## **Trustee report Nov 2024** 

The accounts y/e show a small profit this is down to good internal management by Jono 

The closing balance in the bank was just under 5k and cash in hand was zero. 

Donations to the park have sadly been minimal, but the park has been well used and the cafe turned over a good profit. 

The main revenue stream has been the room /space hire with lots of various activities including the hire of the pottery workshop, Yoga studio. The book turnover was £50k 

These profits have financed the alterations to the main entrance way, the improvements to the main roofing and refurbishment of the back workshop ( now rented to the pottery workshop) Seating areas have been improved to the benefit of the visitors. The toilets have been upgraded with a complete disabled facility. These expenses were £46k 

The trustees loaned the park £10,000 to build an activity Hub for and purchased a Yurt which is being let out for various community activities. 

This loan (like previous loans) will not be included in the accounts until the park is in a stronger financial position and will be able to consider a repayment plan. 

The accounts show that we have gone through the £25k turnover limit set by the charities commission. 

We now have to get an accountant to check our financial 

workings, we do not have to produce of company style accounts, but I feel this would be prudent. 

I will find a friendly accountant to do this at a sensible price 



## Ongoing plans & developments 

2024 has seen the opening ofThe Little foxes Forest school,they have been on reduced rent due to the money they have spent on preparation of the old crofters cottage which is their base. 

There has also been mentioned that the Little foxes management and associates have a business plan on another project which they are considering. 

We have been granted permission by the NCH to be able to sell potentially 3 parcels of land inside the parks boundary without any encumbrance as lined out in the land registry deed. 

We are going to approach 2 neighbours in Holmwood gardens, who are actually using this land without any formal agreements. We are going to start looking into putting together a presentation text to a fundraising appeal for ongoing activities. 

Our aims of local conservation,education and recreation have all been maintained this year,thanks to our small team and the group of volunteers who are regularly involved. 

More people are finding the Park, finding it a peaceful environment and also a hub for the different activities. 

Free entry is well received especially by small families just looking for something different to do. 

Education has been well organised from our group of qualified wildlife volunteers and professionals giving talks, foraging and tours revealing the park's hidden treasures. 

The team will continue to protect,watch,film and study all the wildlife aspects of the Park. 



This study will intensify over the coming years, firstly a study of our pond life and further observations of living creatures sharing the surroundings by their own choice. 

Major project for 2025 is to carry out essential works to the main entrance trackway and also small repairs to the pathway around the cafe area. 

We are currently looking for advice and quotes for these essential works. 

The pipe dream! If we can manage to get some backing ( the trustees loan accounts are very high!) or some major donations, it would be our plan to redevelop the old potting sheds in front of the Tower . 

This is on our radar, but the priority is to look after what has been done since 2021.