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2025-03-31-accounts

Annual Report and Financial Statement 2024–2025

Document ID: a6d3f939c1b66e022b9e29b08b3cc7bc9577a42b51eb17b7bab1927834f2d822

Raising support

Here’s a quick summary of our income and expenditure for the year ending 31st March 2025

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2023–2024 2024–2025
Grants £2,103,000 £2,791,000
Contracts £1,080,000 £1,809,000
(this includes BNG income)
Membership £527,000 £647,000
INCOME
Donations & Legacies £544,000 £201,000
Fund Generating Activities £79,000 £15,000
Investment Icome £12,000 £3,000
Other Income £1,000 £2,000
£4,346,000 £5,468,000
2023–2024 2024–2025
Fundraising & Supporter Care £1,450,000 £2,317,000
Retail Operations £113,000 £0
Wildlife Sites £2,005,000 £2,654,000
EXPENDITURE
Inspiring People £219,000 £327,000
Fund Generating Activities £578,000 £678,000
£4,365,000 £5,976,000
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2023–2024 2024–2025

You can find more detail in our Financial Statements from page P60–93.

*Biodiversity Net Gain

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Contents

Trustees’ Report

Strategic Report

Governance

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust in brief

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust is a charity that is wilder by nature! We have a clear vision for a Wilder Derbyshire, where people and wildlife thrive side by side.

We’re working to deliver bold and imaginative landscape-scale change with more wild spaces and richer habitats for nature. But we know we can’t do it alone. We strongly believe everyone has a part to play in nature’s recovery.

By inspiring and enabling people to take transformative action, we’re helping to bring nature back to the heart of our communities. Through rewilding initiatives, ambitious partnerships, and community-led efforts, we’re creating endless ways for nature and people to thrive together.

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Our highlights 2024–2025

Making more space for nature

Our pioneering Biodiversity Net Gain work is leading the way in creating spaces for people to access high quality, nature rich spaces near where they live.

Bringing Wildlife Back

We’re leading active species recovery projects at a huge range of scales, from reintroducing small species at Rose End Meadows, creating ark sites for crayfish and preparing for the return of beavers and ospreys. We’re also working with 500 landowners in the Dove catchment to restore habitats for water voles.

Innovative salmon restoration on River Ecclesbourne

A major project to remove barriers and restore river habitat — enabling the return of Atlantic salmon after a century-long absence.

We’re proud to have been named one of the Times 100 Best Places to Work in the UK.

Supporting Grassroots Rewilding

Building a greener future for Derbyshire

By hosting national events and advising on green finance, we’re putting Derbyshire on the map as a key place for investment in nature and the green economy.

Through the Wild Peak fund, we’ve helped local communities launch their own rewilding projects — designed by them, for their local areas, creating spaces that benefit both people and wildlife.

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Five years of bold 2020–2025 progress

Over the last five years, we’ve made big strides for nature, climate, and communities. Guided by our 2020–2025 strategy, we’ve laid the groundwork for long-term change. Here are just some of the highlights:

Rewilding the city

We launched the UK’s largest urban rewilding project at Allestree Park — making Derby a national trailblazer for rewilding in cities

Beavers are back!

For the first time in 800 years, wild beavers have returned to Derbyshire — 4 beavers, 6 kits, 1 restored landscape and a milestone for nature recovery.

Restoring land for wildlife

We’ve worked with farmers and landowners to bring over 8,500 hectares of land into wildlife-friendly management across key landscapes.

Powering up people and communities

More than 70,000 people have taken part in our programmes — from community action and youth leadership to green skills and nature-based learning.

Leading on Biodiversity Net Gain

We’ve become a national leader in nature-based solutions, offering high-quality Biodiversity Net Gain units that deliver real environmental benefits.

Growing our reach and influence

We’ve raised more charitable income than ever before, built strong partnerships, and deepened our influence with decision-makers.

Expanding our wild spaces

We’ve created new wild spaces for nature to thrive, adding to our nature recovery networks, including acquiring and rewilding new land at Rose End Meadows, Dunsley Meadows and Slinter Wood, Willington Wetlands, Thornhill Carrs, Common Farm and Wild Whittington.

Recognition at House of Commons

The Trust was honored in Parliament for championing fair, secure, and inclusive employment.

Looking to the future

We launched our bold new brand and Wilder Derbyshire 2030 strategy — focused on urgency, fairness, and working together for nature.

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Trustees’ Report

For the year ended 31 March 2025

The trustees present their Annual Report together with the audited financial statements of the Trust for the period 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025. The Annual Report serves the purposes of both a Trustees’ Report and a Directors’ Report under company law. The trustees confirm that the Annual Report and financial statements of the charitable company comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the charitable company’s governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities.

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (published October 2019). Since the group and the Trust qualify as small under section 383 of the Companies Act 2006, the group strategic report required of medium and large companies under the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors’ Report) Regulations 2013 has been omitted.

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A message from the Board of Trustees

It’s a privilege to reflect on a year of bold progress and growing momentum for Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.

Over the past five years, we’ve transformed our scale, ambition, and impact.

We’ve restored wild places, led pioneering rewilding projects, empowered communities, and influenced policy at every level.

These achievements are a testament to the dedication of our volunteers, partners, staff, and supporters.

But we are under no illusions. Our latest State of Nature report makes it clear: wildlife remains in crisis, and the systems that support nature and climate action are under immense pressure. This is a moment that demands courage and urgency.

Our new strategy, Wilder 2030, is our response. It’s not just about reversing decline, it’s about enabling bold transformative action. It’s about building lasting partnerships, inspiring communities, and ensuring nature is for everyone. It’s about showing that a different future is not only possible, but within reach.

As trustees we are committed to leading this next chapter with courage and purpose.

Together with our brilliant team, trustees, partners, and communities we will ensure Derbyshire becomes a beacon of hope, leadership, and collective action.

Thank you for being part of this exciting journey.

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Our Focus

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust is uniquely placed to drive nature’s recovery at a landscape scale.

The scale of the task is enormous. Nature continues to decline at a rapid rate, and this has led to a huge disconnect between people and nature which has in turn impacted on our health, wellbeing and happiness.

It begins with a simple belief: that nature matters — not just for its own sake, but for all of us. For our health, our economy, our communities, and our sense of belonging. And it’s built on the truth that nature needs our help and that we cannot recover nature alone.

The vital role nature recovery plays in health and wellbeing, as well as being the key to tackling social, economic and climate challenges, has never been more recognised or more important.

At its heart, Wilder 2030 is a plan for people and nature to thrive together. It’s about putting nature into recovery across the county, not just in nature reserves, but in every corner of our landscapes, towns and daily lives. It’s about communities leading that charge, with equity and fairness at the heart of the transition.

Our new strategy, Wilder 2030, is a shared vision for the future.

And it’s about doing this work together, with relentless ambition, rigour, and hope!

What will success look like?

The goals and achievements set out in the following pages show some of the impact and difference we’ve made in the past year, with a focus on our 2020–2025 goals:

How will we get there?

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Our achievements and performance

In this section we outline a selection of our achievements and performance against our objectives for the year ended 31 March 2025. This does not cover the full scope of our work. Visit our website to find out more about our work: www.derbyshirewildlifetrust.org.uk

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Goal 1

30% of Derbyshire will be managed for wildlife by 2030

We have advanced significantly towards our ambition for 30% of Derbyshire to be managed for nature by 2030. Through flagship partnerships, pioneering biodiversity net gain (BNG) delivery, and investment in nature-based economies, we are reshaping the county’s ecological future.

- 2024 2025

Key outcomes

  1. Our landscape-scale programmes have delivered significant results for the people and wildlife of Derbyshire, with seven species recovery projects at or near implementation.

  2. Landscape-scale transformation was delivered across all priority geographies, with Nature Returns completing its first phase in the Derwent Living Forest. This national pilot, extended by Defra, strengthens our policy influence and shows our ability to create change.

  3. We have developed a strategic funding plan for nature, working with farmers and landowners to create new income streams. Our aim in this is to make nature’s recovery inevitable, by securing long term sustainable funding for it.

  4. Our Making Space for Nature programme is delivering significant returns, both in terms of income, sales from our two BNG sites, and through new spaces for nature and people. We are nationally recognised for our expertise in brokering credible, evidence-led BNG units.

  5. The Derbyshire Biological Record Centre now hosts over 3 million records. This is a key resource for the Local Planning teams to protect sites which have importance for wildlife.

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In 2025–2026, our priorities include:

  1. Securing a further 2500ha of land in positive management for nature’s recovery, either through our ownership, practical land management or the provision of advice.

  2. Securing funding to continue our 7 current species recovery projects, including white stork and osprey reintroduction, species reinforcement for water voles and feasibility work on both elk reintroduction at Willington Wetlands and wild beavers across the county.

  3. Securing two additional BNG habitat banks, creating new spaces for people to access nature.

  4. Ensuring that we have two landscape-scale projects in each of the four priority landscape areas.

  5. Continuing to develop the tools and resources needed to support the development of a nature-based economy. This will include starting three new nature economy initiatives, including ecotourism and payment for ecosystem services. Our aim here is to use the economy to make nature’s recovery inevitable.

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30% of Derbyshire will be managed for wildlife by 2030

Ha of land we have direct influence over

2030 Aim: 7,000 | 24–25 Target: 2,500 | 24–25 Actual: 2,876 ha We achieve this in two ways, see points 1 & 2 on page 21 We are working on new ways to map this more accurately

Total % of land managed for nature in Derbyshire

2030 Aim: 30% | 24–25 Target: 15% | 24–25 Actual: 7.62%

DWT Nature Local SSSI’s in favourable Reserves Wildlife Sites condition

Ha of new land being rewilded that we have influence over

2030 Aim: 700 ha | 24–25 Target: 500ha | 24–25 Actual: 147.5 ha Total 2020–25 = 782 ha Land pledged for rewilding

Successful DWT projects which ensure vulnerable species are in local recovery

2030 Aim: 10 | 24–25 Target: 6 | 24–25 Actual: 7 – Includes species from

previous years

beavers badgers peregrines black poplar

white clawed crayfish water voles salmon

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30% of Derbyshire
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2030 aim:
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At a glance: How are we doing?
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This year’s figure is lower than last year due to stricter criteria for classifying land as managed for nature. Some datasets were excluded because they presently lack sufficient detailed information.

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Goal 2

More people notice and care

We are embedding nature into people’s every day by designing inclusive, place-based programmes that connect communities with Derbyshire’s Landscapes.

- 2024 2025

Key outcomes

  1. We engaged over 25,000 individuals through a range of activities – including skills training and community rewilding events, strengthening public connection to nature and building long-term stewardship.

  2. At Allestree Park, our community rewilding work has been modelling nature-based engagement for diverse groups and influencing national stakeholders.

  3. Our Learning Through Nature programme reached early years, schools, and underserved communities, embedding skills and nature connection. Legacy outcomes include trained educators, peer-led nature groups, and sector-ready trainees.

  4. We successfully delivered the Nextdoor Nature project, working with local people to grow a green corridor in Normanton & Arboretum wards in Derby and were chosen as the exemplar project in its celebration event.

  5. We enhanced strategic communications, including a brand refresh and expanding storytelling capacity through staff training and new content platforms.

  6. We piloted wellbeing models with health partners in Chesterfield, developing co-designed programmes that support early mental health interventions. This is now a blueprint for wider replication.

  7. We launched a new volunteering platform to enhance volunteer coordination, improve user experience, and broaden participation.

  8. Our accredited training offer has launched and is in demand.

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In 2025–2026, our priorities include:

  1. Increase the opportunities to take nature to where people are, for improving their health and wellbeing, including opening two new community wellbeing hubs.

  2. Launch a comprehensive communications strategy that supports all areas of work and delivers creative and impactful content to support a stronger, more joined up voice for nature. Amplifying voices from diverse communities and volunteers to share journeys of activism, action and hope.

  3. Create and develop inclusive and accessible volunteering and skill sharing opportunities. These opportunities will enable us to share stories and experiences from a wider range of voices across Derbyshire.

  4. Grow legacy giving and pledges through sharing inspirational and compelling stories that demonstrate the long-term impact that a legacy can provide.

  5. Support the delivery of landscape-scale change to create more connected space for nature, using urban rewilding and nature-based solutions approaches. This will include delivering species recovery projects and species reintroduction feasibility studies.

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More people notice and care

Wilder community engagements that improve people’s connection between nature & wellbeing

2030 Aim: 100,000 | 24–25 Target: 10,000 | 24–25 Actual: 17,935

Wilder community engagements Each one of these icons represents 1000 engagements

New programmes to connect new audiences

2030 Aim: 10 | 24–25 Target: 15 | 24–25 Actual: 18

New

programmes

Wilder initiatives established in schools/public spaces

2030 Aim: 100 | 24–25 Target: 50 | 24–25 Actual: 55

Wilder initiatives

Developments that commit to biodiversity gain

2030 Aim: 1000 | 24–25 Target: 100 | 24–25 Actual: 163

Developer & corporates

These are plotted randomly on the map but exclude the Peak District National Park

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Wilder community engagements

2030 aim: 100,000

67,935 – cumulative total since 2020

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Goal 3

1 in 4 people act for wildlife

We are nurturing a movement of community-led action and ecological stewardship. We’ve scaled up our support to deliver projects and offer small grant funding to local groups, and we’re training young people and communities in vital green skills, enabling more people to act for wildlife.

- 2024 2025

Key outcomes

  1. Over 800 new memberships, joining over 17,000 other members working together to create a wilder Derbyshire.

  2. We launched a new training programme for young people to deliver their own environmental projects and gain a level 3 Leading a Project for Positive Change qualification.

  3. The Derwent Living Forest and Wild Peak programmes catalysed place-based, participatory habitat restoration. Highlights include 40 grassroots projects funded, 480 students engaged, and 96 network members under a new landscape-scale community forum.

  4. The Nextdoor Nature programme in Derby positioned us as a national exemplar, showcasing the power of community organising to MPs, funders, and civic leaders.

  5. We have deepened supporter relationships through events, engagement and transparency.

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In 2025–2026, our priorities include:

  1. Collaborate internally and externally to build organised and coordinated networks of community groups caring for green spaces. We will support the creation of sustainable and powerful community organising networks that mobilise and enable positive change for nature and climate.

  2. Grow our training offer to support local communities, businesses and schools so that they can create and improve local green spaces. We will support people to build the necessary skills and knowledge to forge green careers and to encourage them to make transformations towards a more sustainable and biodiverse Derbyshire.

  3. Drive sustainable growth and develop a nature-based economy income stream to support our work. This includes launching a new appeal to raise vital unrestricted income; improving retention and growing membership; and creating a pipeline of unrestricted and restricted funding through legacies, grants, and consultancy work.

  4. Launch a Regular Giving option to sit alongside our membership offer to ensure we are providing a more flexible, accessible way to support our work.

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1 in 4 people act for wildlife by 2030

People in Team Wilder

2030 Aim: 100,000 | 24–25 Target: 50,000 | 24–25 Actual: 28,795 Team Wilder

Each icon represents 500 engagements

Team Wilder Champions

2030 Aim: 300 | 24–25 Target: 80 | 24–25 Actual: 21 Team Wilder Champions

Corporate & agency relationships

2030 Aim: 160 | 24–25 Target: 80 | 24–25 Actual: 21

Corporate & agency relationships Some may be based outside of Derbyshire so not mapped

No. of people engaging in campaigns

2030 Aim: 100,000 | 24–25 Target: 50,000 | 24–25 Actual: 20,731

People engaging in our campaigns locally & nationally

Examples of DWT campaigns

No to Vote for Took part in Neonics Votes 30 Days Wild No Peat Rights for Be a Compost Rivers Jay Day

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2030 aim: 200,000 people

24–25 actual: 49,526

Approximate population of Derbyshire: 800,000

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Goal 4

Ensure an agile and influential culture

We have continued to embed a positive workplace culture and focus our efforts in promoting justice, equity, diversity and inclusion within the organisation and externally through our community engagement and partnership work. We have worked innovatively to use technology to create efficiencies in supporting our expanding and developing team.

Carbon footprint

Our goal is to have net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. We take an evidence-led approach to understand, reduce, and report on our emissions. Because of this, our scope and approach to reporting has and will continue to evolve.

Our operational footprint is 463 CO2e. Our scope 1 and 2 emissions have decreased, and our indirect (scope 3) emissions have increased. Our livestock footprint is 209 CO2e, which is partly due to grazing more land and partly due to more accurate recording. You can find out more about our position on climate change on our website.

- 2024 2025

Key outcomes

  1. We achieved national recognition as a Top 100 Sunday Times Best Place to Work, reflecting our investment in values, inclusion, culture and people.

  2. Our workforce is growing in diversity and capacity, with internal mobility at 23% and improved staff retention.

  3. We are co-creating a racial equity strategy and have expanded equality, equity, diversity and inclusion activities to better serve underrepresented communities and employees.

  4. Our early and emerging talent programme supported 7 participants over the year and now includes T-Placements, with us welcoming our first placement early in 2025.

  5. Systems transformation is underway, with new HR and volunteer platforms improving connectivity, efficiency, and oversight.

  6. 94% of employees feel that Derbyshire Wildlife Trust is an inclusive place to work, and 86% feel that the Trust lives its values.

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In 2025–2026, our priorities include:

  1. Working to embed equality, equity, diversity, inclusion and justice in all aspects of our work, creating a welcoming environment where every team member and volunteer feels valued and empowered.

  2. Embed our updated values ensuring they are at the heart of everything we do.

  3. Enhance our internal operations, increase financial resilience, and ensure compliance and sustainability in all our practices.

  4. Attract, develop, and retain talented individuals who are passionate about our mission, providing them with the support and opportunities to thrive.

  5. Reduce our carbon footprint and continue to refine reporting mechanisms.

27% 94% increase employees of representation of report

13 process improvements which support our values.

of representation of our underrepresented demographic groups.

we are an inclusive place to work (2030 target 70%).

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Goal 5

The trust grows to £5 million

To deliver such an ambitious strategy, we must raise vital funds from diverse sources. We aim to raise £6million in 2025/2026. This will unlock the delivery of large-scale, landscape-wide initiatives, enabling us to accelerate nature’s recovery, deepen community engagement, and grow the number and diversity of supporters who are acting for nature.

- 2024 2025

Key outcomes

  1. We grew our total income beyond £5 million, despite challenges around membership and individual giving.

  2. BNG sales have generated a strong pipeline in the year ahead.

  3. We secured over £600,000 in new strategic project funding, complementing £2m+ committed in the previous year, supporting key delivery in our priority landscape areas.

We want to extend our thanks and gratitude to our members, donors, funders, and partners whose support has made this year’s achievements possible. From community-led conservation to pioneering new approaches in nature finance, your belief in our mission has empowered us to deliver meaningful impact for wildlife and people.

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In 2025–2026, our priorities include:

  1. Increase income to £6 million

HI-RES IMAGE 2. Develop a new regular giving strategy REQUIRED

  1. Deepen corporate partnerships and legacy stewardship to drive long-term support.

  2. Grow our commercial operations

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The trust grows to £5m by 2025

Increase membership income

2030 Aim: £1.2m | 24–25 Target: £944,408 | 24–25 Actual: £647,000 Members heat map

Map highlights areas with highest density of memberships

Increase commercial income

2030 Aim: £750,000 | 24–25 Target: £580,000 | 24–25 Actual: £1,029,000

Increase income from all sources

2030 Aim: £7.5m | 24–25 Target: £5m | 24–25 Actual: £5,468,000

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24–25 actual: 109% of target 2025 aim: £5m

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Financial Review

Reserves policy and going concern

The purpose of this policy is to ensure the continuity of the charity should income levels decrease substantially. This policy is set such that a sum equivalent to three months core expenditure is the minimum amount to be held for this purpose. Core expenditure includes that necessary for the charity to meet its contractual obligations to suppliers, service providers and staff in the foreseeable future, to either enable a revision of its core expenditures or improve its incoming resources. The total consolidated funds of £2,579,000 (2024: £3,034,000) include restricted funds of £1,849,000 (2024: £1,944,000), leaving unrestricted general funds of £730,000 (2024: £1,090,000).

Cash at bank and in hand

Cash funds are held on a prudent basis in several bank and deposit accounts. The Board have appointed professional investment analysts who have recommended alternative investments to cash commensurate with the planned needs of future resources and security.

Pensions deficit

Under the requirements of FRS 102, the Trust includes the assets and liabilities of these arrangements in its balance sheet. Current service costs, curtailment and settlement gains and losses, and net financial returns are included in the statement of financial activities in the period which they relate. Actuarial gains and losses are recognised in the statement of financial activities. For more information, details are set out in Note 29 of the accounts.

Principal risks and uncertainties

The principal risks arises from the impact of public sector funding cuts, climate change and globalisation, and the increasing pressures and competing demands for land use for housing, transportation and economic regeneration purposes.

Investment powers and policy

Under the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the charity has the power to make any investment which the Board sees fit provided that the Board shall seek proper professional advice.

Funding sources

A significant strength of the Trust is its wide range of funding sources. Were a small number of such funding sources to cease it would not pose a significant risk for the organisation.

Financial resources

During the financial year 2025, the Trust generated a deficit of £455,000 (2024 deficit: £1,000). Income of £5,468,000 was generated (2024: £4,346,000). Actual expenditure for 2025 was £5,976,000 excluding gains on investment and actuarial gains on pension schemes (2024: £4,365,000). Fundraising initiatives resulted in income for projects which extend over several years helping maintain the level of general reserves.

How expenditure has supported key objectives

Expenditure was allocated to activity categories according to the table in note 11 of the financial statements. The figures demonstrate that 61% of the Trust expenditure went on its charitable activities. Of this, 9% was allocated to its work to inspire people with wildlife, 19 % for managing nature reserves and 72% to safeguarding wildlife sites. The expertise and experience of staff are major assets of the Trust, and their significance is indicated by the fact that staff costs (salaries, national insurance contributions and pension contributions) amounted to 60% of total expenditure.

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Purpose and Charitable Objectives

The charitable objects of the Trust, as set out in the Memorandum of Association, are:

1. For the benefit of the public, to advance, promote and further the conservation, maintenance and protection of

2. To advance the education of the public in

3. To promote research in all branches of study which advance the objects specified previously and to publish the useful results thereof

The Trust activities and objects are unlimited by age, ability, nationality or gender.

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust recognises the changes in society which have brought about increasing pressures on wildlife and the natural environment. In response we have embarked on a bold new approach to nature conservation, a vision to recreate a network of ecologically functioning Nature Recovery Networks across Derbyshire. We are working with local businesses, partners, landowners, communities and individuals on large-scale habitat restoration and enhancement to create a healthier environment for wildlife and people.

Public Benefit

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust exists to promote the protection of the environment and therefore provides a clear public benefit. Derbyshire Wildlife Trust’s philosophy is based on the belief that the natural world deserves conserving for its own sake and, since this is widely perceived to be a worthy aim of public policy, it may fairly be regarded as a benefit to the public at large. However, the public benefits provided by the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust go much further.

Firstly, our nature reserves are widely used by the public. At all our sites, information and interpretation is provided to visitors. Secondly, our education programmes are aimed at schools, colleges, adult groups and the wider public. Thirdly, our information gathering and the provision of expert advice to local authorities and others helps inform planning and other decisions for the benefit of wildlife. Fourthly, the involvement of hundreds of volunteers in our work provides an outlet for altruistic endeavour which is of special benefit to those involved as well as those who directly benefit.

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Structure, Governance and Management

The Trust is a charitable company, first registered as a charity in 1962, then becoming a company limited by guarantee in 1986 (charity registration number 222212 and company registration number 0715675). Its governing document is in two parts: the Memorandum of Association and the Articles of Association. The Memorandum of Association was revised in 2001, and revised articles were adopted at the annual general meeting on 5 October 2024. As well as its registered office at Middleton, where most of the employees are based, the Trust operates an education centre, the Whistlestop Centre, at Matlock Bath. The Trust also manages 62 nature reserves (as at 31 March 2025), of which 30 are owned, or part owned by the Trust. The remainder are leased or maintained under management agreements. The Trust has a wholly owned trading subsidiary company, Derbyshire Wildlife Resources, which is dormant.

Appointment of Trustees

New trustees are recruited following an open recruitment process. Nominations for trustees can be made by active members of the Trust or other individuals with relevant personal or professional expertise which is beneficial to the Trust. Nominations for trustees can be made by the Board or by at least five members, with elections taking place at the Annual General Meeting.

Policies and Procedures for Induction and Training of Trustees

Power to implement approved strategies, policies, annual work programmes, and budgets is delegated to the Chief Executive Officer, who is accountable to the trustees. The Trust employed 85 staff at the end of March 2025, operating in five directorates, comprising Development, Finance, Natural Solutions, People & Culture and Wilder Communities. The Chief Executive and the Directors of the five directorates, form the senior management team, which meets twice monthly (or more frequently as needed) to discuss operational management matters.

Relationships with the Charity and Related Parties

The Trust, along with forty-six other Wildlife Trusts in the UK, is a member of the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts (RSWT). The independent trusts and RSWT work together as the Wildlife Trusts Partnership. During the year, the Trust had one wholly owned subsidiary company, Derbyshire Wildlife Resources Limited, which was dormant. (2024: dormant).

Risk Management

The trustees have a risk management strategy which aims to improve control of high-level risks. Such risks are reviewed by a small group of trustees coordinated by the Chief Executive. High-level organisational risks are routinely discussed by the Board.

Trustees receive a full induction when first appointed and are provided with relevant training opportunities throughout the year. Trustees are also encouraged to attend relevant external training courses.

Arrangements for Setting the Pay and Remuneration for the Key Management Personnel

The Trust considers that the trustees and the senior management team comprise the key management personnel of the charity for the direction and control of the Trust on a day-to-day basis. All trustees give of their time freely and no director received remuneration in the year. The pay of the senior staff is reviewed annually.

How Does the Charity Make Decisions?

The Board of Trustees meets at least four times a year to consider and approve:

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Fundraising Standards

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust manages relationships with around 17,000 members. When members are asked for financial contributions, it is done in a responsible, respectful and ethical manner. The same applies to all our supporters, including those giving one-off donations or legacies to the Trust. We are always seeking to improve the ways in which we relate to our supporters by developing and sharing best practice. To demonstrate our commitment to ethical fundraising practices, we are members of the Fundraising Regulator and the Institute of Fundraising and adhere to their recognised standards.

We do not believe in approaching vulnerable people for financial support, aiming to avoid the distress such practices can cause.

We always seek to exceed the expectations of our members and supporters in everything we do. However, we know that there may be times when we do not meet our own high standards. When this happens, we want to hear about it, to deal with the situation as quickly as possible and put measures in place to stop it happening again. As such, we have a Complaints Policy in place to enable members and supporters to contact us and express their concerns. Further information on our Complaints Policy can be found on our website: www.derbyshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/policies.

We are also committed to disclosing the number of complaints received. No complaints relating to Derbyshire Wildlife Trust fundraising practices were received between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025.

We are proud of our corporate partnerships and seek to work with businesses with whom we share common causes. Any new collective corporate partnerships are subject to full scrutiny through well-established governance processes. Ongoing partnerships are governed by clear contractual obligations, relationship management and ongoing review and scrutiny by governance committees.

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Statement of Trustee Responsibilities

The Trustees (who are also the directors of the Trust for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and the Trust and of their incoming resources and application of resources, including their income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

Auditor

The auditor, BHP LLP, has indicated his willingness to continue in office. The designated Trustees will propose a motion reappointing the auditor at a meeting of the Trustees.

In approving the Trustee's report, we also approve the Directors' report included therin, in our capacity as company directors. This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the small companies exemption.

Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by: Professor Paul T Lynch.

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Group and the Trust’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Group and the Trust and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Group and the Trust and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

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S igner ID: 3OBLETGHY0...
Date: 28/08/2025 GMT
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Disclosure of information to auditor

Each of the persons who are Trustees at the time when this Trustees’ report is approved has confirmed that:

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Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members and Trustees of Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Limited

We have audited the financial statements of Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Limited (the ‘parent charitable company’) and its subsidiaries (the ‘group’) for the year ended 31 March 2025, which comprise the consolidated statement of financial activities, the consolidated balance sheet, the company balance sheet, the consolidated statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, 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:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the auditor responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the group and parent charitable 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 Standard, 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.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements 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 group and parent charitable company’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.

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the trustees’ report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information. 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. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of 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 this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. 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 nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and parent charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the directors’ report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

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Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the trustees’ responsibilities statement, the trustees (who are also the directors of the parent charitable company for the purposes of company law) are 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 group and parent charitable company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the group or parent charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial 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 influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows:

We assessed the susceptibility of the group and parent entity’s financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:

To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we

In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to:

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the FRC’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/ auditorsresponsibilities. This description 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 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 as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Signer ID: B7IXQS3DFV... Adrian Staniforth (Senior statutory auditor) for and on behalf of

BHP LLP

Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditor One Waterside Place Basin Square Brimington Road Chesterfield Derbyshire S41 7FH

Date: 28/08/2025 GMT

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Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Limited

(A company limited by guarantee. Registered number 0715675)

Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities (incorporating Income and Expenditure Account) for the year ended 31 March 2025

Income from:
Note
Donations and legacies
4
Charitable activities
5
Other trading activities
6
Investments
7
Other income
8
Total income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
9,10
Charitable activities
11
Total expenditure
Net expenditure before
net (losses)/gains on
investments
Net (losses)/gains on
investments
19
Net expenditure
Transfers between funds
24
Net movement in funds
before other recognised
(losses)/gains
Other recognised (losses)/
gains:
Gains on revaluation of fixed
assets
Actuarial gains/(losses) on
defined benefit pension
schemes
29
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Net movement in funds
Total funds carried forward		 Unrestricted
Funds
2025
£000
837
1,724
15
3
2
2,581
1,700
1,251
2,951
(370)
(1)
(371)
(43)
(414)
-
54
(360)
1,090
(360)
730		 Restricted
Funds
2025
£000
11
2,876
-
-
-
2,887
617
2,408
3,025
(138)
-
(138)
43
(95)
-
-
(95)
1,944
(95)
1,849		 Total
Funds
2025
£000
848
4,600
15
3
2
5,468
2,317
3,659
5,976
(508)
(1)
(509)
-
(509)
-
54
(455)
3,034
(455)
2,579		 Total
Funds
2024
£000
1,071
3,183
79
12
1
4,346
1,563
2,802
4,365
(19)
9
(10)
-
(10)
16
(7)
(1)
3,035
(1)
3,034

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Limited

(A company limited by guarantee. Registered number 0715675)

Consolidated Balance Sheet

for the year ended 31 March 2025

Fixed assets
Note
Biological assets
16
Tangible assets
17
Heritage assets
18
Investments
19
Current assets
Stocks
20
Debtors
21
Cash at bank and in hand
Current liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling
due within one year
22
Net current assets
Total assets less current
liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling
due after more than
one year
23
Net assets excluding
pension liability
Defined benefit pension
scheme asset liability
29
Total net assets
Charity funds
Restricted funds
24
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
24
General funds including
pension reserve (£252k)
(2024: (£4k)) and revaluation
reserve £nil (2024: £18k))
24
Total unrestricted funds
24
Total funds		 14
930
569
1,513
(1,500)
-
730		 2025
£000
43
532
4,246
10
4,831
13
4,844
(2,017)
2,827
(248)
2,579
1,849
730
2,579		 14
1,068
233
1,315
(783)
87
1,003		 2024
£000
41
445
4,246
327
5,059
532
5,591
(2,557)
3,034
-
3,034
1,944
1,090
3,034

The Statement of Financial Activities complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006 and includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

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Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Limited

(A company limited by guarantee. Registered number 0715675)

Consolidated Balance Sheet continued

for the year ended 31 March 2025

The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements.

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

Professor PT Lynch

Date: 28/08/2025 GMT

The notes on pages 16 to 50 form part of these financial statements.

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Limited

(A company limited by guarantee. Registered number 0715675)

Trust Balance Sheet

for the year ended 31 March 2025

Fixed assets
Note
Biological assets
16
Tangible assets
17
Heritage assets
18
Investments
19
Current assets
Stocks
20
Debtors
21
Cash at bank and in hand
Current liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling
due within one year
22
Net current liabilities / assets
Total assets less current
liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling
due after more than one year
23
Net assets excluding
pension liability
Defined benefit pension
scheme liability
29
Total net assets
Charity funds
Restricted funds
24
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
24
General funds including
pension reserve (£252k)
(2024: (£4k)) and revaluation
reserve £nil (2024: £18k))
24
Unrestricted funds
24
Total unrestricted funds
24
Total funds		 14
930
569
1,513
(1,528)
-
732
732		 2025
£000
43
532
4,246
40
4,861
(15)
4,846
(2,017)
2,829
(248)
2,581
1,849
732
2,581		 14
1,068
233
1,315
(811)
87
1,005
1,092		 2024
£000
41
445
4,246
357
5,089
504
5,593
(2,557)
3,036
-
3,036
1,944
1,092
3,036

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Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Limited (A company limited by guarantee)

Trust Balance Sheet continued for the year ended 31 March 2025

The Trust’s net movement in funds for the year was £(455)k (2024 - £(1)k).

The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements.

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

Professor PT Lynch

Date: 28/08/2025 GMT

The notes on pages 16 to 50 form part of these financial statements.

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Limited (A company limited by guarantee)

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

for the year ended 31 March 2025

Cash flows from operating activities
Note
Net cash provided by/(used in)
operating activities
26
Cash flows from investing activities
Dividends, interests and rents from
investments
Proceeds on disposal of tangible fixed
assets and biological assets
Purchase of tangible fixed assets,
biological assets and heritage assets
Proceeds from sale of investments
Purchase of investments
Net cash provided by/(used in)
investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Cash inflows from new borrowing
Change in cash and cash equivalents
in the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the
beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the
end of the year
27		 2025
£000
176		 2024
£000
(304)
12
24
(2,306)
329
(145)
1
1
(158)
467
(160)
151
-
327
242
569
(2,086)
2,100
(290)
532
242

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Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Limited (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

1. General information

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Limited is a company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Sandy Hill, Main Street, Middleton, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 4LR. The members of the company are the Trustees named on page 1. In the event of the company being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the company.

2. Accounting policies

2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (issued in October 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Limited meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.

The Consolidated statement of financial activities (SOFA) and Consolidated balance sheet consolidate the financial statements of the Trust and its subsidiary undertaking. The results of the subsidiary are consolidated on a line by line basis. The accounts are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £’000.

The Trust has taken advantage of the exemption allowed under section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and has not presented its own statement of financial activities in these financial statements.

2.2 Going concern

The Trustees assess whether the use of going concern is appropriate i.e. whether there are any material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the ability of the Group to continue as a going concern. The Trustees make this assessment in respect of a period of at least one year from the date of authorisation of the financial statements and have concluded that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and there are no material uncertainties about the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern, thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Limited (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.3 Income

All income is recognised once the Trust has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

The recognition of income from legacies is dependent on establishing entitlement, the probability of receipt and the ability to estimate with sufficient accuracy the amount receivable. Evidence of entitlement to a legacy exists when the Trust has sufficient evidence that a gift has been left to them (through knowledge of the existence of a valid will and the death of the benefactor) and the executor is satisfied that the property in question will not be required to satisfy claims in the estate. Receipt of a legacy must be recognised when it is probable that it will be received and the fair value of the amount receivable, which will generally be the expected cash amount to be distributed to the Trust, can be reliably measured.

Gifts in kind donated for distribution are included at valuation and recognised as income when they are distributed to the projects. Gifts donated for resale are included as income when they are sold.

Donated services or facilities are recognised when the Trust has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use of the Trust of the item is probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliably.

Income from government and other grants are recognised at fair value when the charity has entitlement after any performance conditions have been met, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount can be measured reliably. If entitlement is not met, then these amounts are deferred.

Income from investments, Gift Aid and deeds of covenant is included and is accounted for when it is receivable or the Charity’s right to it becomes legally enforceable.

Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under investments, Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Other income is recognised in the period in which it is receivable and to the extent the goods have been provided or on completion of the service.

Membership income ls taken to the Statement of Financial Activities over the life of the subscription, taking into account the types of membership involved.

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Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Limited (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.4 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

Expenditure on raising funds includes all expenditure incurred by the Group to raise funds for its charitable purposes and includes costs of all fundraising activities events and non-charitable trading.

Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Group’s objectives, as well as any associated support costs.

The Charity and its subsidiaries are partially exempt from VAT. Irrecoverable VAT is allocated to the appropriate cost categories.

2.5 Government grants

Government grants relating to tangible fixed assets are treated as deferred income and released to the Consolidated statement of financial activities upon the completion of the relevant performance-related conditions. Other grants that are not subject to performance-related conditions are credited to the Consolidated statement of financial activities as the grant proceeds are received. Grants received prior to the revenue recognition criteria being satisfied are recognised as a liability.

2.6 Volunteer help

The Trust receives support from a wide variety of volunteers. In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), the general volunteer time of the Trust is not recognised. It is not practical to place a value on the time volunteered by these persons, due to the variety of duties performed, the differences in time spent and the sheer number of volunteers who gave of their time.

Deferred research and development costs are reviewed annually, and where future benefits are deemed to have ceased or to be in doubt, the balance of any related research and development is written off to the Consolidated statement of financial activities.

2.7 Taxation

The company is considered to pass the tests set out in Sch. 6, para. 1 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the company is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Pt. 11, Ch. 3 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or s. 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Limited (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.9 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets costing £500 or more are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably.

Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.

Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.

Depreciation is provided on the following bases:

Leasehold property - 2% per annum straight line Motor vehicles - 20% per annum straight line Fixtures, fittings and equipment - 25% per annum straight line Hides and temporary buildings - 10% per annum straight line

2.10 Heritage assets

The Charity’s objects include the conservation of nature for the purpose of study and research and to educate the public in understanding and appreciation of nature, the awareness of its value and the need for its conservation. As such the Charity owns and maintains a number of nature reserves that fall into the definition of heritage assets in accordance with FRS 102. These assets are recognised on the balance sheet and initially measured as cost when purchased or if donated, their valuation.

Being land in nature they have not been depreciated. The costs of maintaining the heritage assets are expensed trough the statement of financial activities as incurred, as part of the Trust’s charitable activities.

2.11 Investments

Fixed asset investments are a form of financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction cost and subsequently measured at fair value at the balance sheet date, unless the value cannot be measured reliably in which case it is measured at cost less impairment. Investment gains and losses, whether realised or unrealised, are combined and presented as ‘Gains/(Losses) on investments’ in the consolidated statement of financial activities.

Investments in subsidiaries are valued at cost less provision for impairment.

2.8 Biological assets

Livestock is stated at fair value less estimated costs to sell in accordance with the fair value model in FRS 102. Movements in fair value are taken to the SOFA in the year in which they arise. Fair value is based upon the estimation of values by the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust management team and is considered by the Trustees to be a fair reflection of the estimated value at the year-end.

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Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Limited (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.12 Stocks

Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value after making due allowance for obsolete and slow-moving stocks. Cost includes all direct costs and an appropriate proportion of fixed and variable overheads.

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Limited (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.18 Pensions

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust is part of a multi-employer defined benefit pension scheme of which assets of the scheme are held in a separately administered fund. The liabilities have been calculated based on the preliminary results of the full scheme funding assessment as at 31 March 2022, updated to 31 March 2023. The present value of the defined benefit obligation was measured using the projected unit credit method.

2.13 Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

2.14 Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

2.15 Liabilities

Liabilities and provisions are recognised when there is an obligation at the balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.

Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Trust anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.

Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the consolidated statement of financial activities as a finance cost.

2.19 Fund accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Group and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Group for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

2.20 Redundancy payments

Redundancy benefits are payable when employment is terminated before the normal retirement date, or whenever an employee accepts voluntary redundancy in exchange for these benefits. The charity recognises redundancy benefits when it is committed to terminating the employment of current employees according to a detailed formal plan without possibility of withdrawal.

2.21 Basis of consolidation

2.16 Financial instruments

The Group only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

The financial statements consolidate the accounts of Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Limited and all of its subsidiary undertakings (‘subsidiaries’). The Trust has taken advantage of the exemption contained within section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 not to present its own Income and expenditure account.

The income and expenditure account for the year dealt with in the accounts of the Trust was a deficit of £455,000 (2024: £1,000 deficit).

Donations from these groups are treated in accordance with the income policy above.

2.17 Operating leases

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the consolidated statement of financial activities on a straight line basis over the lease term.

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Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Limited (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

3. Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgement

Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

Critical accounting estimates and assumptions:

The Trust makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates and assumptions will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.

Critical areas of judgement:

Support costs

Many of the costs incurred by the Charity such as support staff costs and service costs are shared between activities. The charity’s policy is to allocate these costs on the basis of staff numbers.

Defined benefit pension scheme

The present value of the defined benefit scheme depends on a number of factors that are determined on an acturial basis using a variety of assumptions. The assumptions used in determining the net cost/income for pensions include the discount rate. Any changes in these assumptions, which are disclsoed in note 29, will impact the carrying amount of the pension liability.

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Limited (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements

for the year ended 31 March 2025

5. Analysis of income from charitable activities by type of income

Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds funds funds
2025 2025 2025 2024
£000 £000 £000 £000
Government bodies 19 77 96 103
Environmental agency - 25 25 24
Corporate bodies 12 913 925 804
Charitable bodies 242 1,503 1,745 1,251
Landfill community fund - - - 1
Service level agreements 218 - 218 177
Education, conservation and training 1,203 358 1,561 796
Reserve management 30 - 30 27
1,724 2,876 4,600 3,183
Total 2024 916 2,267 3,183

4. Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds funds funds
2025 2025 2025 2024
£000 £000 £000 £000
Gift aid 127 - 127 143
Legacies 71 - 71 149
Donations from individuals 86 11 97 213
Corporate body donations 6 - 6 39
Membership income 547 - 547 527
837 11 848 1,071
Total 2024 1,049 22 1,071

6. Income from other trading activities

Income from non charitable trading activities

Shop income
Fundraising events
Room hire
Other income
Total 2024		 Unrestricted
funds
2025
£000
2
12
-
1
15
79		 Total
funds
2025
£000
Total
funds
2024
£000
2
60
12
13
-
1
1
5
15
79
79

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Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Limited (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

7. Investment income

Investment income – dividends
Pension income
Total 2024		 Unrestricted
funds
2025
£000
1
2
3
12		 Total
funds
2025
£000
1
2
3
12		 Total
funds
2024
£000
10
2
12

8. Other income

Profit on disposal of assets
Sundry income
.
Expenditure on raising funds
Costs of raising voluntary income
Unrestricted
funds
2025
£000
Costs of raising voluntary income - pension costs
326		 Total
funds
2025
£000
Total
funds
2024
£000
1
1
1
-
2
1
Total
funds
2025
£000
Total
funds
2024
£000
326
-

9. Expenditure on raising funds

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Limited (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

9. Expenditure on raising funds (continued)

Fundraising trading expenses

Analysis of support costs
Staff costs
Depreciation
Governance (note 12)
IT costs
Office costs
Other costs
Support costs are allocated on the basis of staff numbers.
Unrestricted
funds
2025
£000
Costs of raising funds
333
Costs of raising funds – wages and salaries
935
Support costs
106
1,374
Total 2024
1,315		 Restricted
funds
2025
£000
470
147
-
617
245		 2025
£000
63
9
3
6
1
24
106
Total
funds
2025
£000
803
1,082
106
1,991
1,560		 2024
£000
144
15
7
13
2
27
Total
funds
2024
£000
562
790
208
1,560
208

10. Investment management costs

Unrestricted Total Total funds funds funds 2025 2025 2024 £000 £000 £000 Investment management fees - 3 Total 2024 3 3

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Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Limited (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

11. Analysis of expenditure by activities

Activities
undertaken directly
2025
£000
Wildlife sites
2,320
Inspiring people
118
Nature reserves
470
2,908
Total 2024
2,177		 Support
costs
2025
£000
334
209
208
751
625		 Total
funds
2025
£000
Total
funds
2024
£000
2,654
2,005
327
219
678
578
3,659
2,802
2,802

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Limited (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

12. Governance costs

Auditor’s remuneration
Other professional fees
Total 2024		 Unrestricted
funds
2025
£000
24
5
29
28		 Total
funds
2025
£000
Total
funds
2024
£000
24
17
5
11
29
28
28

13. Auditor’s remuneration

Analysis of support costs

Staff costs
Depreciation
Governance (note 12)
IT costs
Office costs
Other costs
Total 2024		 Wildlife
sites
2025
£000
192
29
12
18
2
81
334
322		 Inspiring
people
2025
£000
126
17
7
11
1
47
209
115		 Nature
reserves
2025
£000
125
17
7
11
1
47
208
188		 Total
funds
2025
£000
443
63
26
40
4
175
751
625		 Total
funds
2024
£000
433
44
21
39
7
81
625

Support costs are allocated on the basis of staff numbers.

Fees payable to the Trust’s auditor for the audit of the Trust’s annual accounts
Fees payable to the Trust's auditor in respect of:
All taxation advisory services not included above
4.
Staff costs
Group
2025
£000
Group
2024
£000
Wages and salaries
2,527
2,223
Social security costs
235
194
Contribution to defined contribution pension
schemes
303
242
Operating costs of defined benefit pension
schemes
326
-
3,391
2,659		 2025
£000
2024
£000
24
17
1
2
Trust
2025
£000
Trust
2024
£000
2,719
2,223
235
194
303
242
326
-
3,583
2,659

14. Staff costs

During the year, redundancy payments were paid to 4 employees totalling £13,000 (2024: £nil)..

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Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Limited (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

14. Staff costs (continued)

The average number of persons employed by the Trust during the year was as follows:

ws:
Group Group
2025 2024
No. No.
85 80

The number of employees whose employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) exceeded £60,000 was:

Group Group
2025 2024
No. No.
In the band 60,001 – 70,000 1 1
In the band 80,001 – 90,000 1 1

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Limited (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

16. Biological assets

Group and Trust

Biological assets
Group and Trust
Cost
At 1 April 2024
Additions
At 31 March 2025
Net book value
At 31 March 2025
At 31 March 2024		 Livestock
£000
41
2
43
43
41

Livestock were valued in the year to 31 March 2025 at £43,000 (2024: £41,000) consisting of 36 cattle (2024: 31 cattle).

Total employee benefits of £413,805 (2024: £444,619) were paid to the key management personnel in the year. The key management personnel are the senior management team.

17. Tangible fixed assets

15. Trustees’ remuneration and expenses

During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2024 - £NIL).

During the year ended 31 March 2025, expenses of £446 were reimbursed or paid directly to 2 Trustees. (2024:

£134 to 1 Trustee). The expenses were for reimbursement of travel costs.

Group and Trust

7.
Tangible fixed assets
Group and Trust
Cost or valuation
Long-term leasehold
property
£000
At 1 April 2024
419
Additions
-
Disposals
-
At 31 March 2025
419
Depreciation
At 1 April 2024
166
Charge for the year
9
On disposals
-
At 31 March 2025
175
Net book value
At 31 March 2025
244
At 31 March 2024
253		 Motor
vehicles
£000
75
14
(13)
76
68
4
(13)
59
17
7		 Fixtures and
fittings
£000
288
42
(3)
327
163
43
(3)
203
124
125		 Other fixed
assets
£000
156
100
-
256
96
13
-
109
147
60		 Total
£000
938
156
(16)
1,078
493
69
(16)
546
532
445

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Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Limited (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

18. Heritage assets

Group and Trust

Assets recognised at cost

Heritage assets 2025 £000 Carrying value at 31 March 2025 4,246

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Limited (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

18. Heritage assets (continued)

In addition, the following are being leased or rented at a nominal rental:

The Avenue Washlands Hadfields Quarry Oakerthorpe LNR Brockholes Woods SSSI Hartington Meadows (part) Risley Glebe (part) Carvers Rocks SSSI Hillbridge and Park Woods (part) Rowsley Sidlings Cromford Canal LNR/SSSI Hollinhill and Markland Grips Spring Wood SSSI Drakelow Holly Wood Watford Lodge LNR Gang Mine (part) Hopton Quarry SSSI Witches Oak Water Golden Brook Storage Lagoon Lock Lane Ash Tip Wyver Lane Mapperley Wood Millers Dale Quarry SSSI

*SSSIs: Sites of Special Scientific Interest

The Trust’s nature reserves are held to advance the conservation objectives of the charity and therefore are recognised as heritage assets. Such assets are central to the achievements of the Trust. Purchased heritage assets are included in the balance sheet at cost. Donated assets are only included in the balance sheet where a reliable valuation can be obtained at the date of donation.

The following nature reserves have been purchased or donated throughout the life of the Trust:

Public access to the sites is generally unrestricted subject to health and safety, temporary operational or other restrictions such as within leases or conveyance documents.

Analysis of heritage asset transactions

Group and Trust

Barton Pool

Broadhurst Edge Wood Carr Vale Chee Dale SSSI Common Farm Cramside Wood SSSI Deepdale and Topley Pike SSSI Duckmanton Railway Cutting SSSI Dunsley Meadows & Slinter Woods

Erewash Meadows North Wingfield Gang Mine (part) Old Whittington Hartington Meadows (part) Overdale Hillbridge and Park Woods (part) Priestcliffe Lees SSSI Hilton Gravel Pits SSSI Risley Gelbe (part) Ladybower Wood SSSI Rose End Meadows Lea Wood Willington Long Clough Willington Gravel Pits Morley Brickyards SSSI Woodside

Group and Trust
Purchases
Heritage asset – at cost
Total additions		 2025
£000
-
-		 2024
£000
2,173
2,173		 2023
£000
603
603		 2022
£000
131
131		 2021
£000
-
-

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Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Limited (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

19. Fixed asset investments

Group
Valuation
At 1 April 2024
Additions
Disposals
Revaluations
At 31 March 2025
Investment cash
At 31 March 2025
Trust
Cost or valuation
At 1 April 2024
Additions
Disposals
Revaluations
At 31 March 2025
Investment cash
At 31 March 2025		 Investment
In subsidiary
£000
30
-
-
-
30
-
30		 Listed
investments
£000
318
160
(467)
(1)
10
-
10
Listed
Investments
£000
318
160
(467)
(1)
10
10		 Total
2025
£000
318
160
(467)
(1)
10
-
10
Total
2025
£000
348
160
(467)
(1)
40
40		 Total
2024
£000
493
145
(329)
9
318
9
327
Total
2024
£000
523
145
(329)
9
348
9
357

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Limited (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

Principal subsidiaries

The following was a subsidiary undertaking of the Trust:

Registered office or
Company principal place of
Name number business Class of shares Holding
Derbyshire Wildlife Resources (dormant) 02262893 As parent ordinary 100%
he financial results of the subsidiary for the year were:
Net assets
Name £000
Derbyshire Wildlife Resources (dormant) 28

The financial results of the subsidiary for the year were:

20. Stocks

Finished goods and goods for resale
21.
Debtors
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income		 Group
2025
£000
14
Group
2025
£000
207
99
624
930		 Group
2024
£000
14
Group
2024
£000
716
56
296
1,068		 Trust
2025
£000
14
Trust
2025
£000
207
99
624
930		 Trust
2024
£000
14
Trust
2024
£000
716
56
296
1,068

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Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Limited (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

22. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

3.
Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year
Group
2025
£000
Group
2024
£000
Other loans
2,013
2,553
Defined benefit pension deficit liability
4
4
2,017
2,557
Group
2025
£000
Group
2024
£000
Other loans
690
150
Trade creditors
366
437
Amounts owed to group undertakings
-
-
Other taxation and social security
93
117
Other creditors
35
23
Accruals and deferred income
316
56
1,500
783
Group
2025
£000
Deferred income at 1 April 2024
30
Resources deferred during the year
104
Amounts released from previous periods
(30)
104
Deferred income relates to eco services billed up front for work.		 Trust
2025
£000
2,013
4
2,017
Trust
2025
£000
690
366
28
93
35
316
1,528
Group
2024
£000
-
30
-
30		 Trust
2024
£000
150
437
28
117
23
56
811
Trust
2024
£000
-
-
-
Trust
2024
£000
2,553
4
2,557
-

Deferred income relates to eco services billed up front for work.

23. Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year

Within other loans over one year are loans relating to the purchase of the Old Whittington site which is to be repaid in 3 years with interest to be incurred in the final two years at 1% and 2% respectively and loans in relation to the purchase of Common Farm in the current year which are a range of lengths from 2-5 years with interest rates of 0% - 5%.

In prior years the Trust contributed to a Growth Plan available through the Pensions Trust for previous chief executives. Under the terms of the Pensions Trust scheme, where an employer withdraws from the Pension Trust, a lump sum contribution to the overall scheme deficit becomes due. As at 31 March 2025, the Trust’s lump sum would amount to approximately £4k (2024: £4k). This has been provided for in the accounts. The total pension charge relating to this scheme is £nil (2024: £nil).

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Limited (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

24. Statement of funds

Statement of funds – current year

Statement of funds – current year
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
Designated Funds
General funds
All general funds
Pension reserve
Total Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Nature reserve asset
Digital Hub
Witches Oak Severn
Trent Water
Nature Returns
Slinter Woods
Willington Wetlands
Raynesway
Species Recovery
Species Survival
Learning through Nature
Green Spring
Call of the Wild
Allestree Park
River Ecclesbourne
Restoration STW
Other restricted
Total of funds		 Balance at
1 April 2024
£000
87
1,007
(4)
1,003
1,090
1,142
(11)
187
-
-
49
38
400
-
-
-
(28)
(43)
48
162
1,944
3,034		 Income
£000
-
2,579
2
2,581
2,581
-
16
334
325
30
36
150
167
596
142
11
335
342
15
388
2,887
5,468		 Expenditure
£000
(87)
(2,560)
(304)
(2,864)
(2,951)
-
(27)
(521)
(325)
(30)
(85)
(138)
(201)
(532)
(142)
(11)
(299)
(245)
(63)
(406)
(3,025)
(5,976)		 Transfers
in/out
£000
-
(43)
-
(43)
(43)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
43
-
-
43
-		 Gains/
(Losses)
£000
-
(1)
54
53
53
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
53		 Balance at
31 March 2025
£000
-
982
(252)
730
730
1,142
(22)
-
-
-
-
50
366
64
-
-
8
97
-
144
1,849
2,579

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Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Limited (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Limited (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

24. Statement of funds (continued)

24. Statement of funds (continued)

Statement of funds – prior year

Unrestricted funds
Designated Funds
General funds
All general funds
Pension reserve
Total Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Nature reserve asset
Digital Hub
Witches Oak Severn Trent
Water
NBS for climate
Slinter Woods
Raynesway
Species Recovery
River Ecclesbourne
Restoration STW
River Ecclesbourne
Restoration NES
Other restricted
Total of funds		 Balance at
1 April 2023
£000
98
1,049
(36)
1,013
1,111
958
102
-
5
-
18
-
281
-
560
1,924
3,035		 Income
£000
-
2,057
-
2,057
2,057
-
12
226
481
184
114
610
-
94
568
2,289
4,346		 Expenditure
£000
(24)
(2,162)
32
(2,130)
(2,154)
-
(125)
(39)
(486)
-
(94)
(210)
(228)
(99)
(930)
(2,211)
(4,365)		 Transfers
in/out
£000
13
45
-
45
58
184
-
-
-
(184)
-
-
(5)
5
(58)		 Gains/
(Losses)
£000
As restated
Balance at
31 March 2024
£000
-
87
18
1,007
-
(4)
18
1,003
18
1,090
-
1,142
-
(11)
-
187
-
-
-
-
-
38
-
400
-
48
-
-
-
140
-
1,944
18
3,034		 Gains/
(Losses)
£000
As restated
Balance at
31 March 2024
£000
-
87
18
1,007
-
(4)
18
1,003
18
1,090
-
1,142
-
(11)
-
187
-
-
-
-
-
38
-
400
-
48
-
-
-
140
-
1,944
18
3,034
1,007
(4)
1,003
1,090
1,142
(11)
187
-
-
38
400
48
-
140
(58) 1,944
- 3,034

Designated Funds

These are funds dedicated for three Wild solutions projects being completed in 24/25..

Restricted Funds

Nature Reserve Asset: the value of the nature reserve heritage assets held by the charity.

Digital Hub: The Digital Hub is a project trialling a shared, regional approach to digital supporter recruitment, engagement and fundraising for 6 different widlife trusts.

Witches Oak Severn Trent Water: This is a project focusing on improving the biodiversity on the Southern Lakes at Witches Oak Water with a range of interventions including reedbed creation, grassland management, wetland restoration and hedge management. It also includes installing fencing and boardwalk in order to support visitor access, and installation of benches and interpretation boards to give key information on the site heritage and biodiversity works.

Working For Nature: A scheme to train 24 trainees across 4 years, from hard to reach backgrounds, to achieve a Level 2 Diploma in Environmental Conservation and provide employability skills. This fund has now been consolidated into ‘other restricted funds’ as it is not material.

Slinter Woods: This was funds provided by the National Heritage Lottery funds to buy land at Cromford, this was key to expanding our reserve which we already have at Dunsley Meadows which includes an ancient woodland.

Green Recovery Challenge Fund: funded by Defra, through the National Lottery Heritage Fund. It is undertaking a series of projects across the county to deliver nature’s recovery, as well as improving internal processes, developing a pipeline of projects and de-carbonising, where possible, land management. This fund has now been consolidated into ‘other restricted funds’ as it is not material.

Willington Wetlands: a programme to develop the site as key gateway site in the Trent Valley. It is made up of various projects, including the beaver reintroduction project and access improvements. This fund has now been consolidated into ‘other restricted funds’ as it is not material.

Raynesway: Derbyshire County Council has contracted Derbyshire Wildlife Trust to manage the land at Derwent Meadows site at Raynesway Derby. This is an initial 10-year lease to undertake site management and engagement activities working with local communities. The site had been acquired by section 106 monies and there is an annual budget of c£150,000 which is agreed annually and used for habitat improvements, access improvements and engagement activities.

Species Recovery: This is a project to support nature’s recovery in Derbyshire by surveying land, restoring habitats and exploring green funding mechanisms for future management. It will deliver work on 24 sites owned by other landowners and provide management plans to ensure the sites are managed appropriately in future. It will also provide 20 grants for people to kickstart rewilding on additional sites.

Green Spring: This is from Derby & Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Group for the Green Social Prescribing project and will be spent to deliver projects from a wide variety of charities and organisations. It will cover the cost of these organisations delivering the wellbeing projects, and for salary costs for DWT. This fund has now been consolidated into ‘other restricted funds’ as it is not material.

River Ecclesbourne Restoration: Severn Trent Water donated the sum of £270,000 to Derbyshire Wildlife Trust to be used by the Trust to fund work within the Project Scope. The Project Scope is primarily to reconnect the River Ecclesbourne to a former side channel that would bypass an existing weir at Postern Mill. Any remaining funds will be spent on landowner liaison, catchment walkovers, habitat improvements and interventions in the surrounding catchment, identified through ongoing and future engagement activities.

Other restricted funds: Included within here are all other immaterial restricted monies given to the charity to carry out restricted purposes.

Crich Chase Community Appeal: This is an appeal that was set up to secure funding for the Crich Chase Meadows woodland.

River Amber catchment Project: Working to reduce diffuse agricultural pollution currently resulting in high phosphate levels across the Amber catchment due to the amount of sediment entering the watercourses.

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Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Limited (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust’s Natural Environment Investment Readiness Fund (NEIRF) Project: Derbyshire’s Nature Recovery and Natural Capital Aggregator. Working in partnership with Triodos Bank, the project aims to develop a new funding model to attract private investment to finance the purchase and management of more space for nature. This fund has now been consolidated into ‘other restricted funds’ as it is not material.

Appeal Willington Project: Appeal for Willington was a public appeal that saw supporters from across Derbyshire give to support the reintroduction of beavers to Willington Wetlands. The beavers are fully introduced and are creating a sustainable habitat and have gone on to have kits. This fund has now been consolidated into ‘other restricted funds’ as it is not material.

Transfers: £43,000 was transferred from general funds to Allestree Park to fund an overspend brought forward.

25. Analysis of net assets between funds

Analysis of net assets between funds – current year

Unrestricted funds
2025
£000
Restricted funds
2025
£000
Tangible fixed assets
532
-
Intangible fixed assets
43
-
Fixed asset investments
10
-
Heritage assets
3,104
1,142
Current assets
806
707
Creditors due within one year
(1,500)
-
Creditors due in more than one year
(2,017)
-
Provisions for liabilities and charges
(248)
-
Total
730
1,849		 Total funds
2025
£000
532
43
10
4,246
1,513
(1,500)
(2,017)
(248)
2,579

Analysis of net assets between funds – prior period

Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds
2024 2024 2024
£000 £000 £000
Tangible fixed assets 445 - 445
Intangible fixed assets 41 - 41
Fixed asset investments 327 - 327
Heritage assets 3,104 1,142 4,246
Current assets 513 802 1,315
Creditors due within one year (783) - (783)
Creditors due in more than one year (2,557) - (2,557)
Total 1,090 1,944 3,034

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Limited (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

26. Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities

Group Group
2025 2024
£000 £000
Net expenditure for the year (as per Statement of Financial Activities) (509) (10)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges 69 59
Gains/(losses) on investments 1 (9)
Dividends, interests and rents from investments (1) (12)
Profit on the sale of fixed assets (1) (1)
Decrease in stocks - 15
Decrease/(increase) in debtors 138 (312)
Increase in creditors 177 5
Defined benefit pension adjustments 302 (39)
Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities 176 (304)
27.
Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
Group Group
2025 2024
£000 £000
Cash in hand 569 233
Investment portfolio cash - 9
Total cash and cash equivalents 569 242
28.
Analysis of changes in net debt
At 1 April At 31 March
2024 Cash Flows 2025
£000 £000 £000
Cash at bank and in hand 233 336 569
Debt due within 1 year (150) (540) (690)
Debt due after 1 year (2,553) 540 (2,013)
(2,470) 336 (2,134)

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Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Limited (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

29. Pension commitments

The Group operates a defined benefit pension scheme.

Under the requirements of FRS 102, the Trust includes the assets and liabilities of these arrangements in its balance sheet. Current service costs, curtailment and settlement gains and losses, and net financial returns are included in the statement of financial activities in the period which they relate. Actuarial gains and losses are recognised in the statement of financial activities.

The most recent full Actuarial Valuation was at 31 March 2022 by a qualified independent actuary in accordance with FRS 102. As required by FRS 102, the defined benefit liabilities have been measured using the Projected Unit actuarial cost method.

The Trust’s contributions for the year were £45,000 (2024: £25,000).

During the year ended 31 March 2022, the trustees of the charity were made aware of a potential issue relating to the defined benefit section of the Wildlife Trust Pension Scheme. A detailed investigation has now established that there is a financial liability to employers who participated in that section, and that Derbyshire Wildlife Trust’s share of the total liability is £326,000. It had been agreed with the Pension Trustee that this liability will be paid off over a six-year period.

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Limited (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

29. Pension commitments (continued)

The Group’s share of the assets in the scheme was:

Diversified Credit Fund
Alternatives
Gilts
Cash and other liquid assets
Overseas equities
UK corporate bonds
LDI
Total fair value of assets		 At 31 March
2025
£000
70
13
-
94
136
64
279
656		 At 31 March
2024
£000
-
-
139
20
172
233
128
692

Principal actuarial assumptions at the balance sheet date (expressed as weighted averages):

At 31 March At 31 March
2025 2024
% %
Discount rate 5.80 4.85
Retail Price Index (RPI) inflation 3.30 3.40
Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation 2.75 2.75
Future pension increases 5.00 5.00
At 31 March At 31 March
2025 2024
Years Years
Mortality rates (in years)
- for a male aged 65 now 22.3 22.3
- at 65 for a male aged 45 now 23.6 23.6
- for a female aged 65 now 24.8 24.8
- at 65 for a female aged 45 now 26.2 26.2

The actual return on scheme assets was £33,000 (2024 - £32,000).

The amounts recognised in the consolidated statement of financial activities are as follows:

Past service cost
Interest income
Interest cost
Administrative expenses
Total amount recognised in the consolidated statement of financial activities		 2025
£000
326
(33)
31
24
348		 2024
£000
-
(32)
30
21
19

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Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Limited

(A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

29. Pension commitments (continued)

Movements in the present value of the defined benefit obligation were as follows:

Opening defined benefit obligation
Interest cost
Actuarial (gains)/losses
Unrecognised actuarial gains
Past service costs
Benefits paid
Closing defined benefit obligation		 2025
£000
654
31
(112)
37
326
(32)
904

Movements in the fair value of the Group’s share of scheme assets were as follows:

Opening fair value of scheme assets
Expected return on assets
Actuarial gains/(losses)
Contributions by employer
Benefits paid
Administration expenses
Closing fair value of scheme assets		 2025
£000
692
33
(58)
45
(32)
(24)
656

Defined benefit pension scheme (surplus)/liability

Defined benefit obligation
Fair value of scheme assets
Net pension (surplus)/liability		 2025
£000
2024
£000
904
653
(656)
(692)
248
(39)

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Limited (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

Recognised in other comprehensive income

Actuarial gain/(loss) on liabilities
Actuarial loss on assets
Irrecoverable net pension surplus		 Unrestricted
funds
2025
£000
Total
funds
2025
£000
Total
funds
2024
£000
74
74
(3)
58
58
-
(78)
(78)
(4)
54
54
(7)

The Trust also contributes to a defined contribution scheme for both the deferred members of the Wildlife Trusts Pension Scheme and new entrants. The total pension charge relating to these defined contribution schemes for the year was £45,000 (2024: £44,000).

30. Operating lease commitments

At 31 March 2025 the Group and the Trust had commitments to make future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases as follows:

Not later than 1 year
Later than 1 year and not later than
5 years		 Group
2025
£000
Group
2024
£000
36
56
7
43
43
99		 Trust
2025
£000
36
7
43		 Trust
2024
£000
56
43
99

Lease payments of £60,000 have been recognised in the statement of financial activities (2023: £89,000).

31. Related party transactions

The Trust has not entered into any related party transaction during the year, nor are there any outstanding balances owing between related parties and the Trust at 31 March 2025.

The net pension surplus arising in 2024, in accordance with the requirements of FRS 102, is not recognised in the balance sheet as the Trust is unable to recover this surplus from the pension scheme.

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Trustee Directory

Reference and administrative details of the Trust, its Trustees and Advisers for the year ended 31 March 2025:

Trustees

Professor PT Lynch, Chair Mr NP Huish, Vice Chair Mrs SL Gradwell (appointed 5 October 2024) Ms PD Asher (appointed 5 October 2024) Professor L Crowe Dr R Cuthbert Mr B Dixon Ms G Foxcroft Ms W Furness Dr T Graham Mr D Renwick Dr P Rice Mr J Shooter (resigned 20 February 2025) Miss C Turton-Chambers

Company registered number

00715675

Charity registered number

222212

Registered office

Sandy Hill, Main Street, Middleton, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 4LR

Company Secretary

Mrs AE Rogers

Chief executive officer

Dr J Smith

Independent auditor

BHP LLP, One Waterside Place, Basin Square, Brimington Road, Chesterfield, S41 7FH

Bank

National Westminster Bank PLC, 58 St. Peters Street, Derby, DE1 1XL

Solicitors

Freeths LLP, Suite 2, 1st Floor, South Point, Cardinal Square, DE1 3QT

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© Andrew Parkinson 2020 Vision
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Leave a gift for nature

“A legacy to your local Wildlife Trust is a very special gift that can do remarkable things to help the wildlife treasures on your doorstep.”

Sir David Attenborough

After providing for your loved ones, please remember the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. When you are ready, we are here to talk.

01773 881188 enquiries@derbyshirewt.co.uk www.derbyshirewildlifetrust.org.uk

Document ID: a6d3f939c1b66e022b9e29b08b3cc7bc9577a42b51eb17b7bab1927834f2d822