
Trustees’ Annual Report and Accounts Year ended 31 March 2025 



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Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is the only charity<br>entirely dedicated to conserving, protecting and<br>enhancing Yorkshire's wildlife and wild places<br>Yorkshire�Wildlife�Trust�is�registered�in�England�no.�00409650�and�is�a�registered�charity�no.�210807.�Registered�O񿿿ce:�1�St�George’s�Place,�York,�YO24�1GN<br>Cover�Image:�Curlew�by�Shu�erstock<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>




**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�O񿿿ce 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�O񿿿cer 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� 

- 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.� 

- 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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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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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<br>GRAHAM STANDRING<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>






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Active support for wildlife is<br>embedded within society –<br>Partner for a wilder Yorkshire<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


## **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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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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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)�(E􏿿ec�ve�1�January�2019). 

## **Financial summary** 


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Income  £16,560,076<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>



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Legacies  5%<br>£745,212<br>Membership &  People’s Postcode<br>donation  17% Lo�ery 1%<br>£2,812,223 £225,000<br>Trading & other<br>income  3%<br>£555,877<br>Charitable<br>activities  74%<br>£12,221,764<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


## **Expenditure** £16,083,223 


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Fundraising &<br>membership  6%<br>Engagement  11% £891,474<br>£1,519,221<br>Support costs  13%<br>£1,623,605<br>Nature Recovery  75%<br>£12,048,923<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


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 -----**<br>
Table One – Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Carbon Emissions<br>Yorkshire�Wildlife�Trust�Carbon�Emissions Es�mate Target<br>2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 2024/25 2025/26<br>General�Scope�<br>1�&�2<br>117 135 147 152 151 145<br>emissions<br>(tCO2e)<br>Conserva�on�<br>Grazing�<br>201 178 262 255 252 245<br>Livestock�<br>(tCO2e)<br>Carbon�<br>intensity�<br>Scope�1�&2� 38.3 37.7 32.7 29.0 24.3 26.0<br>(tCo2e�per�£m�<br>expenditure)<br>Scope�3�<br>emissions:�<br>sta��travel�<br>85 151 206 194 220 210<br>and�home�<br>working�<br>(tCO2e)�<br>Scope�3�<br>emissions:� Not� Not�<br>procurement� measured measured 1,422 1,130 1,350 1,100<br>(tCO2e)�<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


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:� 

- 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:� 

- 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:� 

- 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. 

- 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. 

- 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. 

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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.� 

- 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.� 

- 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. 

- 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�O񿿿ce:�1�St�George’s�Place,�York,�YO24�1GN 

