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2022-12-31-accounts

Charity Registration No. 306093

Company Registration No. 05306975 (England and Wales)

THE ROYAL FORESTRY SOCIETY

(A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

THE ROYAL FORESTRY SOCIETY

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Sir James Scott (President until 30
September)
B Herbert (Elected President from 1
October)
K Hall (Re-elected Chair of the Board
from 1 October)
R Morgan-Giles (Re-elected Treasurer
from 26 April)
G Dennison (Appointed 7 June 2022)
A Field (Elected Vice President from 1 (Appointed 1 October 2022)
October)
C Lundberg
H Schiavone (Appointed 7 June 2022)
I Tubby
Secretary C Williams
Charity number 306093
Company number 05306975
Registered office The Hay Barns
Home Farm Drive
Upton
Banbury
Oxfordshire
OX15 6HU
Auditor Ellacotts Audit Services Limited
Countrywide House
23 West Bar
Banbury
Oxfordshire
England
OX16 9SA
Bankers CAF Bank ltd
25 Kings Hill Avenue
West Malling
Kent
ME19 4JQ
Solicitors Birkett Long LLP
Number one
Legg Street
Chelmsford
Essex
CM1 1JS
Investment advisors Canaccord Genuity
88 Wood Street
London
EC2V 7QR

THE ROYAL FORESTRY SOCIETY

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees report 1 - 7
Statement of trustees responsibilities 8
Independent auditor's report 9 - 11
Statement of financial activities 12
Balance sheet 13
Statement of cash flows 14
Notes to the financial statements 15 - 30

THE ROYAL FORESTRY SOCIETY

TRUSTEES' REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

The trustees are pleased to present their annual trustees’ report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ending 31 December 2022 which are also prepared to meet the requirements for a directors’ report and accounts for Companies Act purposes.

The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and 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) (effective 1 January 2019).

Objectives and activities

The Royal Forestry Society (RFS) stated charitable objects are:

The RFS fulfils its charitable objects by providing a forum for the exchange and dissemination of learning on all aspects of the science and practice of woodland management by organising meetings, conferences, lectures and training courses, publication of a journal, and online news and information. The Society supports forestry education with a wide range of awards and bursaries, encouraging young people to take up careers in forestry and arboriculture and engaging school children to raise awareness of why and how woods are managed.

Public benefit

In the performance of their duties, the trustees have had due regard to guidance published by the Charities Commission on public benefit.

Strategic report

The description under the headings "Achievements and performance" and "Financial review" meet the company law requirements for the trustees to present a strategic report.

Achievements and performance

Sadly, 2022 saw the death of our Patron for 70 years, Her Majesty The Queen. RFS President Sir James Scott, attended the State Funeral service at Westminster Abbey on 19 September and wrote to the Principal Private Secretary of His Majesty The King, to offer condolences on behalf of the Society. Suitable tributes were posted on the RFS website and in the e-news bulletin. Social Media posts were suspended during the period of national mourning as a mark of respect.

Earlier in the year, the RFS was honoured to have our President, Sir James Scott, lead prayers focussed on the environment and its importance for future generations at the National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral. This service was part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations held in June.

2022 was also the RFS 140[th] anniversary year. The achievement was celebrated with a special ceremonial tree planting day at Hockeridge and Pancake with new RFS President Ben Herbert, Past Presidents, trustees and former RFS Director Esmond Harris leading the proceedings. The planting included a special Queens Jubilee memorial tree from the Queens Green Canopy “Tree of Trees” which stood outside Buckingham Place during Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

MEMBERSHIP

This year it was pleasing to see a return to our usual suite of activities after the pandemic. A full programme of woodland meetings and training events was organised and the twice postponed Overseas Study Tour to Finland finally went ahead. More activities returned to being in-person and delegates enjoyed a full week’s Whole Society Meeting, hosted again by the North West Midlands Division following the mini version the previous year.

THE ROYAL FORESTRY SOCIETY

TRUSTEES' REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

Post-pandemic and associated restrictions, we have retained the use of teleconference facilities for some meetings, partly due to uncertainty about travel arrangements due to industrial action on the railways. One of the three Board of Trustee meetings, and both Council meetings and the AGM were held by videoconference. We have continued to run the RFS Book club, which works well as on on-line event held in the early evening. During the year we ran 12 in-person training events, including a new programme of forestry for non-foresters funded through the Forestry Commission Forestry Innovation Funds. In June we worked with Forest Education Network for England (FENE) partners to run the Tree Generation conference. In September, Professor Rob MacKenzie from the University of Birmingham, delivered our biennial NDG James Memorial lecture in Oxford.

The Quarterly Journal of Forestry (QJF), the Society’s flagship publication, maintained its high standards over the year in its familiar format. A key development in 2022 was a redesign and relaunch of the fortnightly e-news bulletin in June. The new format is more compatible with today’s mobile devices and enables the use of more digital images to enhance the experience for readers. The bulletin continued to carry its usual mix of RFS and forestry news to help keep members up to date with affairs across the sector.

As ever, we are very grateful to our members for staying with the Society during what has been another challenging year. At the end of 2022, our membership had risen slightly over the year to 3,856 members, up from 3,844 the previous year. It is important to note that during the last 12 months, we have gone through an exercise of cleaning data, and removing lapsed subscriptions from the figures.

The number of new subscriptions has grown, effectively replacing the historic entries on the system, and the financial value of membership has increased. We are grateful that our membership retention and recruitment rates have continued to be strong.

LEARNING AND OUTREACH

In 2022, thanks to the kind support of trusts, foundations, sponsors and individual RFS members, we received £353,177 in donations and grants to fund our educational outreach work, research and other activities.

Teaching Trees aims to inspire primary school children’s enthusiasm for trees and woodlands and raise awareness of the need to actively manage woods. It is a unique programme of teacher-led, curriculum- linked outdoor learning which receives consistently high praise from teachers, children and parents.

In 2022, we reached over 6,800 children in total through delivery of over 250 sessions. We reached over 4,000 different children, of whom 38% were from target schools in areas of multiple deprivation or special needs. The numbers of children reached are the highest since 2019, but still not up to pre-COVID levels of activity. Over 60 teachers, freelance providers and outdoor education leaders attended one of our training courses to increase their knowledge and confidence in teaching in a woodland environment.

There were more than 52,000 registrations during the year, for the special Queen’s Green Canopy Junior Forester Award, which engaged children and young people in the subject of sustainable woodland management in 2022.

Forestry Roots continued thanks to the kind support of the ALA Green Charitable Trust. The programme enables the RFS to place young people into their first paid forestry employment on one-year contracts with RFS members, committed to high standards of training, coaching and development of young people. In 2022, 7 trainees secured full-time forestry positions across England and Wales through the programme.

EXTERNAL REPRESENTATION AND COMMUNICATIONS

The RFS continued to actively represent members’ views to policy makers and influencers and worked collaboratively with other forestry organisations to promote the sector’s collective interests. The UK’s withdrawal from the European Union (EU) has triggered a requirement to renew land use policy, which will have far-reaching impacts on forestry practice. Additionally, there is growing recognition from policy makers of the key role forestry can play to address wider environmental, economic and societal issues such as climate change, losses to biodiversity and abundance, and people’s well-being.

THE ROYAL FORESTRY SOCIETY

TRUSTEES' REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

The RFS submitted a number of consultation responses including those on Deer Management Strategy, Sustainable Timber, and the UK Forestry Standard. Government launched the England Trees Action Plan (ETAP) in May 2020, which describes an aspiration to increase the rate of woodland creation. There is much work still to do if we are to achieve the Government’s targets, including reducing the bureaucracy e.g., around land use change, and investing and focusing resources on developing skills and capacity in the sector.

The new Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS) has the potential to help transform more land into forestry, but also provide incentives to encourage more woodland to be managed. The RFS has continued to be in direct liaison with Government Ministers to make the case for the ELMS to provide appropriate support for woodland management. The RFS will continue to work with others across the sector to help shape this and other key instruments of land policy.

The RFS is represented on a number of forums, including the Applicants Focus Group, All-Party Parliamentary Group on Forestry and Tree Planting, UK Squirrel Accord, Forestry Climate Change Partnership (FCCP), Defra’s Tree Health Policy Group, the Forestry Skills Forum, and the England Woodland Biodiversity Group. We have had active input to the UK Plant Biosecurity Strategy and became one of 30 signatories to the new Public Engagement in Plant Health Accord.

The Society’s communications continued to focus on three key priority topics; woodland resilience, forestry skills and the development of forestry policy. In 2022, we issued 42 press releases and the RFS was covered in the national, regional and trade media on several occasions on a range of subjects. These included Her Majesty The Queen’s 70[th] anniversary celebrations and sadly her death, pests and diseases, grants, schools and Teaching Trees initiatives and partnerships. Media highlights this year included an appearance on BBC Radio 4 Costing the Earth show and continued widespread national coverage of the Queens Green Canopy Junior Forester Awards. There was also good coverage of various stories the RFS generated through the year in trade press including Horticulture Week and the Forestry Journal.

As well as being a hub of helpful literature, information and news items, the webpages support our developing Social Media output and host a number of informative and instructive case studies. In 2022, in partnership with the Forestry Commission, we published a series of case studies on the subject of Managing for resilience and Ash Dieback volume 2. This year we also published 14 stimulating blogs on careers, use of timber from Hockeridge for tipi poles, women in forestry, use of drones and seasonal activities for families. All the blogs were hosted on the new website and promoted through our social media.

Interest in our special Jubilee edition of the Junior Forester Award in partnership with the Queen’s Green Canopy continued and helped attract visits to our webpages. By the end of the year, our website was receiving in the region of 29,500 hits per month, a new record for the website.

The number of Social Media followers has continued to grow on all platforms. Facebook RFS by 217 to 3,984 people following our page. Facebook RFS Teaching Trees Page increased by 142, to 1,234 followers. Use of Instagram rose by 53.9% to 2,378 followers in comparison to 2021. We also restarted our LinkedIn page and have gained 1,067 followers since mid-February. We added 19 new videos to our YouTube channel which now has 850 subscribers. This included several professionally commissioned curriculum-based outdoor learning resources. All these efforts are succeeding in projecting the RFS brand well beyond its membership and the forestry community to reach a wider audience.

AWARDS AND BURSARIES

The James Cup which is awarded each year for the best article published in the QJF as judged independently by a selection of members, was won by Eleanor Tew, Rob Coventry, Emily Fensom and Chris Sorensen (all from Forestry Commission or Forestry England) for their excellent article on Forest Resilience. Of the article, one judge said, “A massive and vital subject but treated with enough depth here to be a really meaningful article.”

Randle Travel Bursaries are awarded to RFS members to undertake independent travel to study various aspects

of forestry. In 2022, 2 Randle Travel Bursaries were awarded.

Viking Bursaries can be awarded to those undertaking a FdSc, BSc, MSc or PhD course studying any aspect of forestry which benefits the practical management and resilience of woodlands. In 2022, 1 Viking Bursary was awarded.

THE ROYAL FORESTRY SOCIETY

TRUSTEES' REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

After deferring RFS Long Service Awards for 2 years due to the COVID pandemic, in 2022 we returned to normal service and several awards were made through the year, mostly at Woodland meetings.

The Excellence in Forestry Awards is a prestigious award programme which recognises best practice in woodland management and forestry education across 5 award categories. The competition in 2022 was a little different to the norm as we celebrated the Best of the Best from the previous 5 regional rounds. The Awards were held at the National Memorial Arboretum within the National Forest. The Awards were kindly sponsored by PEFC, Tilhill, Trees Please, Savills, FSC, the Forestry Journal and the Woodland Trust. The National Forest Company kindly contributed towards the cost of the Awards ceremony event. Our thanks also go to all the Awards judges for their support.

The Shere Manor Estate, Surrey won the RFS Award for Excellence in Silviculture. The Duke of Cornwall Award for resilience multi-purpose forestry was won by Bramshill, Hampshire, managed by Forestry England’s South Forest District. Bron Haul, North Wales won the Small and Farm woodland Award. The RFS Community woodland Excellence award was won by Slieve Gullion Forest Park, Co. Armagh. The RFS Education and learning award excellence award was won jointly by Coleg Glynllifon Further Education College, Gwynedd and Hill Holt Wood, Norton Disney, Lincoln.

The Sylva trophy , kindly gifted to the RFS by the Evelyn family, is awarded to an individual considered by the RFS to have made an outstanding contribution to forestry in its broadest sense. In 2022 there was no Award due to there being no regional round of the Excellence in Forestry Awards. The Sylva trophy will return in 2023.

RFS WOODS

The RFS owns and manages three working woodlands which aim to demonstrate how multi-purpose woodland can be managed to meet financial, conservation and educational objectives.

The Charles Ackers Redwood Grove and Naylor Pinetum at Leighton in North Wales continued to be looked after by Honorary Warden Eve Over, supported by an Advisory group. A tree safety assessment was undertaken and the impressive stand of Coastal Redwoods were measured by Dave Williams, Richard Carrick and Peter Cadwallader. The Site also attracted media attention, including authors Tracy Chevalier and Jonathan Drori who featured on Radio 4 show Open Country. Later in the year, the authors also joined the RFS Book Club for an entertaining evening sharing stories around their work. Presenter Iolo Williams also visited the Redwoods this year for a new programme to be broadcast in 2023.

At Hockeridge and Pancake Woods in the Chilterns, the 3 compartments felled in 2021 were re-planted. The opportunity was taken to experiment using a diverse range of site-suitable species which evidence suggests will be resilient to the impact of climate change. We thank Green the UK for funding the re-stocking at the woods. All works on site are organised by our agent, John Morris, supported by the Chilterns Society volunteer work party and the Advisory group. A highlight in 2022 was the special ceremonial tree planting day described above.

At Battram Wood in the National Forest, our agents, Nick and Emma Barnes from Native Forestry oversaw routine ride mowing and cutting. The compartments restocked in 2017, are continuing to establish well. The National Forest undertook surveys to assess the population levels and impacts of grey squirrels, including Battram woods. Interestingly, the report on Battram concluded there was little evidence of high, active population numbers within Battram wood at this time. No squirrels were seen and only two dreys were noted throughout. Much of the damage noted appeared to be historic.

Staff, contractors and volunteers

There were a few changes to our staffing and support personnel. Dr John Jackson, former RFS CEO and longserving editor of the e-news bulletin retired from this role. Elle Mcallister started in a new role as our Digital Communications Officer, to support the website and our digital comms. Claire Street stepped down from her role as Training and Events Officer and was replaced by Andrea Donnelly. Alice Parker stepped down from her role as Development Officer and was replaced by Stephen Thomas. Dr Freia Bladon moved on from her role as Commissioning Editor for the QJF and was replaced by Adam Bradbury. Dr Rachel Thomas stepped down from her role as Excellence in Forestry Awards Coordinator. Finally, Philp Mearns was appointed into a new role, the Ready to Earn Project Officer, based in Kent.

THE ROYAL FORESTRY SOCIETY

TRUSTEES' REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

At the end of the year there were eleven RFS staff (7.6 FTE) ably supported by freelance contractors who, among other important activities, edit our publications, manage our PR and communications and deliver the Teaching Trees sessions to children and help to manage the RFS woods. The RFS also depends on the energy and goodwill of a large number of volunteers to support its work, particularly in the Divisions, who dedicate many hours to organising local events for members.

The trustees thank all our staff, contractors and volunteers for their hard work and commitment during 2022. Staff have maintained efficient and effective operations and high standards of service for members and supporters. Divisional volunteers continued to support members by organizing Woodland meetings and through effective and regular communications.

Financial review

Total income in 2022 was £783,351 over 30% higher than the previous year. Income from Membership subscriptions, Donations, Grants and Events was all greater than the previous year. Investment income and income generated from our woods were both down slightly on the previous year.

Total expenditure for the year was £772,445, an increase of nearly 30% compared to 2021. Expenditure on staff expenses, education outreach, publications and fundraising costs were all higher due to increased post-covid activity, investment in those areas (e.g. staffing) and due to rising costs from inflation. Expenditure on events increased significantly, nearly £70k, due to the Overseas Study Tour to Finland finally going ahead after being postponed twice due to the pandemic.

As a result, we recorded a net surplus of £10,906. There was a decrease in the value of investments of £214,492 reflecting movements in global stock markets, which means there was a decrease in charitable funds for the year of £203,586.

Reserves policy

The total funds at 31 December 2022 were £2,110,563. Restricted funds representing donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes were £568,206. Designated funds set aside from unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific educational activities and to provide for future running costs were £1,455,882. Accordingly, an amount of £86,475 is freely available to finance the charity’s general purposes. This amount represents just over two months of normal expenditure by the charity. The trustees intend to increase this to a level at which the Society can ensure operational continuity in the event of a severe disruption.

Investment policy

Management of the Society’s investments is governed by an investment policy approved by the Board of Trustees in October 2019. The Society’s investments are held in equities, gilt-edged stocks and unit trusts, all quoted on the London Stock Exchange and managed by Canaccord Genuity, formerly Punter Southall Wealth. There are two portfolios, a managed fund which aims for a balance between capital growth and an income yield above that which could be earned on relevant benchmarks, and an execution only portfolio of exchange traded funds with lower management costs. During the year no funds were added to the portfolio (2021- £30,000). The total value of RFS investments at the end of 2022 was £1,523,029 which is 12% lower than 2021.

Plans for future periods

In 2019 and 2020 the Board undertook a review of strategy and set out its strategic aims and objectives for the next ten years in a paper circulated to all Divisional Committee volunteers. The strategy builds on the Society’s core strengths and values to increase focus on the development and communication of silvicultural skills and knowledge, a more active role in supporting silvicultural research and a strengthened external representation, fundraising and communications capability.

Membership development remains key to the further development of the Society. To help support those in the early stages of their forestry careers, and hopefully retain the interest and involvement of student members, we will establish a network to support people in the first 10 years of their forestry careers. We will also develop the Divisions webpage with the aim of creating a more engaging and informative webpage, to refresh the importance of the Divisions play in building and supporting our membership.

The business has grown appreciably in recent years and the Head Office team receives more enquiries, and handles and increasing number of transactions. We will strengthen the core capacity to support these functions.

THE ROYAL FORESTRY SOCIETY

TRUSTEES' REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

Structure, governance and management

Governance

As a company limited by guarantee, the RFS' rules are set out in its Memorandum and Articles of Association which can be found on the RFS web site: www.rfs.org.uk. During 2022 all Trustee meetings (except for 15 February meeting, held by videoconference), were held in person. Both Council meetings and the AGM were held by videoconference.

Appointment of Trustees

The RFS Council nominates the President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Chairman for election at the Annual General Meeting. Each Division of the Society appoints one member to Council which also includes the past Presidents, the Directors and up to six co-opted members.

Trustee induction and training

New Directors are given appropriate induction about the RFS and their duties as trustees. The Board regularly reviews its policies and practices in the light of Charity Commission advice.

Related parties

None of our trustees receive remuneration or other benefits from their work with the charity. In the current year no related party transactions were reported.

Pay policy for senior staff

The directors consider the Board of directors, who are trustees of the Society, and the senior management team comprise the key management personnel of the charity in charge of directing and controlling, running and operating the Society on a day to day basis. All directors give of their time freely and no director received remuneration in the year. Details of directors' expenses and related party transactions are disclosed in notes 11 and 21 to the accounts.

The pay policy for senior staff is reviewed annually by the Board, based on market conditions and changes to roles and responsibilities.

Risk management

The trustees have assessed the risks to which the charity is exposed and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.

Reference and Administrative details

Charity number: 306093 Company number: 05306975 Registered office: The Hay Barns, Home Farm Drive, Upton, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX15 6HU

Our advisors

Auditors Ellacotts Audit Services Countrywide House, 23 West Bar, Banbury, Oxfordshire, England, Limited OX16 9SA Bankers CAF Bank ltd 25 Kings Hill Avenue, West Malling, Kent, ME19 4JQ Solicitors Birkett Long LLP Number one, Legg Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1JS Investment advisors Canaccord Genuity 88 Wood Street, London, EC2V 7QR

THE ROYAL FORESTRY SOCIETY

TRUSTEES' REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

The directors of the charitable company are its trustees for the purposes of charity law. The directors shown below have held office during the period from 1 January 2022 to the date of this report.

Sir James Scott (President until 30 September) B Herbert (Elected President from 1 October) K Hall (Re-elected Chair of the Board from 1 October) R Morgan-Giles (Re-elected Treasurer from 26 April) G Dennison (Appointed 7 June 2022) A Field (Elected Vice President from 1 October) (Appointed 1 October 2022) D Gwillam (Resigned 3 October 2022) J Hamilton Stubber (Resigned 3 October 2022) A Jackson (Resigned 3 October 2022) C Lundberg H Schiavone (Appointed 7 June 2022) I Tubby A Woods (Resigned 3 October 2022)

(Appointed 7 June 2022) (Appointed 1 October 2022) (Resigned 3 October 2022) (Resigned 3 October 2022) (Resigned 3 October 2022)

Disclosure of information to auditor

In so far as the trustees are aware at the time of approving our trustees' annual report:

.........................

Mr B Herbert

President

Dated: Tuesday 14th February 2023

THE ROYAL FORESTRY SOCIETY

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

The trustees, who are also the directors of The Royal Forestry Society for the purpose 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 accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.

In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity 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 charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and financial information included on the charity's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of accounts may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

THE ROYAL FORESTRY SOCIETY

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE ROYAL FORESTRY SOCIETY

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of The Royal Forestry Society (the ‘charity’) for the year ended 31 December 2022 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities incuding the Summary Income and Expenditure Account, the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Cash Flows and the notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting 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's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity 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 charity’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 annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. 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.

THE ROYAL FORESTRY SOCIETY

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE ROYAL FORESTRY SOCIETY

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

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

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charity and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors' report included within the trustees 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:

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the statement of trustees responsibilities, set out on page 8, the trustees, who are also the directors of the charity for the purpose 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 charity’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 charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor's 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.

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.

THE ROYAL FORESTRY SOCIETY

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)

TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE ROYAL FORESTRY SOCIETY

As part of the audit in accordance with ISAs (UK), we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also performed the following procedures:

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https:// 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 company’s members, as a body, in accordance with section 391 of the Companies Act 2014. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the 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 company and the company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Charlotte Toemaes Bsc FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Ellacotts Audit Services Limited

Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditor Countrywide House 23 West Bar Banbury Oxfordshire England OX16 9SA

26 April 2022 Date: .........................

THE ROYAL FORESTRY SOCIETY

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2022
2022
Notes
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
103,863
263,946
Income from charitable
activities
Seminars, meetings and
events
4
56,023
11,163
Subscriptions from
members
4
249,874
-
Forestry
4
12,965
-
Other income
5
12,660
12,496
Investment Income
6
52,291
8,070
Total income
487,676
295,675
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
7
59,145
686
Charitable activities
8
472,094
240,520
Total resources
expended
531,239
241,206
Net gains/(losses) on
investments
12
(185,794)
(28,698)
Net movement in funds
(229,357)
25,771
Fund balances at 1
January 2022
1,771,714
542,435
Fund balances at 31
December 2022
1,542,357
568,206		 Total
Unrestricted
funds
2022
2021
£
£
367,809
72,969
67,186
-
249,874
235,834
12,965
14,353
25,156
6,688
60,361
57,406
783,351
387,250
59,831
57,610
712,614
335,345
772,445
392,955
(214,492)
130,984
(203,586)
125,279
2,314,149
1,646,435
2,110,563
1,771,714		 Restricted
funds
2021
£
159,037
14,671
-
-
19,917
8,440
202,065
724
200,570
201,294
20,232
21,003
521,432
542,435		 Total
2021
£
232,006
14,671
235,834
14,353
26,605
65,846
589,315
58,334
535,915
594,249
151,216
146,282
2,167,867
2,314,149

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.

THE ROYAL FORESTRY SOCIETY

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2022

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
14
Investments
15
Current assets
Stocks
16
Debtors
17
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
18
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Income funds
Restricted funds
19
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
20
General unrestricted funds		 2022
£
£
308,168
1,523,029
1,831,197
3,332
58,904
281,417
343,653
(64,287)
279,366
2,110,563
568,206
1,455,882
86,475
1,542,357
2,110,563		 2021
£
£
309,206
1,731,662
2,040,868
2,209
40,616
294,416
337,241
(63,960)
273,281
2,314,149
542,435
1,522,832
248,882
1,771,714
2,314,149		 2021
£
£
309,206
1,731,662
2,040,868
2,209
40,616
294,416
337,241
(63,960)
273,281
2,314,149
542,435
1,522,832
248,882
1,771,714
2,314,149
2,040,868
273,281
2,314,149
542,435
1,771,714
2,314,149

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on Tuesday 14th February 2023

B Herbert (Elected President from 1 October) Trustee

Company registration number 05306975

THE ROYAL FORESTRY SOCIETY

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

2022
Notes
£
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash absorbed by operations
24
Investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
(3,248)
Purchase of investments
(175,900)
Proceeds from disposal of investments
170,041
Investment income received
60,361
Net cash generated from investing
activities
Net cash used in financing activities
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash
equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		 2021
£
£
(64,253)
(665)
(403,219)
375,861
65,846
51,254
-
(12,999)
294,416
281,417		 £
(16,820)
37,823
-
21,003
273,413
294,416

THE ROYAL FORESTRY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

The Royal Forestry Society is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is given in the reference and administrative details on page 5.

1.1 Accounting convention

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) (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

The Royal Forestry Society 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 notes.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the accounts, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the accounts.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds - Unrestricted funds are spent or applied at the discretion of the trustees to further any of the charity’s purposes.

Restricted funds - Funds held on specific trusts under charity law are classed as restricted funds. The specific trusts may be declared by the donor when making the gift or may result from the terms of an appeal for funds. The specific trusts establish the purpose for which the charity can lawfully use the restricted funds.

1.4 Incoming resources

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Income from donations, subscriptions, legacies, grants, sales of merchandise and forestry activities is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.

Legacies are included in the year in which they are quantifiable and receivable, which is when the charity becomes entitled to the resource.

Income tax recoverable on covenanted subscriptions and Gift Aid is credited in the year in which the subscriptions or donations are receivable.

Donated assets are accounted for at their market value at the time of the donation.

THE ROYAL FORESTRY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 Resources expended

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 are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

Salaries and other support costs have been allocated to expenditure headings on the basis of time spent on those activities. Transactions carried out by divisions have been included in these financial statements, based on their approved accounts for the year. Governance costs are those incurred in compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Freehold properties held for charity use are included at the value at which they were held by the previous, unincorporated, charity.

Other tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses. Investment assets are included at market value.

Depreciation has not been charged on freehold buildings where the useful economic life is expected to exceed fifty years. Freehold land is not depreciated. The Leighton chalet is being written off over its useful economic life of thirty years, and office and other equipment over five years. No depreciation is charged on the library books as the residual value is estimated to be the same or higher than cost.

Freehold land and buildings 30 years straight line on buildings Computer and office equipment 5 years straight line Library books Not depreciated

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Fixed asset investments

Investments are stated in the balance sheet at market value. The difference between market value and original cost of the investment are shown as net gains or losses and transferred to the revaluation reserve. The difference between the balance sheet value and the proceed of investments disposed of it shown as a gain or loss in the statement of financial activities.

1.8 Stocks

Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after making due allowance for obsolete and slow moving items.

1.9 Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts.

THE ROYAL FORESTRY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.10 Financial instruments

The trust 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.

1.11 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.12 Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

2 Critical accounting estimates

In the application of the Charity's accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

Critical judgements

The trustees do not believe there to be any estimates or judgements which have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities.

3 Donations and legacies

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2022
2022
£
£
Donations and gifts
63,228
263,946
Legacies receivable
6,000
-
Grants
34,635
-
103,863
263,946		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2022
2021
2021
£
£
£
327,174
38,634
158,537
6,000
2,000
500
34,635
32,335
-
367,809
72,969
159,037		 Total
2021
£
197,171
2,500
32,335
232,006

THE ROYAL FORESTRY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

4 Income from charitable activities

Seminars,
meetings and
events
Subscriptions
from members
2022
2022
£
£
Sales within charitable activities
67,186
249,874
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
56,023
249,874
Restricted funds
11,163
-
67,186
249,874		 Forestry
2022
£
12,965
12,965
-
12,965		 Total
2022
Seminars,
meetings and
events
Subscriptions
from members
2021
2021
£
£
£
330,025
14,671
235,834
318,862
-
235,834
11,163
14,671
-
330,025
14,671
235,834		 Forestry
2021
£
14,353
14,353
-
14,353		 Total
2021
£
264,858
250,187
14,671
264,858

THE ROYAL FORESTRY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

5 Other income

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2022
2022
£
£
Other income
12,660
12,496
Investment Income
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2022
2022
£
£
Income from listed
investments
51,845
8,008
Interest receivable
446
62
52,291
8,070
Raising funds
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2022
2022
£
£
Fundraising and publicity
Other fundraising costs
2,269
-
Staff costs
50,840
-
Fundraising and publicity
53,109
-
Investment management
costs
6,036
686
59,145
686		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2022
2021
2021
£
£
£
25,156
6,688
19,917
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2022
2021
2021
£
£
£
59,853
57,306
8,440
508
100
-
60,361
57,406
8,440
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2022
2021
2021
£
£
£
2,269
1,105
-
50,840
50,132
-
53,109
51,237
-
6,722
6,373
724
59,831
57,610
724		 Total
2021
£
26,605
Total
2021
£
65,746
100
65,846
Total
2021
£
1,105
50,132
51,237
7,097
58,334

6 Investment Income

7 Raising funds

THE ROYAL FORESTRY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

8 Charitable activities

Membership
services
Education
Forestry
2022
2022
2022
£
£
£
Staff costs
177,936
73,146
-
Depreciation and impairment
4,286
-
-
Postage & stationery
17,047
107
-
Travel costs
2,454
4,627
3,447
Computer costs
1,369
191
-
Membership costs
13,697
-
-
Publicity, advertising and journal costs
66,639
789
-
Seminar and meeting costs
7,951
22,232
-
Competition and judging costs
1,641
10,935
-
Forestry costs
-
-
34,374
Premises costs
30,552
-
-
Membership events
61,119
-
-
Education project costs
-
138,493
-
384,691
250,520
37,821
Share of support costs (see note 9)
30,544
369
-
Share of governance costs (see note 9)
8,669
-
-
423,904
250,889
37,821
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
421,594
12,679
37,821
Restricted funds
2,310
238,210
-
423,904
250,889
37,821		 Total
2022
Membership
services
Education
Forestry
2021
2021
2021
£
£
£
£
251,082
134,731
45,341
-
4,286
3,365
-
-
17,154
12,477
-
-
10,528
1,475
3,389
3,755
1,560
1,079
242
-
13,697
11,429
-
-
67,428
70,008
2,188
-
30,183
2,500
15,356
-
12,576
523
9,405
-
34,374
-
-
10,341
30,552
28,945
-
-
61,119
-
-
-
138,493
-
133,313
-
673,032
266,532
209,234
14,096
30,913
36,881
1,126
-
8,669
8,046
-
-
712,614
311,459
210,360
14,096
472,094
310,594
10,655
14,096
240,520
865
199,705
-
712,614
311,459
210,360
14,096		 Total
2021
£
180,072
3,365
12,477
8,619
1,321
11,429
72,196
17,856
9,928
10,341
28,945
-
133,313
489,862
38,007
8,046
535,915
335,345
200,570
535,915

THE ROYAL FORESTRY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

9 Support costs

Support
costs
Governance
costs
£
£
General office
21,479
-
Sundry
7,264
-
Other staff costs
2,170
-
Audit fees
-
4,317
Accountancy
-
3,352
Officers expenses
-
1,000
30,913
8,669
Analysed between
Charitable activities
30,913
8,669		 2022
Support
costs
Governance
costs
£
£
£
21,479
19,677
-
7,264
8,505
-
2,170
9,825
-
4,317
-
4,115
3,352
-
3,352
1,000
-
579
39,582
38,007
8,046
39,582
38,007
8,046		 2021
Basis of allocation
£
19,677
Support
8,505
Support
9,825
Support
4,115
Governance
3,352
Governance
579
Governance
46,053
46,053

Governance costs includes payments to the auditors of £4,317 (2021- £4,115) for audit fees.

THE ROYAL FORESTRY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

10 Trustees

None of the trustees (nor any persons connected with them) received any remuneration during the year, but four of them were reimbursed a total of £2,375 of expenses (2021- four were reimbursed £579).

11 Employees

Number of employees

The average monthly head count was 10 staff and the average monthly number of full-time equivalent employees during the year was as follows:

Management
Education staff
Support staff
Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs
The number of employees whose annual remuneration was £60,000 or more
were:
£60,001 to £70,000		 2022
Number
1.00
1.40
5.20
7.60
2022
£
281,335
15,818
4,769
301,922
2022
Number
1		 2021
Number
1.00
1.40
4.00
6.40
2021
£
215,739
11,413
3,052
230,204
2021
Number
-

The total employee remuneration and benefits of the key management personnel of the Charity were £66,321 (2021 - £53,133).

12 Net gains/(losses) on investments

Unrestricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds funds
2022 2022 2022 2021 2021 2021
£ £ £ £ £ £
Revaluation of
investments (185,794) (28,698) (214,492) 130,984 20,232 151,216

THE ROYAL FORESTRY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

13 Taxation

The company is a registered charity and is exempt from corporation tax on its income and capital gains.

14 Tangible fixed assets

Freehold land
and buildings
Computer and
office
equipment
Library books
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 January 2022
308,691
40,089
5,000
Additions
-
2,758
-
At 31 December 2022
308,691
42,847
5,000
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2022
10,893
33,681
-
Depreciation charged in the year
573
3,223
-
At 31 December 2022
11,466
36,904
-
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2022
297,225
5,943
5,000
At 31 December 2021
297,798
6,408
5,000		 Total
£
353,780
2,758
356,538
44,574
3,796
48,370
308,168
309,206

15 Fixed asset investments

Listed
investments
£
Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2022 1,731,662
Acquisitions 175,900
Valuation changes (214,492)
Disposals (170,041)
At 31 December 2022 1,523,029
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2022 1,523,029
At 31 December 2021 1,731,662

THE ROYAL FORESTRY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

16
Stocks
Merchandise
17
Debtors: amounts falling due within one
year
Trade debtors
VAT recoverable
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
18
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Other taxation and social security
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income		 2022
£
3,332
2022
£
41,233
3,887
4,200
9,584
58,904
2022
£
5,551
10,770
-
47,966
64,287		 2021
£
2,209
2021
£
25,178
-
4,200
11,238
40,616
2021
£
4,501
7,284
1,799
50,376
63,960

THE ROYAL FORESTRY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

19 Restricted funds

The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes:

Balance at
1 January
2021
r
£
Duke of Cornwall Fund
28,002
Leslie Astle Fund
27,258
NDG James Fund
41,840
Spencer Bursary Fund
22,959
Teaching Trees Fund
103,689
Randle Travel Fund
41,367
Viking Fund
69,931
Future Foresters Fund
186,386
Wise About Woods Funds
-
521,432		 Movement in funds
Incoming
esources
Resources
expended
Revaluations,
gains and
losses
Balance at
1 January 2022
r
£
£
£
£
6,246
(9,599)
5,383
30,032
763
(1)
1,830
29,850
1,369
(154)
3,281
46,336
-
(386)
-
22,573
78,291
(59,601)
-
122,379
1,602
(180)
3,841
46,630
2,460
(3)
5,897
78,285
87,021
(115,465)
-
157,942
24,313
(15,905)
-
8,408
202,065
(201,294)
20,232
542,435		 Movement in funds
Incoming
esources
Resources
expended
Revaluations,
gains and
losses
Balance at
31
December
2022
£
£
£
£
11,842
(11,174)
(7,636)
23,064
725
(711)
(2,595)
27,269
2,083
(1,753)
(4,654)
42,012
-
(330)
-
22,243
55,809
(68,654)
-
109,534
1,522
(720)
(5,448)
41,984
2,337
(1,515)
(8,365)
70,742
202,537
(136,473)
-
224,006
18,820
(19,876)
-
7,352
295,675
(241,206)
(28,698)
568,206		 Movement in funds
Incoming
esources
Resources
expended
Revaluations,
gains and
losses
Balance at
31
December
2022
£
£
£
£
11,842
(11,174)
(7,636)
23,064
725
(711)
(2,595)
27,269
2,083
(1,753)
(4,654)
42,012
-
(330)
-
22,243
55,809
(68,654)
-
109,534
1,522
(720)
(5,448)
41,984
2,337
(1,515)
(8,365)
70,742
202,537
(136,473)
-
224,006
18,820
(19,876)
-
7,352
295,675
(241,206)
(28,698)
568,206
568,206

Duke of Cornwall fund

The income from this fund supports the Duke of Cornwall Award as part of the RFS Excellence in Forestry Awards.

Leslie Astle fund

A donation made by Leslie Astle the income from which contributes to drinks at the RFS annual dinner and other member functions.

NDG James fund

A donation made by the James family in memory of NDG James. The income and accumulated capital of this fund supports the organisation of an RFS conference or lecture.

Spencer bursary fund

A donation made by Anthony Spencer to establish a fund for RFS student members to attend the annual conference or Whole Society Meeting.

THE ROYAL FORESTRY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

19 Restricted funds

(Continued)

Teaching trees fund

A fund established to support the RFS Teaching Trees programme.

Randle travel fund

A donation made by the Donald Randle Trust to fund bursaries for RFS members to undertake overseas travel to study any aspect of forestry.

Viking fund

A legacy received from the estate of Sheila Jorgensen for the purpose of awarding bursaries administered by the Yorkshire Division for forestry related study and travel.

Future foresters fund

A fund established to support the RFS Future Foresters programme.

Wise about Woods fund

A fund established to support the RFS Wise about Woods programme.

THE ROYAL FORESTRY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

20 Designated funds

The income funds of the charity include the following designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes:


Divisions Fund
Education Fund
Hay Barns Fund
Battram Fund
Hockeridge Fund
Leighton Fund		 Balance at
1 January
2021
£
52,327
646,617
400,000
24,978
169,402
215,403
1,508,727		 Incoming
resources
£
10,274
56,251
-
-
15,056
6,445
88,026		 Movement in funds
Resources
expended
Transfers Revaluations,
gains and
losses

£
£
£
(5,769)
(3,354)
-
(59,692)
-
-
-
-
-
(1,332)
-
-
(9,415)
-
-
(3,175)
-
8,816
(79,383)
(3,354)
8,816		 Balance at
1 January
2022
£
53,478
643,176
400,000
23,646
175,043
227,489
1,522,832		 Movement in funds
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Revaluations,
gains and
losses
£
£
£
15,858
(12,149)
-
84,461
(82,439)
-
-
-
-
-
(1,435)
-
12,778
(33,615)
(39,660)
5,143
(3,387)
(12,505)
118,240
(133,025)
(52,165)		 Balance at
31
December
2022
£
57,187
645,198
400,000
22,211
114,546
216,740
1,455,882

Divisions fund

A designated fund representing the funds of the 20 RFS Divisions to support the work of the Society in the Divisions and managed by the elected Divisional officers.

Education fund

It was decided that the Pancake, Banner and Bernard Cox fund were amalgamated into one. All unrestricted donations and legacies will be designated to the Education fund.

Hay Barns fund

A fund established following the disposal of the freehold in the RFS Tring property designated by the Trustees to fund rent, rates and service charges at the RFS Hay Barns office.

THE ROYAL FORESTRY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

20 Designated funds

(Continued)

Battram fund

A fund representing the value of the land, income and expenditure at RFS Battram Wood.

Hockeridge fund

A fund representing the value of the land, income and expenditure at RFS Hockeridge and Pancake Wood.

Leighton fund

A fund representing the value of the land, income and expenditure of the Charles Ackers Redwood Grove and Naylor Pinetum.

THE ROYAL FORESTRY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

21 Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
2022
2022
£
£
Fund balances at 31
December 2022 are
represented by:
Tangible assets
308,168
-
Investments
1,338,204
184,825
Current assets/(liabilities)
(104,015)
383,381
1,542,357
568,206		 Total
Unrestricted
funds
2022
2021
£
£
308,168
309,206
1,523,029
1,518,922
279,366
(56,414)
2,110,563
1,771,714		 Restricted
funds
2021
£
-
212,740
329,695
542,435		 Total
2021
£
309,206
1,731,662
273,281
2,314,149

22 Members' liability

Each member of the charitable company undertakes to contribute to the assets of the company in the event of it being wound up while he or she is a member, or within one year after he or she ceases to be a member, such amount as may be required, not exceeding £10 for the debts and liabilities contracted before he or she ceases to be a member.

23 Operating lease commitments

At the reporting end date the charity had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:

Within one year
Between two and five years
In over five years
24
Cash generated from operations
(Deficit)/surpus for the year
Adjustments for:
Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities
Fair value gains and losses on investments
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets
Movements in working capital:
(Increase) in stocks
(Increase)/decrease in debtors
Increase in creditors
Cash absorbed by operations		 2022
£
4,500
9,462
-
13,962
2022
£
(203,586)
(60,361)
214,492
4,286
(1,123)
(18,288)
327
(64,253)		 2021
£
9,149
12,435
1,527
23,111
2021
£
146,282
(65,846)
(151,216)
3,365
(1,104)
35,417
16,282
(16,820)

THE ROYAL FORESTRY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

25 Related party transactions

During the year donations from Trustee's totalled £nil (2021- £6,570 being £3,200 unrestricted and £3,370 to the Teaching Trees restricted fund.)

During the year payments totalling £3,796 were made to Prees Heath Forest Nurseries, a business owned by one of the charity trustees.

There were no other disclosable related party transactions during the year (2021- none), other than the expenses in note 11.