## **The Selborne Society Limited, Pioneers in Conservation**
## Financial Statements
Year Ended 31 December 2024
The Selborne Society Limited, a Company Limited by Guarantee. Company No. 00149247 Registered Office 6 Claygate Road, London, England, W13 9XG Registered with the Charity Commissioners: Register Number 267635
THE SELBORNE SOCIETY LIMITED
Financial Statements
## For the year ended 31st December 2024
## **Contents**
|Charity Reference and Administrative Details|2|
|---|---|
|Trustees’ Annual Report (Including Directors’ Report)|3 - 8|
|Independent Examiner’s Report|9|
|Statement of Financial Activities (Including Income and Expenditure Account)|10 - 11|
|Balance Sheet|12|
|Notes to the Financial Statements|13 - 21|
1
THE SELBORNE SOCIETY LIMITED
## CHARITY REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
## For the year ended 31st December 2024
**Charity registration number** 267635 **Company registration number** 00149247 **Trustees** C. R. Hall (resigned May 2024) N. P. Ferriday N. E. Goddard C. J. Wakeham S. Hadland J. W. Morrell M. C. Rutherford R. J. Goddard D. S. Worsley E. Peacock C. J. Adams (appointed May 2024) A. Nuseibeh (appointed May 2024) **Registered office** 6 Claygate Road London England W13 9XG **Independent examiner** Jo Upshall Mercer & Hole LLP Trinity Court Church Street Rickmansworth WD3 1RT
2
## THE SELBORNE SOCIETY LIMITED
## TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS REPORT)
## For the year ended 31st December 2024
The Trustees present their report and the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” (FRS 102) in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity.
## **Trustees of the charity**
The directors of the charitable company are its trustees for the purposes of charity law. The trustees who have served during the year and since the year end were as follows:
C. R. Hall (resigned May 2024) N. P. Ferriday N. E. Goddard C. J. Wakeham
S. Hadland J. W. Morrell
M. C. Rutherford
R. J. Goddard D. S. Worsley E. Peacock
C. J. Adams (appointed May 2024)
A. Nuseibeh (appointed May 2024)
## **Objectives and activities**
The Society's objectives are defined in its Constitution, and include the promotion of public education and research in Natural History and antiquities and to publish the results of that education and research; to preserve and maintain for the benefit of the public places of natural beauty, scientific value and antiquarian interest. Care is taken to consider any proposed activity in relation to our objectives.
## **Overview of the year**
2024 was a good year for the Selborne Society, and as always it’s a we are proud to share our achievements and milestones.
Starting with the cornerstone of all our work, **conservation and habitat management** , volunteers worked extremely regularly and hard throughout 2024, with a weekly session every Tuesday and a monthly Sunday morning session.
The first task of the new year 2024 was to prepare the strips of meadow edge for the release of harvest mice in the spring. Two strips of grass were left ungrazed and uncut to ensure a thick thatch of grasses which would provide cover and food for the mice. A very successful harvest mice release event took place in April, run jointly with Ealing Wildlife Group, with whom we had successfully applied for funding from the Mayor of London for the project. A lot of people came along including many children, as well as representatives from the funders and media. The release attracted positive media attention, including coverage on BBC London News, the BBC website and the Evening Standard. Another two releases took place later in the year and were again popular and successful events. Mice were released in the grassy strips bordering the Paddock as well as in the reed beds by the new pond in Pondfield. At the very end of December another event brought a big group of people together to look for harvest mice nests in the thatch; this is the best way to establish whether the released mice established themselves successfully. We were delighted to find six nests in two of the locations on this occasion.
At the same time, during winter and into spring, and later from autumn through the next winter, the habitat management team, and on six occasions supported by corporate volunteers, continued the work of cutting down the huge number of holly trees which had come to dominate the woodland. This plant is regarded as an invasive species and over the past decades had spread rapidly and with little control throughout the wood.
3
THE SELBORNE SOCIETY LIMITED
## TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS REPORT)
## For the year ended 31st December 2024 (continued)
The result was a widespread layer of evergreen leaves sitting below the oak canopy and effectively blocking out sunlight from reaching the woodland floor - some of the holly trunks were 30 cm in diameter, and the trees were up to 8 metres high. Following the management plan, several new areas were identified and tackled, and the resulting change in the look and feel of the woodland is very noticeable. New vistas have opened up and the light is reaching through the canopy and down to the ground, giving an opportunity for new oak saplings, bluebells and other fresh growth to appear. There’s still plenty of clearance to be done and we’re looking at how to manage regrowth. As an experiment some stumps were treated with herbicide eco plugs at the end of the season and the results of this will be assessed later in 2025.
The volunteers then moved on to coppice hazel in identified areas (this work is done on rotation with each area being worked every eight to twelve years); building up the dead hedges started when the holly work was done, and provided good habitat for birds, insects and small mammals. The final winter work, in February, was to continue hedgelaying along the hedgeline on the Bridle Path. It was thrilling to find the eggs of the Brown Hairstreak butterfly on young blackthorn stems in the newly created hedge, and a small team of keen volunteers will be monitoring evidence of this species becoming established in the reserve. The eggs are hard to find, but now we know they are there (and they have been found elsewhere on neighbouring sites) this will also help us develop our management plan around how much blackthorn we cut back and when.
Three Shetland cattle from Horsenden Farm returned to graze the meadows in May, and for a time, a bull joined them. It was useful that this year the Science Heritage & Research subcommittee commissioned a survey of the meadows, as this took place towards the end of the grazing season and the surveyor was able to pass on recommendations about where and when grazing should be focussed in 2025 to ensure the greatest beneficial impact on wildflowers and other plants in the meadows.
The habitat management team arranged for contractors to do the annual work of dealing with elm regrowth and scrub encroachment, pollarding willows, trimming blackthorn suckers, and they ensured any trees which were damaged through age or storms were dealt with by tree surgeons.
Regular monthly monitoring of the water bodies in the reserve commenced in the spring using the FreshWater Watch testing kits and methodology.
Alongside looking after the habitats and wildlife within the reserve we are responsible for making sure it is used for **education in natural history.** Our schools education programme has been running for nearly ten years and in 2024 we welcomed almost 2,000 children from local schools, which was a record. School sessions were held on 62 days of the year. Lessons were prepared based on the National Curriculum, and delivered by a team of 4 experienced leaders. Nearly all sessions were for primary schools with the exception of an A level group, Scout groups and homeschool groups. The Education subcommittee manages the education programme. The cost to schools is kept as low as possible, with regular research into comparable rates charged for outdoor education. The overhead costs of the sessions (power, insurance and resources) are taken from the income and all other income pays the session leaders. Feedback from schools is very positive and the increasing number of schools looking to book reflects the value that schools place on the sessions in spite of their budgets being squeezed.
4
THE SELBORNE SOCIETY LIMITED
## TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS REPORT)
## For the year ended 31st December 2024 (continued)
The **Activities & Events** teams put on a varied programme of field meetings, which are open to members and non-members, covering: identifying trees in winter, ferns in the reserve, spring in the reserve, a dawn chorus, pondlife, spring II, butterflies, spiders, bats, and fungi, as well as a guided walk to show and discuss how the reserve is managed to increase biodiversity _._ One planned session on mosses and lichens, in December, was cancelled due to high winds. We had three new leaders this year, which was good. The events were well attended and all the leaders were very engaging and knowledgeable. The A&E team also worked with the Habitat Management team to organise the harvest mice release mornings, which attracted a lot of people including families with children.
The reserve was opened to the public on two days in the bluebell season this year, as opposed to three days last year, but the events still brought hundreds of visitors in to see the reserve and learn about how it is managed. In the weeks before the events there was a lot of rain and volunteers had to bring in woodchip to make the paths at the entrance and in some places inside the wood easier to navigate, and the route through the wood was altered to avoid boggy sections. This also meant visitors could see the areas newly cleared of holly, which had changed the vistas, and brought the bluebells back in those areas The Paddock and Little Elms Meadow had to be closed due to them being saturated and muddy in places. The timing of the open days worked, as the bluebells were at their peak in time for the first day. It is always unpredictable how they will be on the chosen dates each year, but it is clear that their peak flowering time is now during the third week of April. The income from these days makes a substantial contribution to the Society’s annual income. Volunteers work very hard to prepare for the events, and to welcome and look after visitors on the days, with refreshments on offer and handmade crafts from the wood in the reserve for sale. With ticket prices staying the same as last year, and slightly increased prices for refreshments, income was higher this year than last year. Many visitors (many of whom now come from across London due to information on the events being spread on social media), want to know more about the reserve and quite a number want to join up. Several organised groups, such as local ramblers, carers and natural history groups, were also hosted during this season, with members of the group giving a donation in return for their visit and a talk about the Society and the reserve.
Coach outings resumed this year and were as popular as ever. Organised by John Wells, a member and extrustee, visits were made to Welney Wetland Centre in February, Chartwell in May, Selborne village and Gilbert White’s House in August and Westonbirt in October. The outings allow members to meet each other and extend their experience of places with a strong link to natural history. The Society aims to cover costs and make a small surplus from running the outings.
Rangers and Rangers Plus continued to attract a good number of families, many of whom attend regularly. The small charge, introduced this year to reflect the significant amount of volunteer time needed to devise and run the sessions and provide resources, did not impact attendance, as the sessions are well planned and run, and therefore clearly seen as worthwhile to parents and carers deciding to come. The sessions are structured, with a theme each month.The children continued to take part in the RSPB Wild Challenge event which encourages children to help and experience nature in a range of different ways, with some being presented with their gold award
It was agreed by the Executive subcommittee that the Society would support and attend the Restore Nature march on Saturday 22nd June. The march and its aims were supported by all the major conservation charities and was family friendly. Members were invited to meet at Ealing Broadway and travel together, along with members of Ealing Wildlife Group. The children in Rangers made posters on cardboard, which counted towards their RSPB award as the 'speaking out' activity.
5
## THE SELBORNE SOCIETY LIMITED
## TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS REPORT)
## For the year ended 31st December 2024 (continued)
The Biological Recording Company ran an Invertebrate Recorder Day in May using the Bluebell Centre and reserve. We value our link with the BRC and are keen to see more courses run from the reserve. In return for allowing use of the site for the course the Society had one free place, contacts with presenters and visitors, and biological data.
Local walking groups were welcomed into the reserve as part of their rambles and heard about the Society and how we manage the reserve. The Bluebell Centre was open to the public for an Open House event. John Morrell and John Sears told visitors about the building of the Centre. Thirty visitors came, and another thirty who were here for a harvest mice release also visited.
The **Science Heritage and Research** subcommittee, which had benefited from new members later in 2023, had a very productive year. The bulk of the work of sorting and cataloguing historic documents was achieved thanks to the input of one trustee, John Morrell, who had injured his knee and could not do his usual practical work on maintaining the building. The correspondence and minutes, dating back over 100 years, were put in chronological order, and a document recording the key dates in Society history was started. John’s next project was to go through all the newsletters published over the last hundred years or so, and record the focus of each article, enabling an easy search for any topic of interest via an index. Of course this revealed all kinds of interesting facts and events, which were added to the Society chronology.
Documents held in Greenford library were checked, and some gaps in the records filled from this source. These materials are all held in a fireproof safe in the Bluebell Centre. Consideration was given to whether and how to digitise them, but no decisions were made by the end of the year. Greenford library is due to be transferred to a community organisation in 2025. Discussions were held with the group about whether they are happy to retain our collection of books and other documents, which they confirmed they are.
Similarly the historic wildlife records were brought together. The paper versions of records were brought to the Bluebell Centre and stored in the fireproof safe. A spreadsheet was compiled which captures the ownership and timing of regular surveying and data collection, as well as where data is being submitted. The electronic versions of historic data were protected as electronic documents on a hard drive. The debate about whether data from historic records could or should be uploaded to iRecord has not been resolved yet (some data from these records will have already been submitted to iRecord by the Observer).
Work continued on the best way that future observations should be made and recorded. Most of our key surveyors use iRecord these days, using a specific project area of Perivale Wood. Discussion was had with other natural history groups in west London about the way that they are encouraging members and visitors to record observations, and later in 2024 it was agreed that the Society will encourage non-specialist members and visitors to use iNaturalist, a phone and tablet app, to record observations, and that we will run some sessions and articles in 2025 explaining how to use the app. This should increase the amount of data we are collecting, which is a vital way of monitoring the reserve and feeding data into the planning of conservation and habitat management.
It was agreed that the annual survey would be a professional in depth survey of the meadows.This was carried out over the summer by an ecologist, Dennis Vickers. He was provided with details of the current management of each of the three grassland areas, past management and any past floral surveys. He made three visits to assess the meadows, finishing in August, and did a Natural England grassland rapid condition assessment. The survey found differences between the three grassland areas, with the Paddock being identified as a good example of UK Habitat Classification of gC3 (Other neutral grassland), with the other two areas meeting the threshold. The report gave useful advice on future management of the grassland and the grazing regime.
6
## THE SELBORNE SOCIETY LIMITED
## TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS REPORT)
## For the year ended 31st December 2024 (continued)
Alongside the major survey, we have regular surveys of butterflies, moths, birds and fungi and this year saw visits from experts on bees and spiders to complement our own volunteers who regularly monitor the life in our nest boxes, ponds, meadows and woodland
Discussions were held through the year with The Linnean Society, which holds some of our original manuscripts and documents, about a long term loan agreement for our collection, and specifying by whom and how the documents are accessed, as well as dealing with insurance. As part of this process the collection was valued, which was a useful exercise. A visit to see the collection was organised for early 2025.
The archaeology project, part of the subcommittee’s heritage work, and in particular the trench towards the top of the Paddock, was again badly impacted by rain which delayed the final stage of investigating and then closing the trench. A meeting was held to discuss the findings to date with Historic England, and a plan for the final stages of the work has been made.
During the year plans were made to restart the Oral History Project, which had come to a stop when the volunteer working on it moved. Nigel Bewley, a member with professional experience of oral history recording, agreed to take it on. He reviewed what had been done to date, and agreement was reached on the protocol to be followed in doing the work. A list of people we hope will record their history of involvement in the Society and/or the reserve has been established, and it was hoped the first recording would take place early in 2025, but this has been delayed due to the interviewee being unwell.
The Society submitted information about the collections we hold to DiSSCo (The Distributed Systems of Scientific Collections UK, which aims to digitise and make available the UK’s scientific collections physically and online). In preparing our submission we were able to draw together our own understanding of the collections we hold, and where the data relating to them is stored. The Society also accepted an offered micro moth collection.
A review of the scientific equipment held was carried out.Three new high end microscopes have been donated by Imperial College to the Society via a Rangers’ parent (one is for parts). A final organisation of the lab room in the Bluebell Centre is planned for 2025, to provide areas for admin work and for lab or research work.
After some investigation and discussion with others it was agreed to defer the question of mapping the reserve until 2025. One of the trustees is on a course and involved in volunteer activities which will provide us with another source of expertise when we come to progress this plan in 2025.
Volunteers for the **Estates Management** team maintained the Society’s buildings, the fencing and other physical assets at the reserve, taking on some new improvement works as well. The building is reaching the age when it requires more maintenance, and the volunteer team is small so efforts were made to recruit more people handy with tools. This is an ongoing need. The roof rainwater feed system was altered after the original structure deteriorated over time. An additional 1000L tank will be added in 2025. Work started on repainting the outside of the Bluebell Centre with the lime based paint that we use on the building. A couple of small cracks in one internal wall were also repaired. The verandah railings were refixed and sanded, the window frames revarnished, and PIR controls installed for the lights in the hut eliminating the possibility of lights being left on. All the Centre chairs were renovated using strips of veneer from damaged ones to repair others, extending their life considerably. Some research was done into whether the Society should switch to solar energy, or install a heat pump. It was decided these changes will not be made at this stage due to logistical issues and a question as to whether real savings would be made on energy. A concerted effort to remind people to conserve energy did see a reduction in electricity bills.
7
THE SELBORNE SOCIETY LIMITED
## TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS REPORT)
## For the year ended 31st December 2024 (continued)
Thought was given to jobs that will be needed in the next five years, and a list of these was drawn up. It includes replacing the steps to the mound, the Paddock fencing by the building, clearing and protecting the canalside fencing and updating the sluice gate system. Some areas which need metal fencing installed were also identified.
The **Comms & Membership** team published the monthly email newsround throughout the year, keeping members in touch with upcoming events and any major developments. Three editions of the Newsletter were also published, highlighting in more detail activities in the reserve and the outcome of any surveys conducted during the year. The Society’s use of social media was improved, which saw a wider range and larger number of people attending events and offering to volunteer. Consideration was given to the style, voice, audience and aims of our publications, website and social media presence. After a period without a web manager, the role was taken on temporarily and the website information updated. A further review of the logo, website and education website were started, with a consultancy firm being briefed on the logo issue later in the year. Efforts were made to connect to events or significant dates in the natural history world, as well as with other natural history groups, in order to engage members and build a stronger connection between the Society and others working on natural history projects. Locally there are several very active groups, such as Ealing Wildlife Group, and opportunities were taken and created to collaborate wherever possible, and reflect that collaboration in our comms output. One example of this is the Harvest Mouse Reintroduction project, where the Society worked jointly with EWG, and Horsenden, and had a shared approach to comms, resulting in excellent coverage locally and regionally, with media coverage reporting the joint working and collaboration.
Managing membership continued to be time consuming, and it was not possible to complete setting up an online system for membership and renewals. The purpose of having membership was reviewed in order to determine where to focus volunteer time, given it does take a great deal of work to service membership. Membership numbers remained fairly constant. Increasing numbers of members paid for a fob to enter the reserve, although fobs were not used a great deal outside of bluebell time.
## **Governance**
During the year the expanded Executive subcommittee worked effectively, dealing with any matters that were routine or urgent. All decisions taken were reported to Council.
Council continued to ensure compliance with legal obligations and good practice in a range of areas including Safeguarding and Health & Safety. First Aid and Chainsaw training was provided for some volunteers and refreshed for others.
Council worked well, hampered only by the poor internet connection in the Bluebell Centre, which made it difficult to include people who were not able to be present in person but who might have participated via Zoom. It was decided that we should install broadband to the reserve to solve this problem.
Council recognises and appreciates the support of the Society’s many volunteers, in all areas of our work. New volunteers continue to join; no report on 2024 would be complete without a mention of a very special volunteer as in April we celebrated the 90th birthday of Rae Hall; she stepped down as a trustee in May 2024, after 45 years of service. She continues to live locally and to support the work of the Society and her dedication and care is an inspiration to us all as we take the Society’s work forward.
8
THE SELBORNE SOCIETY LIMITED
## TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS REPORT)
## For the year ended 31st December 2024 (continued)
## **Financial summary**
2024 was another good year for the Society; we are now able to plan up to five years ahead for regular activities and maintenance costs and are developing a list of projects which can be planned for and actioned using any excess in our reserves, although this is also dependent on our volunteer resource. Our income in 2024 again exceeded expectations not least because of increased income from our public open days and despite an increase in running costs (insurance, postage, phone and supplies) we have ended the year with a surplus of £8,627. Our reserves policy remains unchanged which means we hold excess cash but we are continuing to develop longer term plans to ensure that all funds are used in a timely way to meet the needs of the Society and for the protection and enhancement of Perivale Wood. Our focus remains on ensuring that we have a variety of regular income sources which we can rely on and developing our risk register so that we can ensure our reserves are adequate but not excessive.
## **Equality and diversity**
The Society considered ways it could improve access to events, activities and online information, in progressing its work in Comms, and event planning.
## **Plans for 2025**
Continuing with the **habitat management** plan to remove and control holly, coppice hazel, and manage the meadows and waterways will be the major activities in 2025. The volunteer group attends consistently every week, and works hard, which means that plans can be achieved in accordance with the proposed timescale.
In **Science, Heritage and Research** , discussion will be held on which major survey to commission this year; currently a survey of hemiptera is a possibility. iNaturalist was set up to accept records from Perivale Wood, and members were informed about this new project in the spring newsletter. The archaeological trench will be closed by summer and a final report will be written.
The **Estates Management** group have plans to replace a boardwalk near the Upper Woodland Pond, and to repair the steps to the mound pending replacing them completely. Meanwhile repairs and redecorating of the Bluebell Centre have been continuing, and will take until summer.
In **Comms** , some ideas for a new logo have been commissioned and it is hoped this will mean a new one will be adopted by summer, and the website can then be updated and improved. Membership work will focus on improving the way we use our membership database and other systems in order to reduce the amount of manual time involved in processing joiners, renewals and reminders.
**Education** sessions will continue along the same lines in previous years and we hope to add new schools to our list of visitors.
Most of our **Activities and Events** will continue as normal. It was decided in January 2025 that the Society would hold members’ days during bluebell season, and invite community groups to visit, as usual, but that we would not hold the public open days this year. This was partly because the peak bluebell time was over the Easter weekend and so several key volunteers would be away and it would be harder to recruit the number of volunteers we need to run the open days. The decision also reflected our cash position so that we use existing resources to fund some of our 2025 activity rather than use Open Days to bring in additional income. Those members of the public who enquired about when the open days would be have been very accepting of our decision, and a considerable number of members and others from the local community will be able to visit.
9
THE SELBORNE SOCIETY LIMITED
## TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS REPORT)
## For the year ended 31st December 2024 (continued)
## **Trustees’ responsibilities**
The trustees (who are also directors of The Selborne Society Limited for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP 2019 (FRS 102);
- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company 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 charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The report of the directors has been prepared taking advantage of the small companies’ exemption of section 415A of the Companies Act 2006.
……………………………. D Worsley Secretary
REGISTERED OFFICE 6 Claygate Road London[England W13 9XG ] 13[th] May 2025
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## THE SELBORNE SOCIETY LIMITED
## INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
For the year ended 31st December 2024
I report to the charity trustees on my examination on the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 December 2024 which are set out on pages 1 to 22.
## _Responsibilities and basis of report_
As the charity trustees of the company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your company’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
## _Independent examiner’s statement_
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or
3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
.................................
Jolene Upshall, FCA
Mercer & Hole LLP Chartered Accountants Trinity Court Church Street Rickmansworth WD3 1RT
- 13[th] May 2025
11
## THE SELBORNE SOCIETY LIMITED
## STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
## (INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) For the year ended 31st December 2024
|Notes
INCOME
Subscriptions
Voluntary Income
4
Other income
5
Investment income
6
TOTAL INCOME
EXPENDITURE
Raising funds
Supplies
Rent, water rates and
insurance
Light and heat
Donations and affiliation
fees
Newsletter expenses
Accountancy fee
Professional fees
Telecommunications
Charitable activities
Training costs
Excursion costs
Events
Replacement of tools,
repairs, materials, hire of
equipment and maintenance
service charges
Conservation work
Education programme
Other
Depreciation and
assets written off
Sundry
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
Net income/(expenditure)
Transfer between funds
Net movement in funds|31.12.2024
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
8,728
-
-
8,728
3,877
-
-
3,877
44,671
-
6,675
51,346
5,062
-
-
5,062
62,338
-
6,675
69,013
1,975
-
-
1,975
1,687
-
-
1,687
1,713
-
-
1,713
264
-
-
264
450
-
-
450
4,500
-
-
4,500
1,440
534
-
-
-
-
1,440
534
620
4,924
-
-
-
-
620
4,924
3,189
-
-
3,189
1,145
-
-
1,145
5,017
-
5,879
10,896
19,400
-
-
19,400
979
3,360
-
4,339
3,310
-
-
3,310
51,147
3,360
5,879
60,386
11,191
(3,360)
796
8,627
796
-
(796)
-
11,987
(3,360)
-
8,627||31.12.2023
Total
7,000
3,997
44,773
3,942|
|---|---|---|---|
||||59,712
1,501
1,463
1,771
145
440
4,458
-
458
432
3,946
3,250
557
14,696
15,968
4,885
925|
||||54,895|
||||4,817|
||||-|
||||4,817|
12
THE SELBORNE SOCIETY LIMITED
## STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
## (INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) (continued)
## For the year ended 31st December 2024
|Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward|31.12.2024
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
137,533
166,168
-
303,701
149,520
162,808
-
312,328||31.12.2023
Total
298,884|
|---|---|---|---|
||||303,701|
The company has no recognised gains and losses other than those shown in the income and expenditure account.
A breakdown of the year ended 31 December 2024 figures can be found in note 15.
The notes on pages 11 to 22 form part of these accounts.
13
## THE SELBORNE SOCIETY LIMITED
## BALANCE SHEET
## As at 31st December 2024
|FIXED ASSETS
Tangible fixed assets
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors and prepayments
Investments
Petty Cash and Cash at bank
Creditors due within one year
Net Current Assets
TOTAL ASSETS LESS LIABILITIES
CHARITY FUNDS
DESIGNATED FUNDS
Freehold property account
Selborne library account
Reserve for education centre
Unrestricted General Account
Restricted Funds
Perivale Rangers Fund
TOTAL CHARITY FUNDS
|Notes
7
8
3,400
9
75,000
87,462
10
(10,431)
12
5,297
173
11
157,338
________
13|31.12.2024
156,897
4,984
75,000
75,726
(13,245)
155,431
________
£312,328
________
________
5,297
173
160,698
________
162,808
149,520
-
________
£312,328
________
________|31.12.2023
161,236
142,465
________
£303,701
________
________
166,168
137,533
-
________
£303,701
________
________|
|---|---|---|---|
For the financial year ended 31 December 2024 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime.
The financial statements were approved and signed by the directors and authorise for issue on 13[th] May 2025
|...................................|...................................|
|---|---|
|D WORSLEY|S HADLAND|
## **Company Number: 00149247**
The notes on pages 15 to 24 form part of these accounts.
14
THE SELBORNE SOCIETY LIMITED
## NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31st December 2024
## 1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
## a) General information and basis of preparation
The Selborne Society Limited is a private company limited by guarantee in England and Wales. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charity. The address of the registered office is given in the charity information on page 2 of these financial statements. The nature of the charity’s operations and principal activities are detailed within trustees annual report.
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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 United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Practice (as issued in October 2019).
The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention.. The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest £.
The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated.
## b) Funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity 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.
The freehold property designated fund has been designated by the trustees to maintain sufficient funds for the continued ownership of the freehold.
The Selborne Library fund has been set aside by the trustees for maintenance of the Selborne Library.
The Education centre fund is for unrestricted funds allocated by the trustees to be used for the building and maintenance of the Education centre.
The Perivale Rangers fund is restricted for the support of the Perivale Wood Rangers team.
15
THE SELBORNE SOCIETY LIMITED
## NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
For the year ended 31st December 2024
## c) Income recognition
All income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when the charity is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be received.
For donations to be recognised the charity will have been notified of the amounts and the settlement date in writing. If there are conditions attached to the donation and this requires a level of performance before entitlement can be obtained then income is deferred until those conditions are fully met or the fulfilment of those conditions is within the control of the charity and it is probable that they will be fulfilled.
Donated facilities and donated professional services are recognised in income at their fair value when their economic benefit is probable, it can be measured reliably and the charity has control over the item. Fair value is determined on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity. For example the amount the charity would be willing to pay in the open market for such facilities and services. A corresponding amount is recognised in expenditure.
No amount is included in the financial statements for volunteer time in line with the SORP (FRS 102). Further detail is given in the Trustees’ Annual Report.
Where practicable, gifts in kind donated for distribution to the beneficiaries of the charity are included in stock and donations in the financial statements upon receipt. If it is impracticable to assess the fair value at receipt or if the costs to undertake such a valuation outweigh any benefits, then the fair value is recognised as a component of donations when it is distributed and an equivalent amount recognised as charitable expenditure.
Gifts in kind donated for resale are included at fair value, being the expected proceeds from sale less the expected costs of sale. Where estimating the fair value is practicable upon receipt it is recognised in stock and ‘Income from other trading activities’. Upon sale, the value of the stock is charged against ‘Income from other trading activities’ and the proceeds are recognised as ‘Income from other trading activities’. Where it is impracticable to fair value the items due to the volume of low value items they are not recognised in the financial statements until they are sold. This income is recognised within ‘Income from other trading activities’.
Fixed asset gifts in kind are recognised when receivable and are included at fair value. They are not deferred over the life of the asset.
For legacies, entitlement is the earlier of the charity being notified of an impending distribution or the legacy being received. At this point income is recognised. On occasion legacies will be notified to the charity however it is not possible to measure the amount expected to be distributed. On these occasions, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset and disclosed.
Income from trading activities includes income earned from fundraising events and trading activities to raise funds for the charity. Income is received in exchange for supplying goods and services in order to raise funds and is recognised when entitlement has occurred.
Investment income is earned through holding assets for investment purposes such as shares and property. It includes dividends, interest and rent. Where it is not practicable to identify investment management costs incurred within a scheme with reasonable accuracy the investment income is reported net of these costs. It is included when the amount can be measured reliably. Interest income is recognised using the effective interest method and dividend and rent income is recognised as the charity’s right to receive payment is established.
16
## THE SELBORNE SOCIETY LIMITED
## NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
## For the year ended 31st December 2024
- d) Expenditure recognition
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. It is categorised under the following headings:
- Costs of raising funds;
- Expenditure on charitable activities; and
- Other expenditure represents those items not falling into the categories above.
Irrecoverable VAT is charged as an expense against the activity for which expenditure arose.
- e) Support costs allocation
Support costs are those that assist the work of the charity but do not directly represent charitable activities and include office costs and governance costs. They are incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the charity and include project management carried out at Headquarters. Where support costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to cost of raising funds and expenditure on charitable activities on a basis consistent with use of the resources.
Fundraising costs are those incurred in seeking voluntary contributions and do not include the costs of disseminating information in support of the charitable activities.
f) Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Cost includes costs directly attributable to making the asset capable of operating as intended.
Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets, at rates calculated to write off the cost, less estimated residual value, of each asset on a systematic basis over its expected useful life as follows:
|Freehold land|-|Nil|
|---|---|---|
|Equipment|-|15% on net book value|
|Furniture, fixtures and fittings|-|15% on net book value|
|Outdoor hut and store|-|15% on net book value|
|Fencing|-|2.5% straight line|
|Selborne library & members room|-|10% straight line|
|Education centre|-|2% line straight|
Land and buildings were valued using historical cost basis.
17
THE SELBORNE SOCIETY LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
For the year ended 31st December 2024
## g) Investments
Current asset investments are short term highly liquid investments and are held at fair value. These include cash on deposit and cash equivalents with a maturity of less than one year.
## h) Debtors and creditors receivable/payable within one year
Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment of debtors are recognised in expenditure.
## i) Impairment
Assets not measured at fair value are reviewed for any indication that the asset may be impaired at each balance sheet date. If such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset, or the asset’s cash generating unit, is estimated and compared to the carrying amount. Where the carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount, an impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss.
## j) Tax
The charity is an exempt charity within the meaning of schedule 3 of the Charities Act 2011 and is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes.
- k) Going concern
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern.
## 2. INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REMUNERATION
The independent examiners remuneration amounts to an independent examination fee of £4,500 (2023: £4,158) inclusive of accounts preparation.
## 3. TRUSTEES’ AND KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES
The trustees neither received nor waived any remuneration during the year (2023: £nil), in their capacity as trustees. (See Also Note 14)
18
## THE SELBORNE SOCIETY LIMITED
## NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
## For the year ended 31st December 2024
|4. VOLUNTARY INCOME
Donations and legacies
Corporate Group Donations
5. OTHER INCOME
Sales of goods
Rangers
Gate fobs
Sponsorship of nest boxes
Other income
Refreshments
External events
Excursions
Reserve visits
Hire of Bluebell Centre
Education Programme
Open day
Grants
6. INVESTMENT INCOME
High interest business account
COIF deposit interest|Unrestricted
2,167
1,710
**£3,877**
Unrestricted
2,285
676
2,870
5
163
2,990
100
5,223
598
-
20,715
9,046
-
**£44,671**
Unrestricted
1,306
3,756
**£5,062**|Restricted
-
-
**-**
Restricted
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
6,675
**£6,675**
Restricted
-
-
**-**|31.12.2024
2,167
1,710
**£3,877**
31.12.2024
2,285
676
2,870
5
163
2,990
100
5,223
598
-
20,715
9,046
6,675
**£51,346**
31.12.2024
1,306
3,756
**£5,062**|31.12.2023
2,797
1,200
**£3,997**
31.12.2023|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||4,445
13
2,230
174
-
-
50
4,392
410
50
17,950
8,384
6,675|
|||||**£44,773**|
|||||31.12.2023
719
3,223
**£3,942**|
19
## THE SELBORNE SOCIETY LIMITED
## NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
## For the year ended 31st December 2024
7. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
|Freehold
land
Selborne
library and
members
room
Education
Centre
Equipment,
fixtures and
fittings
Outdoor
hut, store
and
fencing
Total
Cost
At 1stJanuary 2024
5,297
6,034
167,986
7,908
30,387
217,612
Additions
-
-
-
-
-
-
Disposals
-
-
-
-
-
-
At 31stDecember 2024
**5,297**
**6,034**
**167,986**
**7,908**
**30,387**
**217,612**
Depreciation
At 1stJanuary 2024
-
5,625
23,479
6,460
20,812
56,376
Charge for the year
-
95
3,360
217
667
4,339
Disposals
-
-
-
-
-
-
At 31stDecember 2024
-
**5,720**
**26,839**
**6,677**
**21,479**
**60,715**
Net book Value
At 31stDecember 2024
**5,297**
**314**
**141,147**
**1,231**
**8,908**
**156,897**
At 1stJanuary 2024
**5,297**
**409**
**144,507**
**1,448**
**9,575**
**161,236**
8. DEBTORS
31.12.2024
31.12.2023
Trade debtors
455
2,150
Prepayments and accrued income
1,593
1,286
Other debtors
1,352
1,548
**£3,400**
**£4,984**
9. CURRENT ASSET INVESTMENTS
31.12.2024
31.12.2023
Short term deposits (at cost)
At 1stJanuary 2024
75,000
75,000
Additions
-
-
Withdrawals
-
-
As at 31stDecember 2024
**£75,000**
**£75,000**|Freehold
land
Selborne
library and
members
room
Education
Centre
Equipment,
fixtures and
fittings
Outdoor
hut, store
and
fencing
Total
5,297
6,034
167,986
7,908
30,387
217,612
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-|Freehold
land
Selborne
library and
members
room
Education
Centre
Equipment,
fixtures and
fittings
Outdoor
hut, store
and
fencing
Total
5,297
6,034
167,986
7,908
30,387
217,612
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-|Freehold
land
Selborne
library and
members
room
Education
Centre
Equipment,
fixtures and
fittings
Outdoor
hut, store
and
fencing
Total
5,297
6,034
167,986
7,908
30,387
217,612
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-|
|---|---|---|---|
||**5,297**
**6,034**|**167,986**
**7,908**|**30,387**
**217,612**|
||-
5,625
-
95
-
-|23,479
6,460
3,360
217
-
-|20,812
56,376
667
4,339
-
-|
||-
**5,720**|**26,839**
**6,677**|**21,479**
**60,715**|
||**5,297**
**314**|**141,147**
**1,231**|**8,908**
**156,897**|
||**5,297**
**409**|**144,507**
**1,448**|**9,575**
**161,236**|
|||31.12.2024
455
1,593
1,352
**£3,400**
31.12.2024
75,000
-
-
**£75,000**|31.12.2023
2,150
1,286
1,548
**£4,984**
31.12.2023
75,000
-
-
**£75,000**|
Short term deposits have no maturity due to instant access facility. The average interest rate is 1.2%.
20
## THE SELBORNE SOCIETY LIMITED
## NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
## For the year ended 31st December 2024
## 10. CREDITORS
|Trade Creditors
Deferred Income
Accruals
Other Creditors
ERVE FOR EDUCATION CENTRE
Brought forward
Donations for Education Centre including gift aid
Expenditure for Education Centre
Carried forward|31.12.2024
2,241
1,662
6,450
78
**£10,431**
31.12.2024
160,698
-
(3,360)
**£157,338**|31.12.2023|
|---|---|---|
|||2,143
6,933
4,169
-|
|||**£13,245**|
|||31.12.2023|
|||164,058
-
(3,360)|
|||**£160,698**|
## 11. RESERVE FOR EDUCATION CENTRE
Funds received for the construction of the Education Centre are less than the total cost of the Education Centre. As a result, no element of the Reserve fund is considered to be Restricted.
## 12. FUNDS RECONCILIATION
Current Year Funds Reconciliation
|Restricted
Perivale Wood Rangers
Harvest Mice Project
Designated
Education centre
Freehold property
Selborne Library
Unrestricted
General|Balance
at 1
January
2024
Income
Expenditure
Transfers
Gains/(Losses)
Balance
at 31
December
2024|
|---|---|
||£
£
£
£
£
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
6,675
(5,879)
(796)
-
796|
||-
6,675
(5,879)
-
-
796
160,698
-
(3,360)
-
-
157,338
5,297
-
-
-
-
5,297
173
-
-
-
-
173|
||166,168
-
(3,360)
-
-
162,808
137,533
62,338
(51,147)
796
-
149,520|
||**303,701**
**69,013**
**(60,386)**
**-**
**-**
**312,328**|
21
## THE SELBORNE SOCIETY LIMITED
## NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
## For the year ended 31st December 2024
## 12. FUNDS RECONCILIATION (Continued)
Prior Year Comparison
|Restricted
Perivale Wood
Rangers
Harvest Mice Project
Designated
Education centre
Freehold property
Selborne Library
Unrestricted
General|Balance
at 1
January
2023
Income
Expenditure
Transfers
Gains/(Losses)
Balance
at 31
December
2023|
|---|---|
||£
£
£
£
£
£
285
-
(285)
-
-
-
-
6,675
(7,469)
794
-
-|
||285
6,675
(7,754)
794
-
-
164,058
-
(3,360)
-
-
160,698
5,297
-
-
-
-
5,297
173
-
-
-
-
173|
||169,528
-
(3,360)
-
-
166,168
129,071
53,037
(43,781)
(794)
-
137,533|
||**298,884**
**59,712**
**(54,895)**
**-**
**-**
**303,701**|
## 13. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
Current Year Analysis of Net Assets
||General
unrestricted|Designated
funds|Restricted
funds||Total|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Tangible fixed assets|10,451|146,446||-|156,897|
|Current assets|139,069|16,362||-|155,431|
||149,520|162,808||-|312,328|
Prior Year Comparison
|Tangible fixed assets
Current assets|General
unrestricted
Designated
funds
Restricted
funds
Total
11,430
149,806
-
161,236
126,103
16,362
-
142,465|
|---|---|
||137,533
166,168
-
303,701|
22
## THE SELBORNE SOCIETY LIMITED
## NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
## For the year ended 31st December 2024
## 14. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Society utilised the services of one of the trustees to run the education programme. The total cost of these services to the Society was £19,155 (2023: £8,880).
No other significant transactions were noted during the year and none in the prior year.
## 15. ANALYSIS OF FUNDS YEAR ENDED 2023
|INCOME
Subscriptions
Voluntary Income
Other income
Investment income
TOTAL INCOME
EXPENDITURE
Raising funds
Supplies
Rent, water rates and insurance
Light and heat
Donations and affiliation fees
Newsletter expenses
Accountancy fee
Telecommunications
Charitable activities
Training costs
Excursion costs
Events
Replacement of tools, repairs, materials,
hire of equipment and maintenance
service charges
Conservation work
Education programme
Depreciation and assets written off
Sundry
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
Net income/(expenditure)
Transfer between funds
Net movement in funds|Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
7,000
-
-
7,000
3,997
-
-
3,997
38,098
-
6,675
44,773
3,942
-
-
3,942|
|---|---|
||53,037
-
6,675
59,712
1,501
-
-
1,501
1,463
-
-
1,463
1,771
-
-
1,771
145
-
-
145
440
-
-
440
4,458
-
-
4,458
458
-
-
458
432
3,946
-
-
-
-
432
3,946
2,965
-
285
3,250
557
-
-
557
7,227
-
7,469
14,696
15,968
-
-
15,968
1,525
3,360
-
4,885
925
-
-
925|
||43,781
3,360
7,754
54,895|
||9,256
(3,360)
(1,079)
4,817|
||(794)
-
794
-|
||8,462
(3,360)
(285)
4,817|
23
## THE SELBORNE SOCIETY LIMITED
## NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
## For the year ended 31st December 2024
|Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward|Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
129,071
169,528
285
298,884|
|---|---|
||137,533
166,168
-
303,701|
24