst��me�in� 30�years�thanks�to�changes� in�conserva�on�grazing� management,�and�a�whitele�er�hairstreak�bu�er�y�was� also�recorded�on�site�for�the� �rst��me�ever.�
At� Ripon City Wetlands ,�� new�islands�have�been�created�on�both� the�Canal�and�Riverside�lagoons�to� create�the�perfect�breeding�grounds�for� sand�mar�ns,�lapwings�and�li�le�ringed� plovers.�Nearby�Staveley�has�also�seen� new�habitat�upgrades�for�wildlife,�with� lake�island�restora�on�for�li�le�ringed� plovers�and�oystercatchers,�and�a�bu�er�y� bank�to�create�more�habitat�for�Staveley’s� increasing�popula�on�of�bu�er�ies�and� moths�like�small�copper,�ringlets�and� brown�argus.
6 Annual Report and consolidated accounts | Year ended 31 March 2025
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SHUTTERSTOCK
BOB�COYLE
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We�counted�over 400 water germander plants�at�Bolton�on�Swale� following�our�highly�successful� reintroduc�on�project,�which� marks�the��rst��me�the�plant� has�been�seen�in�Yorkshire� since�the�1860s.�
The� slender sedge �plant,�� which�was�thought�lost�for�nearly� a�hundred�years�at�Askham�Bog� and�which�had�un�l�last�year� produced�just�a�single��ower� in�living�memory,�surprised� ecologists�by�producing�nearly� 2000�feathery�spikes�due�to�� an�unseasonably�high�� water�table.
Water voles ,�� which�have�declined�by�41%� in�Yorkshire,�had�signi�cant� breeding�success�at�Skerne� Wetlands�with�18�out�of�20� ra�s�recording�voles�on�a� 500m�survey�stretch.�
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SHUTTERSTOCK
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JIM HORSFALL
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Year ended 31 March 2025 | Annual Report and consolidated accounts 7
North Cave Wetlands – securing assets for the future
The�Trust�purchased�Dryham�Farm,�a�central� part�of�the�reserve�which�includes�the�original� North�Cave�farm�buildings,�with�support�from� the�Na�onal�Lo�ery.�Dryham�Farm�forms�the� historic�heart�of�the�site,�and�will�help�the� Trust�to�plan�for�the�next�phases�of�North�Cave� Wetlands’�future�by�minimising�disturbance�for� wildlife�and�improving�visitor�experience.�The� reserve�also�opened�the�new�Dennis�Wood� hide,�and�improved�access�and�routes�for�more� visitors�including�those�using�mobility�aids.�
Rare seeds rescued from cliff edge are planted out in Yorkshire for
75�wild�spiked�speedwell�plants�were�among� several�species�nurtured�from�seed�for�the��rst� �me�in�Yorkshire,�helping�to�turn�the�fortunes� of�one�of�the�UK’s�rarest�wild�owers.�The�Trust’s� Wild�Ingleborough�programme,�and�focus�of� our�campaign�this�year,�is�restoring�plant�and� wildlife�diversity�across�the�Ingleborough�area.�
These�new�plants�will�be�planted�out�at� Ingleborough,�and�have�already��owered�for�the� �rst��me�in�our�upland�plant�nursery.�Thanks� goes�to�our�hardworking�volunteers,�who�at� the��rst�of�the�nursery’s�dedicated�work�par�es� po�ed�on�4509�seedlings�in�just�three�days.
8 Annual Report and consolidated accounts | Year ended 31 March 2025
A new reserve in the Dales
We�purchased�and�opened�a�new�nature�reserve�in�the� Yorkshire�Dales�thanks�to�a�long-term�partnership�with�Aviva� and�match�funding�by�The�United�Bank�of�Carbon.�
Park�Gill�nature�reserve�is�north�of�Ke�lewell�and�adjacent�to� the�steep�Park�Rash�road.�The�site�has�fragmented�patches�of� temperate�rainforest�on�site,�a�habitat�that�now�covers�less� than�1%�of�its�former�range�–�making�it�a�habitat�rarer�and� more�threatened�than�tropical�rainforests.�The�new�site�forms� part�of�the�Temperate�Rainforest�Restora�on�Programme.
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Year ended 31 March 2025 | Annual Report and consolidated accounts 9
GRAHAM STANDRING
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Active support for wildlife is
embedded within society –
Partner for a wilder Yorkshire
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Wild Eye – A new sculpture trail focussed on our marine environment
Wild�Eye,�our�three�year�partnership�project�with� Invisible�Dust�in�Scarborough,�concluded�with�the� unveiling�of�the�5km�Wild�Eye�coastal�art�and�nature� trail,�which�blends�large-scale�artworks,�including� a�new�Seawatching�Sta�on�on�Marine�Drive,�with� digital�experiences�and�sculptures�that�celebrate� marine�life�and�highlight�environmental�challenges.
Wild�Eye,�and�many�of�the�Trust�events�and� ac�vi�es�are�designed�to�inspire�wonder,�share� knowledge�and�empower�ac�on,�helping�foster�a� deeper�connec�on�between�people�and�the�wildlife� that�lives�alongside�us.
Yorkshire Peat Partnership: 15 years of restoration work
For�the�last�15�years�the�Yorkshire�Peat�Partnership� have�coordinated�restora�on�across�the�Yorkshire�Dales,� North�York�Moors�Na�onal�Park�and�Nidderdale�Na�onal� Landscape�with�thanks�to�over�£36�million�in�funding.�An� area�the�size�of�Bradford�is�now�under�recovery�-�and�as�a� result�will�prevent�the�loss�of�almost�13�million�tonnes�of� carbon�emissions�by�2050.�
River restoration in West Yorkshire
There�are�over�6500km�of�rivers�in�Yorkshire�–�ranging�from� unmanaged�upland�streams�to�heavily�urban�areas.
This�year�the�Upper�Aire�project�fenced�o��2km�of�beck� to�protect�the�river�from�soil�erosion�caused�by�stock� grazing�and�poaching,�and�created�a�signi�cant�amount�of� woodland,�hedgerow�and�improved�wetland�habitat.�
A�further�4.5km�of�improvement�work�happened�on� Wortley�Beck,�and�we�surveyed,�treated�and�restored�35km� of�watercourses�for�invasive,�non-na�ve�species�to�make� them�wilder�and�more�biodiverse�habitats�for�all.
Wilder Humber: Innovation for Oyster reef recovery
Pioneering�restora�on�project,�Wilder�Humber�-�a� partnership�of�Yorkshire�Wildlife�Trust,�Lincolnshire� Wildlife�Trust�and�Ørsted�-�broke�new�ground�this� year�by�trialling�remote�se�ng,�an�innova�ve� restora�on�method�never�before�used�to�restore� na�ve�European��at�oysters�in�the�UK.�
The�new�remote-se�ng�method�–�allowing�oyster� larvae�to�se�le�and�bind�to�scallop�shells,�and�then� to�grow�on�in�the�oyster�nursery�at�Spurn�Point� un�l�they�are�big�enough�to�be�released�–�should� improve�project�success�and�reduce�costs.�If�the� trial�is�successful,�this�method�has�substan�al� poten�al�for�crea�ng�larger�na�ve�oysters�reefs�in� the�Humber�and�around�the�UK.�
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FINN�VARNEY
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Year ended 31 March 2025 | Annual Report and consolidated accounts 11
Create a wilder future – more people taking positive action for wildlife
New Chair and Vice President
Awards
We�wished�Jo�Webb�a�warm�farewell�a�er�four�years�as� Chair,�and�eight�years�on�the�board�as�Trustee.�Vice�Chair� Nick�Perks�was�welcomed�as�the�new�Chair�of�Trustees.�
Congratula�ons�were�justly�received�by�Prof�Alastair�Fi�er,� who�our�members�voted�in�as�our�new�Vice�President� not�long�before�he�was�awarded�the�Cadbury�Medal�by� the�Royal�Society�of�Wildlife�Trusts�in�recogni�on�of�50� years�of�service�to�nature�conserva�on.�A�leading�light�in� conserva�on�and�a��reless�advocate,�Alastair�has�been� instrumental�in�saving�Yorkshire's�natural�crown�jewel,� Askham�Bog,�from�years�of�poten�al�threats.�
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AMY�COOPER
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We�were�delighted�to�join�with�Hull�Trains�as�their�charity� partner�of�the�year,�and�to�produce�a�series�of�social�media� videos�about�the�bene�ts�of�being�outdoors�on�mental� health,��lmed�on�our�reserves�near�the�rail�network� including�Po�eric�Carr�and�North�Cave�Wetlands.�The� videos�were�fronted�by�ITV�broadcaster�Jon�Mitchell,�and� subsequently�won�a�Communicate�Lens�Award�for�Best�Use� of�Video�on�Social�Media’�and�the�Silver�Award�for�‘Best� Copy�Style�or�Tone�of�Voice.�
Advocating for wildlife
When�two�tankers�collided�near�the�Humber�Estuary�in�March,�the� Trust�used�its�exper�se�to�respond�quickly�and�credibly�to�media� requests,�sharing�our�concerns�about�the�poten�al�impact�on�the� environment�and�wildlife�in�the�Estuary�and�on�our�reserves.�This� resulted�in�substan�al�global,�na�onal�and�local�media�coverage� which�highlighted�the�importance�of�Yorkshire’s�coastline�and�estuary� for�marine�wildlife�and�migra�ng�birds�at�a�crucial��me�of�year.�
We�were�also�proud�to�take�Yorkshire�to�the�heart�of�Westminster�as� we�joined�thousands�at�the�Restore�Nature�Now�march�in�June,�and� con�nue�to�develop�our�advoca�ng�voice�for�nature�through�our�daily� communica�ons�and�ac�vi�es,�giving�our�members�and�supporters� the�tools�and�informa�on�to�stay�informed,�lobby�and�take�ac�on�for� nature�at�home�and�work.�
12 Annual Report and consolidated accounts | Year ended 31 March 2025
Inspiring wildlife action at home and in communities
The�relaunch�of�our�Wildlife�Gardening�Award�now�o�ers� bronze,�silver,�and�gold��ers�with�an�increasing�number�of� wildlife-friendly�ac�ons�to�take�to�encourage�par�cipants�to�� stay�mo�vated.
Since�launching�two�years�ago,�the�Award�has�inspired� hundreds�of�people�-�with�gardens�of�all�shapes�and�sizes�and� we�have�rewarded�over�500�gardeners�for�their�incredible� e�orts�to�create�havens�for�wildlife.
We�also�created�a�brand-new�online�wildlife�gardening�hub� that�draws�together�wildlife�gardening�advice,�toolkits�and� support�from�across�the�movement.�The�hub�is�packed�with� inspiring�informa�on�support�gardeners�to�make�their�� outdoor�spaces�more�wildlife-friendly.�
Year ended 31 March 2025 | Annual Report and consolidated accounts 13
Corporate members and supporters
Corporate members and supporters create�genera�ve�partnerships�with�us;�through�dona�ons,�a�nity�giving,� sponsorship,�Gi�s�in�Kind,�engagement�events�and�Wild�Work�Days.�
A warm welcome to our new corporate members:
Birds�Eye,�Colt�Construc�on,�Integrated�U�lity�Services,�Might�Fine�/�The�Serious�Sweet�Company,�Elms�Farming,�Mone�Bros,� Rounton�Co�ee�and�Termrim�Construc�on.�
Our new corporate supporters:
Hiscox,�Tadcaster�Bene�ce,�Good�Food�Traders,�Mute�Anima�on�Studio,�The�Davies�Founda�on,�Tong�Garden�Centre,�Forbidden� Planet,�Zizzis,�With�Many�Roots,�Wynsor�Shoes,�Stage�One,�John�Good�Group,�Ecology�Building�Society,�Hull�Trains,�Yorkshire� Hideaways,�Think�Cloud�Inc,�Pocklington�School,�Ingrid�Flutes/�Travel�Chapter,�Unit�3�Compliance�and�Fresh�Cut�Crea�ve.�
We appreciate the ongoing support from a wide range of Yorkshire’s businesses who value our work – thank you.
Gold Members
Colt�Construc�on GB�Railfreight Harmony�Energy Jay-be Kelling�Group Symphony�Group University�of�Leeds Wykeland�Ltd
Silver Members
Birds�Eye Coxon�Brothers Classic�Co�ages Close�Brothers Integrated�U�lity�Services Lightrock�Power Mighty�Fine�Co. TOG24 Wolds�Edge�Holiday�Co�ages University�of�York Victrex Yorkshire�Hideaways Xiros
Bronze Members
Aviva Consulo�Financial�Planning Croda�Interna�onal�PLC Dalesbred Double�Two Elms�Farming Far�‘n’�Beyond Forest�Holidays Friendship�Estates Hudders�eld�Astronomy�Society
Inntravel
Mone�Bros Read�Family�Group Reed�Boardall�Group Rounton�Co�ee Siddall�&�Hilton Sinclairs Sloemo�on Tennants�Auc�oneers Termrim�Construc�on�Ltd Meaningful�Planet Weinerberger
Corporate Supporters
Airedale�Interna�onal Andrew�Benne��Wildlife� Photography Banks�Group Beech�eld�Brands Castle�Howard Cloud�Kickers Coxon�Brothers Ecology�Building�Society Elms�Farming Forbidden�Planet Fresh�Cut�Crea�ve Good�Food�Traders Hiscox Hull�Trains Ingrid�Flute’s/�The�Travel�Chapter John�Good�Group Kelling�Group Meaningful�Planet Mute�Anima�on�Studio Pocklington�School Pu�ns�Galore Stage�One
Tadcaster�Bene�ce The�Davies�Founda�on Think�Cloud�Inc Thornwick�Bay�/�Haven Tong�Garden�Centre Umbellifer Unit�3�Compliance Victrex Vp�plc Weinerberger Whitby�Dis�llery With�Many�Roots Wolds�Edge�Holiday�Co�ages Wynsor�Shoes Yorganics Yorkshire�Hideaways Yorkshire�Water�/�Kelda�Group Zizzis
14 Annual Report and consolidated accounts | Year ended 31 March 2025
Our Annual Accounts and Audit Report
delivered a financially stable organisation with an increased turnover of £16.6m, another record year for the Trust. Our finance team and trustees have worked together to oversee this performance and to ensure we have the reserves necessary to support the increased scale of organisation and programmes of work, and carefully manage our risks.
The�trustees�of�Yorkshire�Wildlife�Trust�are�pleased� to�present�their�Annual�Report�and�the�Consolidated� Audited�Accounts�for�the�year�to�31st�March�2025. We�consolidated�our�recent�achievements,�with� ambi�ous�large-scale�programmes�of�landscape� restora�on.�Our�reserves�con�nue�to�play�an�important� role�in�suppor�ng�the�increased�scale�of�the�organisa�on� and�our�programmes�of�work,�whilst�allowing�us�to� carefully�manage�our�risks.
This�is�made�possible�through�the�combined�work�of�our� whole�sta�team,�who�also�need�services�and�support,� including�secure�digital�systems.�This�year�we�invested� in�numerous�new�sites�including�Park�Gill,�extensions�of� our�reserves�at�Staveley�and�Brockadale�and�acquired� land�and�buildings�on�our�North�Cave�Wetlands.
We�have�also�reinvigorated�our�approach�to�our� �agship�Nature�Discovery�Centres,�and�improved� our�accommoda�on�at�our�York�o�ce�and�planned� expansion�at�our�Skipton�site�in�25/26.
The�trustees�also�con�rm�that�they�have�complied� with their duty to have due regard to the guidance on public�bene�t�published�by�the�Charity�Commission�in� exercising�their�powers�or�du�es.�Annual�Report�and� consolidated�accounts�are�also�prepared�to�meet�the� requirements�for�a�directors’�report�and�accounts�for� Companies Act purposes.
The�trustees,�who�are�also�directors�of�the�charity�for� the purposes of the Companies Act, have adopted the provisions�of�Accoun�ng�and�Repor�ng�by�Chari�es: Statement�of�Recommended�Prac�ce,�applicable�to� chari�es�preparing�their�accounts�in�accordance�with�the� Financial�Repor�ng�Standard�applicable�in�the�UK�and� Republic�of�Ireland�(FRS102)�(Eec�ve�1�January�2019).
Financial summary
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Income £16,560,076
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Legacies 5%
£745,212
Membership & People’s Postcode
donation 17% Lo�ery 1%
£2,812,223 £225,000
Trading & other
income 3%
£555,877
Charitable
activities 74%
£12,221,764
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Expenditure £16,083,223
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Fundraising &
membership 6%
Engagement 11% £891,474
£1,519,221
Support costs 13%
£1,623,605
Nature Recovery 75%
£12,048,923
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Year ended 31 March 2025 | Annual Report and consolidated accounts 15
Financial and Fundraising overview
We�remain�focused�on�our��nancial�management�and� fundraising�ac�vi�es�to�ensure�that�the�Trust�has�the� resources�it�needs.�Our��nances�have�faced�challenges�this� year�due�to�con�nued�in�a�onary�pressures�on�resources,� in�conjunc�on�with�challenges�arising�from�land�subsidy� income�reduc�ons�and�delays�to�new�agricultural�subsidy� programmes.�We�have�also�con�nued�to�make�important� investments�in�our�IT�infrastructure�and�adequately� resourcing�our�central�func�ons�to�establish�e�cient,�safe� and�e�ec�ve�ways�of�working.
Our��nancial�ou�urn�for�24/25�shows�a�net�movement�in� funds�of�an�increase�of�£427,349�with�an�increase�in�the� general�unrestricted�funds�account�of�£22,963.
We�are�once�again�proud�to�partner�with�agencies�such� as�Natural�England,�the�Environment�Agency,�local�and� na�onal�government�to�deliver�landscape-scale�restora�on� projects.�We�hope�to�build�on�these�rela�onships�with�the� introduc�on�of�green��nancing�opportuni�es.
Our�fundraising�por�olio�of�ac�vity�con�nues�to�grow�with� corporate�partners�increasingly�interested�in�funding�our� landscape�and�seascape�scale�work.�Our�focus�this�year�has� been�to�inspire�hearts�and�minds�across�Yorkshire�and�we� ran�a�public�engagement�campaign�with�Heart�FM�in�May� to�reach�into�new�audiences.
With�a�focus�s�ll�on�cri�cally-important�wetland�habitats,� we�ran�some�localised�appeals,�to�fund�improvements� to�two�of�our�most�popular�reserves:�Staveley�and�North� Cave�Wetlands.�We�were�granted�£46,285�from�the�FCC� Communi�es�Founda�on,�supported�by�£20,158�donated� from�the�public,�which�will�help�to�fund�a�programme�
Carbon reduction
Yorkshire�Wildlife�Trust�is�commi�ed�to�reach�carbon�net� zero�by�2030,�and�strives�to�embed�best�prac�ce�and�adopt� a�holis�c�approach�to�carbon�reduc�on�through�its�work,� people�and�ac�vi�es.
We�are�con�nuing�to�evolve�our�measurement�in�this�area.� The�table�shows�Scope�1�&2�emissions�over�which�we�have� more�control,�including�electricity�and�hea�ng,�transporta�on� at�work�and�our�conserva�on�grazing�herd�of�livestock.�These� are�shown�in�both�absolute�terms,�and�rela�ve�to�our�growing� size.�We�also�monitor�indirect�Scope�3�emissions�associated� with�sta��commutes,�home�working�and,�most�recently,� procurement.�The�data�shows�our�actual�emissions�from�2020� –�2024,�es�mated�emissions�for�24/25�and�the�target�forecast� for�25/26.
While�we�have�made�progress�in�some�areas,�there�is�more� work�to�do�to�reduce�our�opera�onal�emissions.�YWT�also� contributes�towards�net�zero�through�some�of�our�habitat� work,�such�as�peat�and�seagrass�restora�on,�and�through� encouraging�members,�supporters�and�partners�to�take�ac�on� for�climate�and�nature.
of�improvements�to�both�habitat�and�visitor�experience� at�Staveley.�Our�similar�local�focus�at�North�Cave�raised� £11,347�from�our�supporters,�£10,500�in�grants�and� £10,000�from�an�individual,�all�which�will�be�invested�in� visitor�infrastructure.�We�were�able�to�install�a�new�wildlife� watching�hide�in�Memory�of�Dennis�Wood�thanks�to�a� generous�dona�on�from�the�Smith�family.�We�are�incredibly� grateful�to�everyone�who�has�donated�to�secure�a�bright� future�for�these�much-�loved�reserves.
We�are�delighted�to�con�nue�our�a�nity�partnership�with silver�business�members�TOG24�with�Whitby�Gin�on�their� Navy�Strength�gin�and�with�Ingrid�Flute�Holiday�co�ages;� and�to�have�a�new�partnership�with�Yorganics�and�Rounton� Co�ee.�We�also�received�signi�cant�dona�ons�in�year�from� Yorkshire�Water,�Hiscox,�Cloud�Kickers�and�1%�for�the�Planet� which�has�enabled�us�to�con�nue�our�work�on�Yorkshire’s� peatlands,�wetlands�and�our�local�nature�reserves.
The�support�we�con�nue�to�receive�from�our�business� members,�partners�and�funders�has�helped�us�to�fund�and� carry�out�vital�work�across�our�nature�reserves�and�wild� landscapes.�This�includes�a�generous�dona�on�from�the� Pu�ns�Galore�art�trail�around�the�East�coast,�and�project� support�and�Wild�Work�Day�par�cipa�on�from�many�local� businesses�and�partners�including�the�University�of�Leeds,� Aviva�and�Novuna.
Thank you
We�have�been�fortunate�in�recent�years�to�receive�funds� in�legacies,�which�this�year�totalled�£745,212�for�which�we� are�humbly�grateful.�Gi�s�in�Wills�remain�a�cri�cal�funding� source�in�enabling�us�to�achieve�signi�cant�steps�to�protect� and�restore�wild�places�and�wildlife�for�future�genera�ons.
----- Start of picture text -----
Table One – Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Carbon Emissions
Yorkshire�Wildlife�Trust�Carbon�Emissions Es�mate Target
2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 2024/25 2025/26
General�Scope�
1�&�2
117 135 147 152 151 145
emissions
(tCO2e)
Conserva�on�
Grazing�
201 178 262 255 252 245
Livestock�
(tCO2e)
Carbon�
intensity�
Scope�1�&2� 38.3 37.7 32.7 29.0 24.3 26.0
(tCo2e�per�£m�
expenditure)
Scope�3�
emissions:�
sta��travel�
85 151 206 194 220 210
and�home�
working�
(tCO2e)�
Scope�3�
emissions:� Not� Not�
procurement� measured measured 1,422 1,130 1,350 1,100
(tCO2e)�
----- End of picture text -----
16 Annual Report and consolidated accounts | Year ended 31 March 2025
Trustees’ Annual Report
Principal risks and uncertainties
The�Trustees�regularly�review�the�risks�the�charity� faces�and�where�appropriate�establish�processes�and� procedures�to�mi�gate�those�risks�iden��ed,�including,� where�appropriate,�pu�ng�in�place�insurance�and�se�ng� aside��nancial�reserves.�The�Trust’s�principal�risks�and� uncertain�es�arise�from:
-
n��UK�Government�posi�oning�nature�and�climate�ac�on� to�be�in�opposi�on�to�economic�growth,�which�results� in�policies�and�public�spending�commitments�favoring� commercial�development,�housing�expansion,�and�grey� infrastructure�projects�over�nature’s�recovery,�climate� ac�on�and�nature-based-solu�ons.
-
n��Increased�complexity,�compe��on�and�long�-term� liabili�es�from�green��nance,�ecosystem�and�nature� markets�requiring�rapid�evolu�on�of�governance,� business�models�and�working�prac�ces�crea�ng� uncertainty.
in�se�ng�its�general�unrestricted�target�is�maintaining� su�cient�cash��ow�to�allow�it�to�con�nue�to�trade�and� to�ensure�it�can�fund�the�large�number�of�projects�for� which�grant�funding�is�received�in�arrears,�whilst�at�the� same��me�not�retaining�large�sums�of�money�that�could� be�put�to�use�to�support�nature�conserva�on�in�Yorkshire.� The�Trust’s�target�level�of�general�unrestricted�reserves�is� £1.2m,�with�a�minimum�of�80%�set�for�budge�ng�below� which�we�should�not�fall.
At�31�March�2025,�the�Trust�had�total�Funds�of�£18.20m� including�unrestricted,�restricted,�designated�funds� and��xed�asset�reserves.�Of�this,�our�unrestricted�funds� (including��xed�assets�and�designated�funds)�totalled� £3.72m,�with�general�unrestricted�funds�up�£0.02m�to� £1.33m�(2024:�£1.31m).�The�agreed�budget�for�25/26� forecasts�a�year�end�de�cit�of�£0.18m,�which�would� reduce�the�unrestricted�funds�to�£0.05m�below�the�Trust’s� target�level�of�£1.2m.
-
n��Increasing�likelihood�of�adverse�climate�events,� par�cularly��ooding,�storm�damage�and��re�incidents,� across�the�por�olio�of�nature�reserves,�poten�ally� exceeding�capacity�and�resources�to�respond�and� compromising�long�term�conserva�on�objec�ves�and� site�integrity.�
-
n��Increasing�cybersecurity�threats�including�data� breaches,�malware�a�acks,�and�sophis�cated�online� �nancial�fraud�a�empts,�which�could�compromise� sensi�ve�informa�on,�disrupt�opera�ons,�and�result�in� �nancial�losses�and�reputa�onal�damage.
-
n��Involvement�in�large-scale�mul�-partner�grant-funded� projects�increases��nancial�liabili�es�and�cash��ow� pressures�due�to�complex�funding�arrangements,� partner�performance�issues,�or�project�delivery� challenges,�poten�ally�impac�ng�the�charity’s��nancial� stability.
-
n��Poten�al�for�reputa�onal�damage�to�the�Trust�from� signi�cant�internal�incidents,�external�events,�or� stakeholder�concerns�that�could�undermine�public� con�dence,�funder�and�donor�support,�impac�ng�the� Trust’s�credibility�and�e�ec�veness.
General�unrestricted�funds�represent�available�funds�of� the�charity�which�trustees�are�free�to�use�in�accordance� with�the�charitable�objec�ves�of�the�Trust.�Funds�used� to�purchase��xed�assets,�net�of�the�Trust’s�long-term� mortgage�liability,�are�set�aside�as�allocated�funds�as� these�assets�are�not�generally�available�for�day-today�opera�ons�of�the�Trust.�These�comprise�primarily� nature�reserves,�which�are�held�as�part�of�the�charitable� objec�ves�of�the�Trust�and�cannot�be�readily�sold,�and�also� Trust�premises�and�equipment�which�are�required�for�us� to�operate�e�ec�vely.�These�assets�may�from��me�to��me� be�used�to�raise�funding�if�it�is�in�the�best�interest�of�the� Trust�to�do�so.
Investment Policy
The�Trust’s�Ar�cles�of�Associa�on�enable�it�to�invest� monies�not�immediately�needed�for�its�purposes�in� such�investments�deemed�appropriate,�subject�to�such� condi�ons�as�may�be�required�by�law.�While�trustees�have� delegated�authority�for�the�management�of�investments� to�a�Finance�and�Risk�Commi�ee�and�to�fund�managers,� they�retain�ul�mate�responsibility�for�all�ma�ers�rela�ng� to�and�a�ec�ng�the�Trust’s�investments.
The�investment�policy�objec�ves�are:
Financial Reserves Policy and Going Concern considerations
The�Trust’s��nancial�reserves�policy�is�reviewed�annually� by�the�trustees.�In�se�ng�the�Trust’s�reserve�policy,�the� trustees�consider�various��nancial�metrics�and�data,� cash��ow�movements�and�working�capital�requirements,� an�cipated�risks,��xed�assets�equity�availability�and� material�future�commitments.�The�Trust’s�key�driver�
-
n�Investment�objec�vity�and�integrity
-
n�Preserva�on�of�real�value�of�the�Trust’s�monetary�assets
-
n��Op�misa�on�of�capital�growth�and�income�generated� from�the�Trust’s�monetary�assets,�with�appropriate� considera�on�and�management�of�investment�risk
-
n��Invest�in�an�ethical�manner,�consistent�with�the�Trust’s� charitable�status
-
n�Flexibility�and�accessibility�of�invested�funds
Year ended 31 March 2025 | Annual Report and consolidated accounts 17
During�the��nancial�year,�the�trustees�con�nued�to�hold� all�Yorkshire�Wildlife�Trust�investments�within�stocks,� shares�or�funds�in�those�investments�that�are�subject� to�screening�of�an�ethical�nature�and�to�ensure�that�no� investments�are�made�which�are�knowingly�contrary�to� the�objects�of�the�Trust.�All�Trust�investments�are�currently� held�in�either�CCLA�COIF�Ethical�Investment�Fund�or�the� Eden�Tree�Amity�Global�Equity�Fund.
Global��nancial�markets�were�stable�for�the�majority�of� 24/25�however�global�trading�uncertainty�in�the��nal� quarter�brought�about�by�interna�onal�tari��uncertainty� resulted�in�overall�investment�losses�of�(£0.05m)�(2024:� £0.27m�gain).�
Fundraising Disclosure
In�accordance�with�the�Chari�es�Act�2011,�as�amended� in�2016,�the�Trust�endeavours�to�adhere�to�the�Code� of�Fundraising�Prac�ce�governed�by�the�Fundraising� Regulator,�and�all�relevant�guidance�published�by�the� Chartered�Ins�tute�of�Fundraising�including�trea�ng� donors�fairly.�The�Director�of�Fundraising�and�Engagement� coordinates�our�fundraising�ac�vity�to�ensure�the�highest� standards�of�fundraising�prac�ce.�We�did�not�receive�any� complaints�in�rela�on�to�fundraising�in�the�year.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Yorkshire�Wildlife�Trust�is�commi�ed�to�providing� access�and�equality�in�its�ac�vi�es,�across�its�nature� reserves,�as�well�as�suppor�ng�equal�opportuni�es�and� equal�treatment�for�its�sta�,�volunteers,�members�and� supporters�regardless�of�sex,�gender,�race,�religion�or� belief,�age,�marriage�or�civil�partnership,�pregnancy/ maternity,�sexual�orienta�on�or�disability.�The�Trust�has�a� dedicated�group�tasked�with�developing�the�approach�to� equality,�diversity�and�inclusion.
Governing document
Yorkshire�Wildlife�Trust�is�a�charitable�company�limited� by�guarantee,�governed�by�its�Ar�cles�of�Associa�on.�It�is� registered�as�a�charity�with�the�Charity�Commission.�The� Ar�cles�of�Associa�on�were�updated�at�the�2012�AGM.
Structure, Governance and Management
The�Directors�of�the�charitable�company�(the�charity)�are� its�trustees�for�the�purposes�of�charity�law�and�throughout� this�report�are�collec�vely�referred�to�as�the�trustees. The�Trust�currently�has�11�trustees.�The�trustees�serving� during�the�year�are�listed�on�page�3.�Rachael�Bice�was� Chief�Execu�ve�throughout�the�year.
Our commitment to supporters
Through�our�members’�magazine,�our�website,�events�and� ac�vi�es�and�our�other�communica�ons�we�will�always� tell�you�about�how�you�are�helping�to�make�a�di�erence� for�wildlife�so�you�know�how�your�money�is�being�spent. We�strictly�adhere�to�the�Code�of�Fundraising�Prac�ce� as�de�ned�by�the�Fundraising�Regulator�and�follow� all�relevant�guidance�from�the�Chartered�Ins�tute�of� Fundraising.
All�fundraisers�represen�ng�us�receive�training�so�as� to�understand�the�standards�we�expect�when�they�are� speaking�to�members�of�the�public�on�our�behalf,�to� ensure�a�posi�ve�experience.�We�will�always�take�ac�on�if� others�ac�ng�on�our�behalf�fail�to�meet�our�high�standards� and�we�will�never�sell�your�data�to�anyone�else�or�share�it� without�consent�or�having�a�legi�mate�reason�to�do�so.* Yorkshire�Wildlife�Trust�has�a�procedure�for�handling� complaints,�and�we�are�commi�ed�to�dealing�with�all� complaints�construc�vely,�impar�ally�and�e�ec�vely.�We� will�make�every�e�ort�to�ensure�that�all�complaints�receive� a�complete,�accurate�and��mely�response�and�no�complaint� is�ever�disregarded.�If�we�cannot�resolve�a�fundraising� related�complaint,�we�will�provide�informa�on�about�how� to�raise�a�complaint�with�the�Fundraising�Regulator.�In�the� year�24/25�we�received�a�total�of�6�complaints�of�which� none�were�related�to�our�fundraising�ac�vity.
The�Chief�Execu�ve�O�cer�and�the�Senior�Leadership� Team�together�comprise�the�key�management�personnel� of�the�charity�in�charge�of�direc�ng�and�controlling,� running�and�opera�ng�the�Trust�on�a�day�to�day�basis.�The� pay�of�the�Chief�Execu�ve�and�Senior�Leadership�Team�is� reviewed�annually.
Trustee appointment, induction and training
Trustees�are�elected�by�the�members�of�the�Trust�at�the� Annual�General�Mee�ng�for�an�ini�al�period�of�4�years� and�are�then�eligible�to�seek�re-elec�on�for�a�further�4� year�period.�Trustees�may�from��me�to��me�co-opt�an� eligible�person�to��ll�a�temporary�vacancy�un�l�the�next� Annual�General�Mee�ng�when�the�co-opted�trustees�can� subsequently�stand�for�elec�on.
�New�trustees�undergo�an�induc�on�to�brief�them�on� their�legal�obliga�ons�under�charity�and�company�law,�the� content�of�the�Ar�cles�of�Associa�on,�the�commi�ee�and� decision-�making�processes,�the�business�plan�and�recent� �nancial�performance�of�the�Trust.�They�are�also�invited�to� meet�key�employees�and�other�trustees.�New�trustees a�end�an�induc�on�day,�led�by�the�Chief�Execu�ve�and� hold�trustee�feedback�sessions�each�year�with�Chair�of�� the�Board�of�Trustees.
*It�is�some�mes�necessary�for�YWT�to�allow�its�carefully�ve�ed�suppliers�to�use�supporter�data�to�carry�out�work�on�our�behalf,�such�as�undertaking�member�sa�sfac�on�surveys�or�sending�out� mailings�to�our�supporters.�We�may�also�some�mes�have�to�share�data�in�other�circumstances,�for�example�where�there’s�a�legal�requirement�to�do�so.�Please�see�our�privacy�policy�on�the�website.
18 Annual Report and consolidated accounts | Year ended 31 March 2025
Organisation
The�Board�of�Trustees�administers�the�charity�and�meets� at�least��ve��mes�a�year.�The�Finance�and�Risk�Commi�ee� comprises�a�minimum�of�three�trustees�and�up�to�two� other�members�of�the�Trust�who�can�be�appointed�by� the�Board,�and�meets�at�least�four��mes�a�year.�The�Chief� Execu�ve�is�appointed�by�the�trustees�to�manage�the� day�to�day�opera�ons�of�the�charity.�The�trustees�ac�vely� engage�with�the�Chief�Execu�ve�O�cer�and�Senior� Leadership�Team,�working�collec�vely�in�development�of� organisa�onal�strategy.
Supporter�groups�operate�to�encourage,�coordinate� and�focus�the�ac�ve�par�cipa�on�and�contribu�on�of� volunteers�to�the�Trust’s�projects�and�objec�ves�at�local� level.�Supporter�groups�are�part�of�the�Trust’s�volunteer� structure,�repor�ng�through�sta�,�and�may�be�formed� around�a�speci�c�project,�site�or�community,�a�group�of� sites�or�wider�geographic�area,�according�to�the�interests� of�group�members.
The�Trust�is�an�ac�ve�member�of�The�Wildlife�Trusts.� This�is�a�na�onal�partnership�of�46�independent�Wildlife� Trusts�and�the�Royal�Society�of�Wildlife�Trusts�(RSWT)� which�operates�throughout�the�UK.�All�the�Wildlife�Trusts� contribute�an�annual�levy�to�fund�RSWT�to�provide� advocacy�and�representa�on�at�a�na�onal�level.
-
n��select�suitable�accoun�ng�policies�and�apply�them� consistently;
-
n��observe�the�methods�and�principles�in�the�Chari�es� SORP�(FRS�102);
-
n��make�judgements�and�es�mates�that�are�reasonable� and�prudent;�state�whether�applicable�UK�accoun�ng� standards�and�statements�of�recommended�prac�ce� have�been�followed�subject�to�any�material�departures� disclosed�and�explained�in�the��nancial�statements;�and
-
n��prepare�the��nancial�statements�on�the�going�concern� basis�unless�it�is�inappropriate�to�presume�that�the� charitable�company�will�con�nue�to�operate.
The�trustees�are�responsible�for�keeping�proper� accoun�ng�records�that�disclose�with�reasonable�accuracy� at�any��me�the��nancial�posi�on�of�the�charitable� company�and�enable�them�to�ensure�that�the��nancial� statements�comply�with�the�Companies�Act�2006.�They� are�also�responsible�for�safeguarding�the�assets�of�the� charitable�company�and�the�group�and�hence�for�taking� reasonable�steps�for�the�preven�on�and�detec�on�of� fraud�and�other�irregulari�es.
In�so�far�as�the�trustees�are�aware:
- n��there�is�no�relevant�audit�informa�on�of�which�the� charitable�company’s�auditor�is�unaware;�and
Trading Subsidiary
Yorkshire�Wildlife�Services�Limited�(YWSL),�a�company� registered�in�England,�is�a�wholly�owned�trading�subsidiary� of�Yorkshire�Wildlife�Trust.�YWSL�commenced�trading�on 1�April�2016,�with�a�view�to�genera�ng�funds�on�behalf�of� Yorkshire�Wildlife�Trust�for�the�furtherance�of�its�charitable� objec�ves�and�ensuring�con�nued�compliance�with�UK� tax�legisla�on.�Pro�ts�generated�by�YWSL�are�generally� distributed�to�the�charity�using�gi��aid.�Further�informa�on� is�included�in�Notes�15�and�23�of�the�accounts.
Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities
The�trustees�(who�are�also�directors�of�Yorkshire�Wildlife� Trust�for�the�purposes�of�company�law)�are�responsible�for� preparing�the�Trustees�Annual�Report�and�the�Financial� Statements�in�accordance�with�applicable�law�and� United�Kingdom�Accoun�ng�Standards�(United�Kingdom� Generally�Accepted�Accoun�ng�Prac�ce).
Company�law�requires�the�trustees�to�prepare��nancial� statements�for�each��nancial�year�which�give�a�true� and�fair�view�of�the�state�of�a�airs�of�the�charitable� company�and�the�group�and�of�the�incoming�resources� and�applica�on�of�resources,�including�the�income�and� expenditure,�of�the�charitable�group�for�that�year.�In� preparing�those��nancial�statements�the�trustees�are� required�to:
-
n��the�trustees�have�taken�all�steps�that�they�ought�to�have� taken�to�make�themselves�aware�of�any�relevant�audit� informa�on�and�to�establish�that�the�auditor�is�aware�of� that�informa�on;
-
n��at�the��me�of�approving�the��nancial�statements,�the� Trust�has�su�cient�resources�to�con�nue�to�operate� and�there�are�no�material�uncertain�es�regarding�the� Trust’s�ability�to�con�nue�as�a�going�concern.
The�trustees�are�responsible�for�the�maintenance�and� integrity�of�the�corporate�and��nancial�informa�on� included�on�the�charitable�company’s�website.
Legisla�on�in�the�United�Kingdom�governing�the� prepara�on�and�dissemina�on�of��nancial�statements� may�di�er�from�legisla�on�in�other�jurisdic�ons.
This�statement�is�agreed�by�Yorkshire�Wildlife�Trust�Board of�Trustees,�and�signed�on�their�behalf�by;
Nick�Perks,�Chair� 15th�August�2025
Year ended 31 March 2025 | Annual Report and consolidated accounts 19
Auditors Report
Opinion
We�have�audited�the��nancial�statements�of�Yorkshire� Wildlife�Trust�(the�‘parent�charitable�company’)�and�its� subsidiary�(together�the�‘group’)�for�the�year�ended�31�March� 2025�which�comprise�the�Consolidated�statement�of��nancial� ac�vi�es,�the�Consolidated�balance�sheet,�the�Company� balance�sheet,�the�Consolidated�statement�of�cash��ows� and�the�related�notes,�including�a�summary�of�signi�cant� accoun�ng�policies.�The��nancial�repor�ng�framework�that� has�been�applied�in�their�prepara�on�is�applicable�law�and� United�Kingdom�Accoun�ng�Standards,�including�Financial� Repor�ng�Standard�102�‘The�Financial�Repor�ng�Standard� applicable�in�the�UK�and�Republic�of�Ireland’�(United� Kingdom�Generally�Accepted�Accoun�ng�Prac�ce).�
In�our�opinion�the��nancial�statements:
-
n��give�a�true�and�fair�view�of�the�state�of�the�Group’s� and�of�the�parent�charitable�company’s�a�airs�as�at�31� March�2025�and�of�the�Group’s�incoming�resources� and�applica�on�of�resources,�including�its�income�and� expenditure�for�the�year�then�ended;
-
n��have�been�properly�prepared�in�accordance�with�United� Kingdom�Generally�Accepted�Accoun�ng�Prac�ce;�and
-
n��have�been�prepared�in�accordance�with�the� requirements�of�the�Companies�Act�2006.
Basis for opinion
We�conducted�our�audit�in�accordance�with�Interna�onal� Standards�on�Audi�ng�(UK)�(ISAs�(UK))�and�applicable�law.� Our�responsibili�es�under�those�standards�are�further� described�in�the�Auditor’s�responsibili�es�for�the�audit� of�the��nancial�statements�sec�on�of�our�report.�We�are� independent�of�the�Group�in�accordance�with�the�ethical� requirements�that�are�relevant�to�our�audit�of�the��nancial� statements�in�the�United�Kingdom,�including�the�Financial� Repor�ng�Council’s�Ethical�Standard,�and�we�have�ful�lled� our�other�ethical�responsibili�es�in�accordance�with�these� requirements.�We�believe�that�the�audit�evidence�we�have� obtained�is�su�cient�and�appropriate�to�provide�a�basis� for�our�opinion.�
Conclusions relating to going concern
In�audi�ng�the��nancial�statements,�we�have�concluded� that�the�Trustees’�use�of�the�going�concern�basis�of� accoun�ng�in�the�prepara�on�of�the��nancial�statements� is�appropriate.�
Based�on�the�work�we�have�performed,�we�have�not� iden��ed�any�material�uncertain�es�rela�ng�to�events� or�condi�ons�that,�individually�or�collec�vely,�may�cast� signi�cant�doubt�on�the�Group’s�or�the�parent�charitable� company’s�ability�to�con�nue�as�a�going�concern�for�a�period� of�at�least�twelve�months�from�when�the��nancial�statements� are�authorised�for�issue.�
Our�responsibili�es�and�the�responsibili�es�of�the�Trustees� with�respect�to�going�concern�are�described�in�the�relevant� sec�ons�of�this�report.�
Other information
The�Trustees�are�responsible�for�the�other�informa�on.�The� other�informa�on�comprises�the�informa�on�included�in� the�Annual�report,�other�than�the��nancial�statements�and� our�Auditor’s�report�thereon.�Our�opinion�on�the��nancial� statements�does�not�cover�the�other�informa�on�and,�except� to�the�extent�otherwise�explicitly�stated�in�our�report,�we�do� not�express�any�form�of�assurance�conclusion�thereon.�
In�connec�on�with�our�audit�of�the��nancial�statements,�our� responsibility�is�to�read�the�other�informa�on�and,�in�doing� so,�consider�whether�the�other�informa�on�is�materially� inconsistent�with�the��nancial�statements�or�our�knowledge� obtained�in�the�audit�or�otherwise�appears�to�be�materially� misstated.�If�we�iden�fy�such�material�inconsistencies� or�apparent�material�misstatements,�we�are�required�to� determine�whether�there�is�a�material�misstatement�in�the� �nancial�statements�or�a�material�misstatement�of�the�other� informa�on.�If,�based�on�the�work�we�have�performed,�we� conclude�that�there�is�a�material�misstatement�of�this�other� informa�on,�we�are�required�to�report�that�fact.�
We�have�nothing�to�report�in�this�regard.�
Other ma�ers prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In�our�opinion,�based�on�the�work�undertaken�in�the� course�of�the�audit:�
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n��the�informa�on�given�in�the�Trustees’�report�including� the�Group�Strategic�report�for�the��nancial�year� for�which�the��nancial�statements�are�prepared�is� consistent�with�the��nancial�statements.
-
n��the�Trustees’�report�and�the�Group�Strategic�report� have�been�prepared�in�accordance�with�applicable�legal� requirements.
20 Annual Report and consolidated accounts | Year ended 31 March 2025
Ma�ers on which we are required to report by exception
In�the�light�of�our�knowledge�and�understanding�of�the� Group�and�the�charitable�company�and�its�environment� obtained�in�the�course�of�the�audit,�we�have�not�iden��ed� material�misstatements�in�the�Trustees’�report�including� the�Group�Strategic�report.�
We�have�nothing�to�report�in�respect�of�the�following� ma�ers�in�rela�on�to�which�Companies�Act�2006�requires� us�to�report�to�you�if,�in�our�opinion:�
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n��the�parent�charitable�company�has�not�kept�adequate� and�su�cient�accoun�ng�records,�or�returns�adequate� for�our�audit�have�not�been�received�from�branches�not� visited�by�us;�or�
-
n��the�parent�charitable�company��nancial�statements� are�not�in�agreement�with�the�accoun�ng�records�and� returns;�or
-
n��certain�disclosures�of�Trustees’�remunera�on�speci�ed� by�law�are�not�made;�or
-
n��we�have�not�received�all�the�informa�on�and� explana�ons�we�require�for�our�audit.
Responsibilities of trustees
As�explained�more�fully�in�the�Trustees’�responsibili�es� statement�on�page�19,�the�Trustees�(who�are�also�the� directors�of�the�charitable�company�for�the�purposes�of� company�law)�are�responsible�for�the�prepara�on�of�the� �nancial�statements�and�for�being�sa�s�ed�that�they�give� a�true�and�fair�view,�and�for�such�internal�control�as�the� Trustees�determine�is�necessary�to�enable�the�prepara�on� of��nancial�statements�that�are�free�from�material� misstatement,�whether�due�to�fraud�or�error.�
In�preparing�the��nancial�statements,�the�Trustees�are� responsible�for�assessing�the�Group’s�and�the�parent� charitable�company’s�ability�to�con�nue�as�a�going� concern,�disclosing,�as�applicable,�ma�ers�related�to�going� concern�and�using�the�going�concern�basis�of�accoun�ng� unless�the�Trustees�either�intend�to�liquidate�the�Group�or� the�parent�charitable�company�or�to�cease�opera�ons,�or� have�no�realis�c�alterna�ve�but�to�do�so.�
Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the
We�have�been�appointed�auditor�the�Companies�Act�2006� and�sec�on�151�of�the�Chari�es�Act�2011�and�report�in� accordance�with�those�Acts.
Our�objec�ves�are�to�obtain�reasonable�assurance�about� whether�the��nancial�statements�as�a�whole�are�free�from� material�misstatement,�whether�due�to�fraud�or�error,� and�to�issue�an�Auditor’s�report�that�includes�our�opinion.� Reasonable�assurance�is�a�high�level�of�assurance,�but�is� not�a�guarantee�that�an�audit�conducted�in�accordance� with�ISAs�(UK)�will�always�detect�a�material�misstatement� when�it�exists.�Misstatements�can�arise�from�fraud�or� error�and�are�considered�material�if,�individually�or�in�the� aggregate,�they�could�reasonably�be�expected�to�in�uence� the�economic�decisions�of�users�taken�on�the�basis�of� these��nancial�statements.�
Explanation as to what extent the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud
Irregulari�es,�including�fraud,�are�instances�of�noncompliance�with�laws�and�regula�ons.�We�design� procedures�in�line�with�our�responsibili�es,�outlined� above,�to�detect�material�misstatements�in�respect� of�irregulari�es,�including�fraud.�The�extent�to�which� our�procedures�are�capable�of�detec�ng�irregulari�es,� including�fraud�is�detailed�below:�
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n��We�obtained�an�understanding�of�laws�and�regula�ons� that�a�ect�the�company,�focusing�on�those�that�had� a�direct�e�ect�on�the��nancial�statements�or�that� had�a�fundamental�e�ect�on�its�opera�ons.�Key�laws� and�regula�ons�that�we�iden��ed�included�the�UK� Companies�Act,�tax�legisla�on�and�occupa�onal�health� and�employment�legisla�on.
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n��We�enquired�of�the�directors,�reviewed�correspondence� with�HMRC�and�reviewed�directors�mee�ng�minutes� for�evidence�of�non�compliance�with�relevant�laws�and� regula�ons.�We�also�reviewed�controls�the�directors� have�in�place�to�ensure�compliance.
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n��We�gained�an�understanding�of�the�controls�that�the� directors�have�in�place�to�prevent�and�detect�fraud.�We� enquired�of�the�directors�about�any�incidences�of�fraud� that�had�taken�place�during�the�accoun�ng�period.
Year ended 31 March 2025 | Annual Report and consolidated accounts 21
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n��The�risk�of�fraud�and�non�compliance�with�laws�and� regula�ons�and�fraud�was�discussed�within�the�audit� team�and�tests�were�planned�and�performed�to�address� these�risks.�We�iden��ed�the�poten�al�for�fraud�in�the� following�areas:�revenue�recogni�on.�
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n��We�reviewed��nancial�statements�disclosures�and� tested�to�suppor�ng�documenta�on�to�assess� compliance�with�relevant�laws�and�regula�ons� discussed�above.
-
n��We�enquired�of�the�directors�and�third�party�advisors� about�actual�and�poten�al�li�ga�on�and�claims.�
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n��We�performed�analy�cal�procedures�to�iden�fy�any� unusual�or�unexpected�rela�onships�that�might�indicate� risks�of�material�misstatement�due�to�fraud.
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n��In�addressing�the�risk�of�fraud�due�to�management� override�of�internal�controls�we�tested�the� appropriateness�of�journal�entries�and�assessed� whether�the�judgements�made�in�making�accoun�ng� es�mates�were�indica�ve�of�a�poten�al�bias.
A�further�descrip�on�of�our�responsibili�es�for�the� audit�of�the��nancial�statements�is�located�on�the� Financial�Repor�ng�Council’s�website�at:�www.frc.org.uk/ auditorsresponsibili�es.�This�descrip�on�forms�part�of�our� Auditor’s�report.�
Use of our report
This�report�is�made�solely�to�the�charitable�company’s� members,�as�a�body,�in�accordance�with�Chapter�3�of� Part�16�of�the�Companies�Act�2006.�Our�audit�work�has� been�undertaken�so�that�we�might�state�to�the�charitable� company’s�members�those�ma�ers�we�are�required�to�state� to�them�in�an�Auditor’s�report�and�for�no�other�purpose.� To�the�fullest�extent�permi�ed�by�law,�we�do�not�accept�or� assume�responsibility�to�anyone�other�than�the�charitable� company�and�its�members,�as�a�body,�for�our�audit�work,� for�this�report,�or�for�the�opinions�we�have�formed.
Steven�Williams�(Senior�statutory�auditor)�� Statutory�Auditors�for�and�on�behalf�of�
Armstrong�Watson�Audit�Limited�
Due�to�the�inherent�limita�ons�of�an�audit,�there�is�an� unavoidable�risk�that�we�may�not�have�detected�some� material�misstatements�in�the��nancial�statements,�even� though�we�have�properly�planned�and�performed�our� audit�in�accordance�with�audi�ng�standards.�For�example,� as�with�any�audit,�there�remained�a�higher�risk�of�non� detec�on�of�irregulari�es,�as�these�may�involve�collusion,� forgery,�inten�onal�omissions,�misrepresenta�ons,�or� the�override�of�internal�controls.�We�are�not�responsible� for�preven�ng�fraud�or�non�compliance�with�laws�and� regula�ons�and�cannot�be�expected�to�detect�all�fraud� and�non-compliance�with�laws�and�regula�ons.�
Chartered�Accountants� Statutory�Auditors� Leeds�
Date: 27/08/2025
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Yorkshire Wildlife Trust 1 St. George’s Place York YO24 1GN
Phone: 01904 659570 Email: info@ywt.org.uk
Yorkshire�Wildlife�Trust�is�registered�in�England�no.�00409650�and�is�a�registered�charity�no.�210807.�Registered�Oce:�1�St�George’s�Place,�York,�YO24�1GN