CharMyRegfj8tratlon No. 214927 Company ReEiStratloTh No. 738693 (Engthnd & Wales) THE CHESHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 THE CHESHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED LEGALAND ADMINISTRATION Trustoes R Collins S ludd C Neame J Richards J Roscoe P Ru5hton Iretired Nov 20231 Stothart Ichairl C Swarbrick S Williams Secretary Charlotte Harris Chief ExecutSve Charlotte Harrls Reglstered off Ice Bickley H311 Fami Bicklev Malpas Cheshire SY14 8EF Charlty number 214927 Company number 738693 Audllor8 Mitchell Charlesworth (Audit) Limited Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditor 3, Floor 44 Peier Street Manchester M2 5GP Bankers CAF Bank 2S Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ Solicitors Gough-Thomas & Scott 8 Willow Street Ellesmere Shropshire SY12 OAQ THECHESHIREWILDLIFETRUST LIMITED CONTENTS PAGE Page Chairf5 Report Trustees. Report Independent Auditorfs Report Statement of Financial Activities 5-16 17-21 22 Balance Sheet 23 Statement of Cash Flow 24 Notes to the Accounts 25-41 THE CHESHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED CHAIR'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 l am pleased to be prefacing this report, coverirhg another excellent year for the Trust. The bare financial numbers show our turnover increasing from £3.21m in 2022123 to £3.54m in 2023124 and a surplus for the eighth successive year. So. you can see the Trust continues in Èood financial health. But more importantly. that growth represents an in(￿aSe in the Impact of the work we do. Cheshire Wildlife Trust works for people, wildlife and nature in Cheshire. Wirral, Stockport. Trafford, Tameside. Warrington and Halton. l use a strapline on my emails.. -we need more spocefor wildlife. ond more people on noture's side." l encourage you to read the many examples in this report which show that impact.. making more space for nature and wildlife. and engaEing/energising more people to act for its recovery. We had an outstandinB opportunity to purchase land for nature following our Anniversary appeal and after an earlier target purchase fell through. The purchase of 30 acres at Greenbooth Nature Reserve 15 a Significant milestone in fulfilling the Anniversary appeal objectives and was a step towards acquiring more, bigger, better and more joined up reserves to provide space for nature'5 recovery. I look forward to seeing the development of Greenbooth Nature Reserve for natural regeneration and I hope we can report further ambitlOU5 plans in the near future. We continue to face a biodiversity crisis and a climate crisis. Cheshire Wildlife Trust, and Wildlife Trusts nationally, have a critical role in enabling people to play an active part in combatting these challenges and bring about nature's recovery. Thank you for your continued support,. it is valued and essential. Bill Stothart Chair Date: 01 Ottober 2024 THE CHESHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH2024 The TrustÈÈs have pleasu￿ in presenting their report togÈthÈr with the auditèd accounts for the yÈar ended 31 March 2024. The financial statements have been prepa￿d under the historical cost convention and in accordance with Charities SORP IFRS 1021 Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporknng Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 (effective l January 20191. Overview Cheshire Wildlife Trust is the only charity dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and wild places in the Cheshire region. Formed in 1962 by volunteers. Cheshire Wildlife Trust is one of 46 independent charities. which together form the UK-wide Wildlife Trust movement. The Trust benefits from the support of 17,5 members and over 300 volunteers, is governed by a ten-strong Board of Trustees and currently employs 70 dedicated staff. We are passionate about securing a future for local wildlife on land and at sea and work as part of the Wildlife Trust movement to influence decision making for nature at the highest level nationally. Cheshire Wildlife Trust Limited is required by charity and company law to act within the objects of its Memorandum of Association, which are as follows.. l. To promote and deliver the conservation. protection. improvement and expansion of the physical and natural environment. for the benefit of wildlife and the public of the United Kingdom; particularly in the Vice County 58 Iihe traditional County Palatine of Chester) and adjacent areas. 2. To advance the education and engagement of the public in the principles and practice of: Biodiversity conservation and enhancement; b. Sustainable living and development,. Nature-based health and wellbeing initiatives,. and d. Natural capital, and its protection, restoration and value to society. 3. To promote research in all branches of relevant scientific study and to publish the useful results thereof. In 2020 we launched our 2030 Strategy.. Wilder Cheshire. The hjll strategy is available on our website htt www.cheshirewildlifetTUSt.o 20305trate with a summa on the following page. Pub15c benefit statement The Trustee5 confirm that they have complied with the dutie5 in section 4 of the Charities Act 2006 to have due regard to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit, 'Charities and Public Benefit,. The Trust's public benefit is enshrined in its charitable objects. THE CHESHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH2024 Our vision is for a Wilder Cheshire Our mission is to bring wildlife back- for everyone. everywhere. Our strategytackles three crises: l. Wildlife crisis- Let's fight for wildlife's recovery. Nature today is not normal. Since the 1930s. species-rich wildflower meadows have become virtually extinct,. since the 19505, we have lost over half the abundance of a115pecie5 acr055 the UK,. since the 1970s, there's been a 60% fall in vertebrates globally. Elsewhere. recent reports tell us that insect populations have collapsed by 75% between 1990 and 2014. In the UK. we have lost half of our farmland birds in one generation. Cheshire is not immune to these trends and less than IO% of our region is protected for wildlife. Outcome.. At leost 30% of the lond ondseo in Cheshire needs to be monagedfor ntiture $0 thot missing wildlife will return. We wont to see more ond better connected wild spoces and the pressures on the environment reduced. 2. Cllmate crlsls- Let's make nature part ol the solutS0n. We are facing a climate trisis and nature is a big Part of the solution. Healthy ec05VStems and restored habitats will help us play our part in delivering the UN'S Paris Ag￿ement to tackle the climate emergency. Our peatlands. woodland and wetlands, if restored. can protect us. These habitats store carbon, cool our towns and help control flooding a5 well as suppothnB our economy and wellbeing. Our utility bills are higher because we need to clean ourwater. Our food bills are rising because farming is not sustainable. The costs of flood damage are devastating where nature's defences fail. Outcome.. Resilient nature will help combot climote chonge. We need more carbon to be locked up in ourplonts L7nd soils ond to restore broken ecosystems. 3. Nature connection deffcit- Let's have more people on nature's side. Our disconnect with nature is snowballing with each passing generation. New generations grow up ever more distant from the natural world. They do not miss it when it disappears. and so it continues to slip away unnoticed. When we lose our connection with nature, mental health problem5, obesity and isolation rise. We need at least l in 4 people to be taking visible and meaningful action for nature in order to achieve a social tipping point. We need caring for and protecting nature to be a normal part of everyday life and the decisions we take. Only then will we start to see nature recover. Outcome.. Our wellbeing Ortd economy relyon o heolthy. noturolenvironmertt. We need everyone to be possionote obout wildlife ond ot leost l in 4 people to be toking octionAor nt7ture's recovery. THE CHESHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH2024 Strategic report The information below, including the review of achievements and performance. financial review, risk management statement and summary of futu￿ plans, forms the StrateÉic Report for the purpose of the Companies Act 2006. Achievements and performan Our charitable objects are the drivers behind our 2030 strategic framework. Our achievements and performance are reported against each of the three strategic outcomes and we also report on a fourth underpinning objective to ensure that Cheshire Wildlife Trust is effective and resilient. Wlldllfe and ¢15mate are In crlsls In the year ended 31 March 2024, a further 485ha of land was protected for nature as a result of our work, over 100 land managers received advice to enhance the management of 2.300ha for wildlife, we directly managed 743ha and we created 80ha of new habitat. Outcome.. 30% of land In Cheshlre Is ood for nature We completed the purchase of Greenbooth Nature Reserve, on the edge of the Peak District, backed by donations from supporters and the Bannister Charitable Trust. Forty-two hectares of new woodland was planted usin8 Defra Trees for Climate funding, includin8 7ha of new woodland and scrub at Saltersford Nature Reserve and the complets.on of an 11,000 tree a8roforestry scheme- the first of its kind in Cheshi￿. We installed 20 more ponds for great crested newrs, mitlgat6ng for losses due to development. Thirty-seven hectares of wildflower meadow was created and restored to provide a welcome boost for pollinators, and significant grant funding secured to grow our Pollinatin8 Cheshire project into 2024125 and beyond. Our land management advice services continued to expand, with a further 1,5c(Iha of land now being farmed with nature in mind as a result of our input. Outtome.. 31VA of land for natu￿ is well man Nature reserve management plans were reviewed to ensure our wildlife refuges are maintained in good condition into the future. Gowy Meadows was further enhanced through a programme of works including wetland habitat e￿anDn, a pony grazing trial and ongoing mink control. THE CHESHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH2024 A new boardwalk at Danes Moss has been instslled, allowing safer access across the reserve. The Our Dee Estuary team continued working with the Royal Liverpool Golf Club on a plan for the management of Red Rock5 Marsh. Work carried out included removal of invasive 5pecie5 and Scrub on the sand dunes and reproliling of natterjack toad breeding ponds. Crown Farm Quarry ha5 continued to improve through a second year of conservation grazing with ten Aberdeen Angus cattle. We have carried out woodland management works and constructed a new cattle corral on site. Out¢ome.. Decllnln les are re¢overln The launch of the RiverThrive project has seen the creation and restoration of approximately 30ha of wetland habitat along the River Gowy to benefit water vole and European eel, including the cieation of 32 pond5, one scrape, 1.8km of new buffer strip5 and 1.9km of new ditches. The South West Peak Curlew Recovery Partnership continue5 to engage citizen Scientists to monitor wader nests acr055 the Peak District, with new farm wader plans created with the landowners. New Scrapes have been Created and are already attracting breeding waders. Our beavers at the Hatth Mere enclosure continued to attrart interest across Cheshire with over 500 people attendlng gulded vlslts. Twenty swlft boxes were built wlth Stockport College. Forty-nine people signed up to have a free swlft box installed on their house, addin8 to the 34 already in the area. Outcome., 30% of land Is rotected for ftature We produced influential reports including peatland ￿$toration feasibility analyses for Cheshire East and Cheshire West & Chester Councils. a Biodiversity Net Gain IBNGI Needs and Supply assessment for Wirral Council, and responses to Forestry Commission schemes affecting Local Wildlife Sites and deep peat at Capesthorne and Tablev. Our H52 No Net Loss report, which showed the true impact of the scheme to nature, resulted in 104,000 petition signatories which we delivered to Downing St￿et. Defra and the Department for Transport in july. Our report continues to influence the outcomes on H52 Phase l and other infrastructure projects nationally. We've influenced BNG metric development by representing Wildlife & Countryside Link and The Wildlife Trusts in meetings with Defra. We've input into development of BNG metric software and co- lead BNG training sessions for the Chartered 1nsb.tute of Ecology and Environmental Management. We led on grassland species modelling for Natural England to help inform where best to target restoration and Secured the contract to complete the ecological network mapping for the Cheshire region Local Nature Recovery Strategy ILNRSI. We a￿ 3 member of the Liverpool City Region LNRS Technical Advisory Board, and we've produced a technical assessment report for the Greater Manchester LNRS. THE CHESHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH2024 Our responses to planning applications have influÈn¢ed outcomes on 541ha of land, most notably refusal of plans for housing at Longridge Local Wildlife Site13lthouEh the need to defend this site will ontinue through the appeals process). We've attended Wirral Local Plan hearings, giving evidence to help protect nature. We've completed Neighbourhood Planning reports for five communities and delivered two community talks including to the Cheshire A550Ciation of Local Councils. Our plan5 for April 20244larch 2025: Continue to input meaningfully into the Local Nature Recovery Strategies for Cheshire, Liverpool and Manchester. • Transform l(K) spaces for wildlife. • Directly improve the management of i.ocKJha for wildlife. • Influence the management of l.SOOha through advice. support and other enabling activities. • Ensure our nature reseThes remain well managed and provide refuge to declining species. • Influence local plans and policies to ensure they deliver the best outcomes for nature. • Help reverse the declines of our most threatened wildlife including eels, water voles, reptiles, swifts and natterjack toads. We are In crisis In the year ended 31 March 2024. our communications and en8a8ement programmes reached 347,440 people and inspired over 30,500 actions for nature. Outcome: Peo le In Cheshlre are more connected to nature We en8a8ed nearly 5.000 children and families through sessionson school 8rounds. on nature reserves and in the community. Family Friendly Forest School. Nature Tots and curriculum aligned sessions for schools fostered greater connection with nature by providing immersive interactions with wildlife, such as dissecting owl pellets after Wildlife Friendly Farming walks and mud-dipping at Thurstaston Beach. We engaged 104 people via our Wild Work Days and volunteer days in the nursery at Bi¢kley Hall Farm. We delivered eight teacher training sessions. improving the skills of 55 practitioners in outdoor learning. We piloted new approaches to increase nature connection, delivering 'Nature Breaks, for businesses and Nature Connection training for Early Years teachers and care workers for adults with SEND. This training enabled them to deliver Nature Tots style wellbeing sessions in their sethngs. OLrttomè.' Moré eo lè are aware of the nature and tllmate trfsis and what th can do to hel Our social media following grew to just over 37,SIKJ, and 291,¢J)O users visited our website. Our online engagement rate continued to increase to above the average for the charity sector. meaning we reached more people than ever before to connert with, care a￿ut and take action for local wildlife. Our Wild cheshi￿ e-newsletter was opened and read by 8.50) people every Wednesday with over 400 every week responding to our calls to action, and 552 people mapped their actions for nature. THE CHESHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH2024 We engagèd over 7,0(X) people at events, targeting those that would In¢￿3$e our Wilder Champion network. We inspired 552 on-the-ground actions for nature. such as creation of pollinator patches and Grow Don't Mow commitments. with a further 136 pledges for nature captured. A total of 1,454 children received school a55emblie5 and 94 took further artion for nature with Cwt, and over 200 teachers received the Wilder Schools newsletter each term. OLrt¢ome: Eve ne has a¢¢ess to urban wild s ace Our Wilder Communities team have continued to make wild spa￿S more accessible. delivering on- the-ground support to 58 groups across Crewe. Stockport and the rest of Cheshire. resulting in 13 spaces being transformed for the benefit of nature and the community. including planting 250 trees with volunteers for Disley Parish Council. We carried out community listening workshops across Crewe. Stockport and Partington to identify barriers and opportunities related to people accessing urban wild spaces. We made 14 school grounds better for nature and learnin& planting five orchards. creating four ponds and sowing wildflower meadows. We supported six schools in Warrington to join the National Education Nature Park by mapping hidden nature on their grounds. Outcome: A network of cham Ions & warrl¢)rs are em wered to take artlon for nature A total of 17,497 individuals took action for nature through their continued membership support of Cheshire Wildlife Trust. Through digital promotion and events, we 8rew our network of champions from 200 to over 500 individuals who are in turn leading others to take action for nature. We supported communities and schoo15 to transform more than 65 Spaces to be better for wildlife. To support the development of the champion network. we provided an online forum, webinars and our first in-person networkinB events. Our 8rowin8 library of online toolkits and guides was oacce55ed by more than 1,500 people. To broaden our reach to include nurseries, colleEes and other education sethnES, our'wilder Schools, network wa5 rebranded to become the Wilder Education network. Membership almost doubled to 77 organisations. Our Young Leader5 Broup were supported to onboard two new co-chairs. They continved to attend events to promote engagement with the National Park City vision in Chester. Our campaigns influenced decision makers to make the right choices for natu￿. Almost 10.900 people signed our campaigns or wrote to their MP. We challen8ed a plan to build nearly I,(X)O houses on Danes Moss North Local Wildlife Site and over 7.0￿ Cheshire East residents signed our petr'tr'on. A total of 3,490 people locally called upon the Government to stop and rethink HS2. Our plans for Aprll 2024-March 2025: Reach at least 330,0(K) people through our communications. events and outreach vi51ts. Mobilise and support at least 30,000 people to take action for nature. 10 THE CHESHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH2024 • Support and grow our network of individual. community group, farmer, business and school champions. • Campaign to get nature on the agenda in the general elertion. • Campaign and advocate for better decision making for nature locallv. Train teachers and support schools to embed nature connection and outdoor learning into school We are effective and resilient Below is a summary of our programme to ensure that ￿ has the financial resources it needs, is well run and has a high-performing and valued staff and volunteer team. Outcome: cwrls financlal 5UStalnable Our total income increased by IO% from £3.2m in FY23 to £3.5m in FY24 and we returned an overall Surplus of £83,874, a similar position to the previous year. This is the eighth successive year in which the Trust ha5 managed its expenditure within budgetary limit5. Earned income remained similar to the previous year at £1.2m. During the year we continued to secure new contracts for habitat Creation, species reintroduction and land management advice. Income from grants grew by 42% from £l.Im to £1.6m, secured from a range of sources including Natural England, National Lottery Heritage Fund and a number of charitable trusts. Grant funding enabled the continuation ol existingengagement activities tO8ether with the launch of our RiverThrive project. Income from subscriptions, legacies and appeals stood at £715k12023.. £827kl, down from the year before which included income from the 3x3 appeal which was not repeated in the current year. The total number of members remained stable. demonstrating a continued commitment from our supporters. Outcome: CWT Is well overned A successful round of Trustee recruitment generated a substantive response and two new Trustees were co-opted. We continued to improve benefits for staff including the launch of a Learning & Development Framework. Policies and procedures relatin8 to health & salety and safeguarding were reviewed. The Board of Trustees agreed the local adoption of six new frameworks aimed at building consistency and best practice acf055 the Wildlife Trust federation. A mid-term review of our 2023 strategy began and will be completed by March 2025. Outcome: cwr Is an effectlve member of the Wlldllfe Trust fedèratlon CWT continued to play its full part in the federation. The CEO and Chair took part in national conferences and workin@ groups on a range of strategic topics. cwr continued to work closely with North Wales Wildlife Trust to deliver the Our Dee Estuary projert and with Cumbria and Lancashire Wildlife Trusts to campaign for better protection of the Irish Sea. THE CHESHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH2024 We provided training and advice to other Wildlife Trusts on biodiversity net gain. WÈ worked ¢losÈly with Lancashire Wildlife Trust to align input into the Liverpool and Manchester Local Nature Recovery Strategies. We contributed case studies to a national report on climate adaptation and shared our learnings from projects with colleagues across the federation through communities of practice, site visits and staff networks. Our plan5 for April 202Mlarch 2025: Further grow our re50vrces and ensure that we remain financially sustainable. Complete and publish a refresh of our strategy. Continue to improve staff terms and conditions so that we Can attratt and retain the best talent. Aim to further diversify our Board of Trustees by retruiting at least two more Trustees. Continue to contribute to the pro8re55ion of the Wildlife Trust federation throu8h workin8 groups and partnerships. Further strengthen the Trust's balance sheet through prudent investment in land. Ensuie that our governance remains effective and fit for purpose. Financial review Rev5ew ol the year Cheshire Wildlife Trust'5 financial position improved during the year with unrestricted income for the year of £2.4m12023.. £2.Iml and restricted income £1.2m12023.. £1.Iml. Expenditure for the year totalled £3.4m12023: £3.Iml. Prlnclpal fundlnB sources Almost half of our income in the year came from grants. The largest source of unrestricted income remains contracts and earned income, although membership subscriptions continue to provide a major part of the Trust's onBoin8 unrestricted fundinB. The main sources of funding for the charity were.. Grants Contracts and earned income Membership subscriptions lincluding gift aid) Appeals and sponsorships Donations and legacies Fundraising Other income 45.4% 32.9% 15.1 % 2.7% 2.5% i.o% 0.4% 12 THE CHESHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH2024 Generadn8 funds Approximately 21% of our financial support comes from individuals. with trust membership being crucial a5 the foundation for other fundraising. As of March 31, we had 17,497 members, who provide essential funding and a collective voice for wildlife 3dvoc3cy. We also seek lasting support from institutional bodies, corporate members. grant funders and charitable trusts. Significant income is generated through land management, ecological advice and education 5ervice5. Volunteers, integral since our founding in 1962. are central to our operations, contributing to conservation, field surveys, and office and education support, making our work possible. Flnancial re5erve5 Total funds Less restricted Less designated £1.455.727 £374,985 £288,418 Unrestrieted funds £792,324 Unrestricted cash and investments £847,506 The Council has examined the Trust's requirements for financial reserves in the light of the main risks to the organisation in order to: provide sufficient cash liquidity for operational effecDveness of the Trust, and protect the continuity of the work undertaken by the Trust. The Trust has targeted a level of Un￿StrICted cash and investments of four months, expenditure by the Trust lexcluding that on grant-funded projectsl. At March 2024 the Trust had cash reserves (excluding cash earmarked for land purchase) which are sufficient to cover five months, unrestricted expenditure. The Trust is lookin8 to increase this cover to safeguard both the operational and fi'nancial sustainability of the Trust as the organisation grows. Investment policy Any surplus cash. over and above the amount required to support one month's working capital requirement, is held in fixed term deposit accounts at competitive rates. 13 THE CHESHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH2024 Rlsk mana8Èment The Chief Executive maintains a strategic risk reElSter which is regularly reviewed by Council. The Trustees and Senior Leadership Team. in conjunction with the Chief Executive, work to both minimise and mitt'gate strategic risks. The top three strategic risks in the year ending 31 March 2024 were.. The effect of rising inflation on costs for the Trust's operations and our staff. Continued decline of the UK'S natural environment combined with insufficient societal and political 5UPPOrt for our cause. The impact of changes to policies and regulations protecting the natural environment arising from a potential change in government. Strurture, governance and management Go¥emln8 document The Cheshire Wildlife Trust Limited IWI is a charitable company limited by guarantee and as such has no share capital. It was incorporated on 24 October 1962 and registered as a charity on 20 February 1963. The company is governed by its charitable objects and articles of associations (reviewed 20201. Recrultment and appolntment of Trustees The Trustees, elected by members at the Annual General Meetin8 IAGMI, are known as Council Members and registered as Directors with Companies House and charity trustee5 Wlth the Charity Commisslon. They serve three-year terms. renewable up to three consecutive terms. Co-opted Council Member5 must retire at the next AGM but mèy stand for re-election. The Council aims for a diverse skill set from various sectors, including public. private and voluntary, with expertise in policy, strategy, finance and legal matters. Council Members are unpaid. except for travel and incidental expenses, which were not claimed during the period. No financial transaction5 occurred with Trustees or connected persons during the period. Councll Members Inductlon and traln5ng All Council Members are inducted $0 they become tsmiliar with the Tnjst's governance arrangements, sites, projects and staff. Council Member5 receive a handbook containing the reference material, including the Tru5t'5 Articles of Association, the Charity Commission booklet CC3 'The Essential Trustee,. the Companies House 'Incorporation and Names, booklet IGPII. the Companies House 'Hallmarks of an Effective Charity, booklet ICCIOI and the Health and Safety Executive booklet 'Leading Health & Safety at Work,, and 'Good Governance.. a practical guide for trustees, chairs and CEOS. by Dorothy Dalton. 14 THE CHESHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH2024 Or8anisatlonal strurture The Council sets the strategic direction and policy of the charity and appoints the Chief Executive. who attend5 but doe5 not vote in Council meetings. The Council meets six times a year and uses committees and working groups for detailed scrutiny and 5UPPOrt. Key committee5 include Finance, Audit, Risk & Resources, Governance & Nominations, and Health & Safety. Each group is chaired by a Council Member and includes up to five Trustees and senior staff. The Council agrees on strategy, work plans and budget. delegating daily operations to the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team. Remunerafjon declsSons involve the Chalr and Trustees, informed by benchmarking data. Rela￿onshIP wlth the charlty and related parties Includlng Its subsldlary The Cheshire Wildlife Trust Limited is the sole shareholder in a dormant Isince April 20211 company. Cheshire Ecological Services Limited ICES) (Company No.. 26233561. As part of the Wildlife Trusts federation IRoyal Society of Wildlife Trusts. re8lStered charity number 2072381, CWT benefits from centrally led advocacy, campaigning, shared services and fundraising. Members use the Wildlife Trvsts 1080 and benefi.t from the resources, best practice and specialist experience of other member Trusts. Membership gives the charity a national voice and profi'le, as well as respectability by associats'on for those unfamiliar with its particular work. However, each member of the federation remains entirely independent in terms of 8overnance. Statement of the Board's responsibilities The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees. report and the financial statements in actordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards Ivnited Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Pracricel. Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs and of the incoming ￿$our¢e5 and applicanon of resources of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements. the Trustees are required to.. select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistentlv- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP.. make judgements and estimates that a￿ ￿asOnable and prudent,. state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed. subject to any material departure5 disclosed and explained in the financial statements; prepare the financial statements on the Eoing concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business. 15 THE CHESHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH2024 The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the h"nancial statements comply with the Companies Act 2(K)6. They are a150 responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Statement as to dlsclosure of Inlom)atlon to audlto Each Director ha5 confirmed that they have tsken all reasonable steps to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that it has been communicated to the auditor. The members of the Board who were in office on the date of approval of these financial statements have confirmed, a5 far as they are aware, that there is no relevant audit information of which the auditor5 are unaware. Audltors A resolution to re-appoint Mitchell Charlesworth (Audit) Limited as auditor will be proposed at the Annual General Meetr'ng. This report has been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practr'ce.. Accounting and Reporting by Charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporhng Standard for Smaller Entities leffective I january 20191. The Report of the Members of the Board, which includes the Strategic Report on page5 7-14, was approved by the Board on l October 2024 and 5iBned on their behalf.. Bill Stothart Chair of Council 01 October 2024 16 THE CHESHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED Independent Auditor's Report lo the Members and Trustees of The Cheshire Wlldule Trust Urnited Opinion We have audited the financial statements of The Cheshire Wildlife Trust Limited for the year ended 31 March 2024 which comprisè thè Statèmènt of Financial Attivities. thè Balance Shèet, the Statèment of Cash Flow. and the notes to the financial statements. including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Stsndards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). In our opinion the financial statements- give a true and fair view of the State of the company'5 affairs as at 31 March 2024 and of its incoming resources and applitation of resources, includin8 Its income and expenditure, for the vear then ended,. have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 21)06 and the Charlfjes Act 2022. basls for oplnlon We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing IUKI11SAs IUKII and applicable law. Our responsibilitr.es under those standards Jre further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audil of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC'S Ethical SIJn(Jard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. Concluslons relatln8 to 8oln8 con¢ern In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustee5' use of the going concern ba515 of accounting in the preparation of the financi31 ststement5 is appropriate. Based on the work we have performed. we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that. individually or collectively. may cast significant doubt on the Trust's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report. 17 THE CHESHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED Independent Auditor's Report lo the Members and Trustees of The Cheshire Wlldule Trust Urnited Other Informatlon The Trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in thè Trustèès. annual rèport, other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report. we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing $0, consider whether the other information is materially incon515tent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material mi55tatement in the fi.nancial statement5 or a material misstatement ol the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information. we are required to report that fact. We have nothin8 to report in this regard. Oplnlons on other matters preKrSbed by the Companles Art 2Ci)6 the information given in the Trustees, report for the financial year for which the financial statement5 are prepared is consistent with the financial statements,. and the Trustees, report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements. Matters on whlch we are requlred to report by ex¢eptlon In the light of our knowledge and understanding of Cheshire Wildlife Trust and its subsidiary, and its environment obtained in the course of the audit. we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees. report. We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters Whe￿ the Companie5 Act 2006 requires U5 to report to you if, in our opinion.. adequate and sufficient accounting records have not been kept by the company. or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us., or the company's financial ststements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns,. or certain disclosures of Trustees, remuneration specified by law are not made,. or we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit- or the Trustee5 were not entitled to prepare the fi.nancial Statements in accordance with the Small companies. regime. 18 THE CHESHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED Independent Auditor's Report lo the Members and Trustees of The Cheshire Wlldule Trust Urnited Responslbllltles of Trurtees As explained more fully in the Trustees, responsibilities statement. the Trustees (who are also the Directors of thè charitablè company for the purposes of company lawl arè responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements. the Trustees are responsible for assessing the company's ability to continue as a going concern, distlosing, as applicable, matters related to goirig concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. Audltor's responslbllltles ft*r the audlt of the finan¢lal ststements Our objective5 are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements a5 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 hi8h level of assurance. but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAS IUKI will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Mi55tatements can arise from fraud or error and are tonsidered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. Irregularlfjes, Sncluding fraud, are instsnces of non.compllance with laws and regulatlons. We design procedures in line with OUT responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatement5 in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detectin8 irregularities, includin8 fraud, is detailed below. Extent to whlch the audlt was consldered capable of detertSng IrregularltSes, Includlng fraud We identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements. whether due to fraud or error, and then design Jnd perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, including obtaining audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 1den￿fy1ng and assesslng potentlal rlsks related to Irregularllles In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with law5 arbd regul3b"ons, we considered the following.. the nature of the sector. control environment and Trust performance,. the Trust'5 own a55e55ment of the risks that irregularitr.es may occur either as a result of fraud or error,. the results of our enquiries of management and members of the Board of Trustees of their own identification and assessment of the risks of ir￿gUIarIties. any matters we identilied havinÈ obtsined and reviewed the Trust's documentation of their policies and procedures relating to= 19 THE CHESHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED Independent Auditor's Report lo the Members and Trustees of The Cheshire Wlldule Trust Urnited dentifying, evaluating and complying with laws and règulations and whether they were awa of any instances of non-compliance,. detecting and respondingto the risks of fraud and whether they have knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud,. the internal controls established to mitigate risks of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations-, and the matters discussed among the audit engagement team regarding how and where fraud might oc¢ur in the financial statements and anv FX)tential indicators of fraud. As a result of these procedures, we considered the opportuniDes and incentives that may exist within the company for fraud and identified the greatest potential for fraud in the following areas lil the recognition of revenue, lill the allocation of income and expenditure between restricted and unrestricted funds. In common with all audits under ISAS IUKI, we a￿ also required to perform Specific procedures to respond to the risk of management override. We also obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework that the Trust operates in, focusing on provisions of those laws and regulations that had a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The key laws and regulations we considered in this context included the Companies Act 2C(J6. Charits'es Act 2022. and Health and Safetv legislation. In addition, we considered provisions of other laws and re8ularions that do not have a direct effect on the financial statements but compliance with which may be fundamental to the Trust's ability to operate or to avoid a material penalty. These included Data Protection Regulations. Audit response to rSsks identified As a result of performin8 the above, we identified the recognition of revenue and the allocation of income and expenditure between restricted and unrestricted funds as the key audit matters related to the potential risk of fraud. In addition to the above, our procedures to respond to risks identified included the following: reviewing the financial statement disclosures and testing to supporring documentation to assess compliance with relevant laws and re8ulations described above as having a direct effect on the financial statÈments,' enquiring of management and members of the Board of Trustees concerning actual and potential litigation and claims,. performing analytr'c31 procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships that may indicate risks of material misstatement due to fraud.. reading minutes of meekn.ngs ofth05e charged with governance and reviewing correspondence with relevant authorikn"e5 where matter5 idenkn.fied were signifi"cant,' and in addressing the risk of fraud through management override of controls. testing the appropriateness of journal entries and other adjustments- assessing whether the judgements made in making accounting estimates are indicative of a potential bias,. and 20 THE CHESHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED Independent Auditor's Report lo the Members and Trustees of The Cheshire Wlldule Trust Urnited Èvaluaring the businèss rationale of any significant transactions that are unusual or outside the normal course of business. We also communicated relevant identified laws and regulations and potential fraud risks to all engagement team members and remained alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations throughout the audit. A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council's website at.. https'./lwww.frc.org.uklauditorsresponsibilities. This descripts.on forms part of our auditor'5 report. This report is made solely to the charitsble coMpan￿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 and its Trustees those matters we are required to State to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company's members. Trusteesas a body and the charitable company's Trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. 3 Floor 44 Peter Street Manchester M2 5GP l October 2024 Jamlelee Johnston (Senlor Ststulory Audltorl For and on behalf of Mltchell Charlesworth (Audbt) Umlted Statutory Audltor Mitchell Charlesworth (Audit) Limited is eligible to act as an auditor in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2C￿6. 21 THE CHESHIRE WILDLIFETRUST LIMITED Statement of Financial Activities Year ended March 2024 Unrestrl¢ted ReMrl¢ted Total 2024 Unrestrlcted Restrlrted Total 2023 Income Donations and legacies Charitable acty'vities Investrnent5 680,267 35.104 1,680,859 1,124.453 18.672 715,371 2,805.312 18.672 671.117 1,456,987 1.3 156,845 928,210 827,962 2,385,197 1.300 TOTAL 2,379.798 1.159.557 3,539,355 2,129.404 1,085,055 3,214,459 Expendlture Raising funds Charitable activibes 308.224 80.461 1,923.535 1,143.261 388.685 3,066,796 302,359 2,070,941 47,956 713,248 350,315 2,784,189 TOTAL 2.231,759 1,223.722 3.455.481 2,373.300 761,204 3.134,504 Net In¢omellexpendlturel 148,039 164.1651 83,874 1243,8961 323,851 79,955 Transfers between funds 305.688 1305.6881 39.165 139,1651 Net movement In funds 453.727 1369.8531 83,874 1204.7311 284,686 79,955 Reconcllladon of funds: Total lund5 brought forward 627.015 744.838 1,371,853 831.746 460,152 1,291,898 Total fund5 Carried forward I.￿.742 374.985 1.455.727 627,015 744,838 1,371,853 THE CHESHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED Balance Sheet Year ended 31 March 2024 Year ended 31 March 2024 Year ended 31 March 2023 Notes Fixed Asset5 Tangible assets Heritage assets 12 12 592,144 316.046 594,503 316,046 Total tangible assets 908.190 910.S49 Investments 13 100 Total Ixtd assets 8,290 910,649 Current assets Stock Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 3.415 814,781 1.579,048 4.679 917,120 1.626,629 15 Toial