TEES VALLEY WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED (Company Limited by guarantee — not having a share capital)
Trustees’ Annual Report and Accounts
For the year ended 31% March 2025
Registered charity number 511068
Company Registered in England: Number 1528307
Tees Valley Wildlife Trust — Trustees Annual Report and Accounts LEGAL & ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Trustees|John|Dear|Chair|
|Keith|Hissitt|Secretary|
|Mark|Fishpool|Treasurer|
|Julie|Mason|
|Mike|McNulty|
|Brian|Nicholson|
|Alan|Simkins|
|Anne|Johnson|
|Lynne|Hammond|
|Peter|Kilgour|
|Chief|Executive|Officer|Tom|Harman|
|Charity number|511068|
|Company number|1528307|
|Registered|office|Margrove|Heritage|Centre|
|Margrove|Park|
|Saltburn|
|TS12|3BZ|
|Website|www.teeswildlife.org|
|Independent examiner|Draycott &|Kirk|LLP|
|Chartered|Accountants|
|Cleveland|House|
|92|Westgate|
|Guisborough|
|TS14|6AP|
|Bankers|Barclays Bank|PLC|CAF Bank|
|PO|Box|235|Kings|Hill|
|Stockton|on Tees|West|Malling|
|TS17|6YJ|Kent,|ME19|4TA|
|CAF|Bank|is|a|subsidiary|of the|Charities|Aid|Foundation|
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Tees Valley Wildlife Trust — Trustees Annual Report and Accounts CONTENTS
Trustees’ report page 3to 11 Independent examiner’s report page 12 Statement of financial activities page 13 Balance sheet page 14 Notes to the financial statements page 15 to 24
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Tees Valley Wildlife Trust — Trustees Annual Report and Accounts TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31°* MARCH 2025
The trustees, who are also the directors of Tees Valley Wildlife Trust Limited for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company Law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year 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:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity 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 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 present their report and financial statements for the year ended 315 March 2025.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the charity’s governing document, the Companies Act 2006 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)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1*t January 2016).
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
Summary of Activities in 2024/25
The Tees Valley Wildlife Trust’s focus is on the protection and restoration of wildlife in one of the most nature-depleted regions of the world. Achieving this requires action for rare and threatened wildlife species and their habitats. It also requires action to address the many threats to wildlife, many of which result from people’s attitude and behaviour. People are key to nature’s recovery, we need nature more than ever and yet we are increasingly disconnected from the natural world.
The Trust’s work encompasses both the conservation of wildlife and the engagement of people with the natural world. Central to this is demonstrating the essential role that nature plays in issues as varied as the climate crisis, plant pollination and people’s health and wellbeing.
The following highlights reflect the breadth of activity and the achievements made by the Trust during the year.
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Tees Valley Wildlife Trust — Trustees Annual Report and Accounts
e Local Nature Recovery Strategy
In the 2024 calendar year, the Trust proudly continued to hosted the Tees Valley Nature Partnership (TVNP}, bringing together more than 40 member organisations from across Tees Valley. This collaborative network spans local authorities, conservation charities, community groups, academic institutions, landowners and businesses, all united by a shared vision of enhancing the region’s natural environment.
Our principal focus was on designing and delivering a comprehensive stakeholder engagement programme for the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS).
The depth and breadth of our engagement work were recognised by external reviewers as an exemplar of high-quality, inclusive consultation.
In late 2024, reports of the LNRS were formally handed back to the responsible authority, Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA). As the TVCA moves toward publishing the final strategy in the next financial year, we will continue to champion and support the value of the LNRS.
e Nature education
During the past year, the Trust welcomed 920 children from local schools for immersive visits to our nature reserves and visited 510 children at their schools. Guided by our staff and trained volunteers, students took part in hands-onactivities— pond dipping for invertebrate surveys, bug hunting along hedgerows, bird-song identification and habitat mapping. These field experiences not only ignited scientific curiosity but also boosted physical activity, teamwork and confidence through direct contact with the living world.
Environmental education is central to our mission, especially when delivered under open skies. By combining structured lesson plans with unstructured exploration, we foster deeper learning of ecological concepts — food webs, life-cycle dynamics and ecosystem interdependencies. Outdoor settings nurture observational skills, resilience and a lasting sense of stewardship far beyond what classroom walls can offer.
We are increasingly concerned that children today spend less time outside, curtailing their freedom, active play and opportunities for spontaneous discovery. This detachment from nature threatens both childhood health—reducing exercise and exposure to fresh air—and long-term environmental attitudes. Without early, meaningful encounters with wildlife and wild places, tomorrow’s adults may lack the empathy and motivation needed to protect our planet.
© Barn Owl Project
Over the past year, we partnered with landowners across East Cleveland and its environs to install barn owl nest boxes, monitor their use, and meticulously record fledgling success.
This fully volunteer-led initiative raises awareness of species conservation, encourages hands-on engagement with nature, and shows how small actions—when scaled—can drive significant ecological benefits.
Thanks to these collective efforts, barn owl populations are rebounding throughoutthe region. The project is sustained entirely by donations and the sale of annual barn owl calendars designed and produced by our volunteers.
e Newt ponds
in 2024/25, the Trust excavated 10 large wildlife ponds in various sites across the Tees Valley. Ponds support a vast array of wildlife, not just pond-life such as frogs, toads and diving beetles, but also by providing freshwaterfor a wide variety of birds and animals. They are one of the natural features that has been in
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Tees Valley Wildlife Trust — Trustees Annual Report and Accounts
severe decline across the Tees Valley for decades and their loss increases pressure on wildlife that is already in decline.
Our ponds were created in our capacity as delivery partner in Natural England’s District Level Licencing Scheme forgreat crested newts. It brings the total number of large ponds we have installed in the last three years to 52. Monitoring shows that these benefit all sorts of wildlife in addition to the threatened great crested newt.
REVIEW OF PERFORMANCE AGAINST OBJECTIVES
° Protecting and restoring nature
Last year, we reaffirmed our commitment to advancing the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) through the Tees Valley Nature Partnership (TVNP). During 2024, we led a comprehensive consultation process that brought together over 40 partners—ranging from local authorities and conservation charities to academic researchers and community group leaders. This collaborative approach not only enriched our strategy with diverse insights, but also earned recognition: the Institute of Development Studies and Natural England featured our stakeholder engagement as a case study in their latest research publications.
With the stakeholder consultation phase successfully completed, responsibility for finalising and implementing the LNRS has now sits with the designated authorities.
Last year, we deepened our collaboration with Northumbrian Water Group (NWG), building on our success at Portrack Marsh and extending conservation management across a network of NWG sites throughout the region. This enabled us to implement more habitat management across the region, including sites like Scaling Dam locations, and habitats such as of wetland, grassland, and riparian ecosystems. With the continued funding from NWG, we retained a full-time Conservation Officer who coordinated targeted volunteer conservation work activities, supporting upskilling of volunteers in best-practice habitat management techniques. Engaged with the Enironment Agency and sustainable habitat management solutions in the wake of Climate change and rising sea levels workshops and strengthening local stewardship and awareness through stakeholder and public engagement.
We secured an additional fund to introduce mechanised equipmentfor grassland and reedbed management, which will increase capacity for the year that follows. Boosting vegetation-meadow management capacity, reducing manual-labour hours and freeing up staff and volunteers for monitoring and engagement.
° People taking action for nature
We launched our long-term strategy in 2023 with a bold target: by 2030, one in four people will be actively involved in supporting wildlife and natural habitats. Achieving this goal hinges on two complementary . approaches; Nurturing community-led projects that spark local ownership of conservation efforts. Offering tailored support to those who face barriers to nature access or feel most disconnected from the outdoors
In 2024, we teamed up with The Junction to design a youth-focused nature engagement initiative. This collaboration leveraged The Junction’s deep experience in youth outreach alongside our expertise in nature - based learning to create immersive, meaningful experiences. In the first year, TVWT’s project Key Performance Indicators met or exceeded through the delivery of hands-on activities that strengthened young people’s connection to nature
At Roseworth Gardens in Grange Town became a showcase for community collaboration. in the penultimate year, built capacity among loca! volunteers enabling handoverto the community. Activities included; creating of garden beds, pathways, and habitat features. Training for volunteers in garden management, native planting, and wildlife monitoring. Formal handover ceremony marking community ownership. Regional award recognition for volunteer excellence in community conservation.
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Tees Valley Wildlife Trust — Trustees Annual Report and Accounts
The Trust has continued to build on its well-established approach to community engagement, drawing on lessons learned from the Next Door Nature project and embedding the Team Wilder methodology. By championing hands-on, locally led initiatives, we empower people and communities to take direct action for nature, taking on stewardship while deepening connections with the environment.
In collaboration with a diverse network of partners and stakeholders, including schools, arts organisations, local councils, and conservation groups— we are supporting the delivery of the Stronger Shores project. This work brings creative learning and environmental action into school communities and art collectives, inspiring pupils and creatives to explore coastal habitats, understand flood risks, and actively protect our shores. A dedicated TVWT Project Officer is at the heart of this effort, working closely with communities facing the challenges of flooding, coastal erosion, and climate change. Through tailored workshops, site visits, and sessions, they help groups understand risks, resilient landscapes, and participate in practical tasks to safeguard homes and nature.
Whilst we are focused Tees Valley, the project extends beyond Tees Valley’s boundaries, with other partners linking local action to a broader landscape-scale initiative. We convene a coalition of specialists from ecologists to artists so that people’s on-the-ground efforts translate into coordinated restoration, adaptation, and protection of our coastline. By knitting together expertise and grassroots energy, we ensure that Tees Valley communities contribute meaningfully to a resilient, nature-rich coastline.
° Nature-based solutions
Through the Climate Action Middlesbrough (CAM) project, we have planted more than 5,000 native trees across the Tees Valley. The majority of these saplings were grown from seed collected on our own sites, ensuring each tree carries the genetic heritage of the region and bolsters ecosystem resilience. By prioritising locally sourced species, we’re locking in carbon more effectively and creating woodland corridors that will thrive under changing climatic conditions.
We’ve also partnered with schools throughout Middlesbrough to bring nature directly into playgrounds. Together, we installed new tree corridors, built raised bed and planters, and supported schools to inspired hundreds of pupils to engage with the living world around them. From the town parks to Bonny Grove, Marton West Beck, Sandy Flats and Middle Marsh, our nature-based management solutions have been rolled out across parks, cemeteries and road verges—far surpassing the original targets set at the start of the project and laying the groundworkfor a connected network of green spaces that supports wildlife movement and enhances biodiversity.
On the wellbeing front, we completed the Seaing Sense programme in collaboration with Going for Independence, bringing coastal experiences to people with sensory and mobility impairments. Thanks to a further year of Trust funding, the Men’s Shed project has continued beyond its grant period, offering a vital community hub that promoted mental health through shared projects and peer support. Through the Tees Valley Nature Partnership, we’ve deepened alliances with health professionals and local stakeholders to strengthen green social prescribing into mainstream care. Most recently, we’ve forged a new partnership with Open Country, an accessibility charity, to start to co-design trails and open our reserves so that people of all abilities can reap the restorative benefits of nature.
We have strengthened our partnership with the Environment Agency to evaluate how rising sea levels will affect both coastal habitats and the communities that depend on them. This engagement lays the groundwork for a collaborative programme of work focused on designing and delivering nature-based solutions—such as wetland restoration, saltmarsh creation and floodplain reconnection —that directly address the risks posed by climate change. By embedding adaptation principles into the long-term management of our nature reserves, we ensure that every conservation action not only maximises ecological value but also reinforces resilience at the landscape scale. Through joint research, shared monitoring frameworks and coordinated stakeholder outreach, we’re
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Tees Valley Wildlife Trust — Trustees Annual Report and Accounts crafting sustainable strategies that meet today’s challenges while safeguarding Tees Valley communities against the pressures of tomorrow.
FOCUS FOR NEXT YEAR AND LONG-TERM STRATEGIES
Our 2030 Strategy, “Bringing Nature Back,” details the Trust’s long-term objectives and aligns with the national federation of The Wildlife Trusts’ strategic priorities. Each year, our Business Plan defines the organisation’s focus for the coming period. From the 2025/26 plan, we have identified the following key objectives:
1: Nature is in recovery, with abundant, diverse wildlife
While the handover marks a significant milestone for the LNRS, the TVNP remains fully engaged in driving forward our broader nature recovery and climate goals. Through the TVNP, we will support the delivery of: Researching and development of innovative gre en finance solutions to secure sustainable funding for habitat restoration, biodiversity enhancement, and nature-based ventures. Developing targeted interventions to reduce anti-social behaviour and crime in our green spaces, ensuring they remain safe, accessible, and welcoming for all residents. Fostering youth participation and leadership in climate and nature action through structured programmes, mentorship opportunities, and community-led projects. Delivery of the Tees Valley Nature Conference 2025. We will restore and enhance wildlife habitats while securing investment to support the long-term stewardship of these sites. In addition, we will pursue opportunities to acquire additional land and establish new nature reserves, contributing to a more connected and resilient ecological network.
2: People are taking action for nature and the climate
Through the Stronger Shores Project, we’ll continue to work with schools, community groups and arts organisations to embed coastal conservation and climate change understanding. Our continued collaboration with The Junction places young people at the centre of environmental decision-making.
Working with The Junction’s network of children, teenagers and families, we will host youth participation, providing mentorship to bolster skills, understanding and confidence in accessing nature and issues around nature preservation.
Through our support of the Tees Valley Nature Partnership, we aim to cultivate the next generation of conservationists. Through enabling leadership that explore nature -based solutions to social issues such as mental health and community cohesion, internships and volunteer placements within partner organisations, offering hands-on experience in habitat protection and policy engagement. A regional youth council that feeds directly into the Partnership’s strategic planning
This integrated approach ensures that young leaders are equipped to protect, restore and optimise natural ecosystems as vital solutions to future social and economic challenges.
3: Nature is playing a central and valued role in helping to address local and global problems
We'll continuously draw on insights and achievements from past projects to refine our approach. By deepening existing collaborations and forging new alliances with community groups, government bodies and private sector partners, we amplify our impact and ensure long-term sustainability.
By embedding resilience at every stage, these projects generate co-benefits across economic, health and environmental domains.
Through our membership network and partner organisations, we champion bold, practical steps toward a nature-positive future
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Tees Valley Wildlife Trust — Trustees Annual Report and Accounts By blending direct project delivery with strategic advocacy, we play our part in addressing flood -risk mitigation. Community health improvements via expanded access to restorative natural environments. Global environmental challenges by modelling scalable, nature-based climate solutions.
As we grow our partnerships, we’re committed to creating green spaces that not only survive the pressures of climate change but also become vital hubs forwellbeing,[resilience] and community[pride.]
FINANCIAL REVIEW
In 2024/25, the Trust received generous support from several grant-awarding bodies — including the National Heritage Lottery Fund, the Cummins Foundation, Natural England, the Tees Valley Combined Authority and the local authorities across Tees Valley. Membership subscriptions and donations from supporters also playeda vital role in covering our operational costs, allowing us to deliver on our charitable objectives.
During the year, we secured additional Section 106 Biodiversity Net Gain funding for Gravel Hole. This investment will underpin habitat development on that site over the next 30 years. Looking ahead, the Trust is exploring new investment streams to strengthen our conservation work. We’re collaborating closely with the Tees Valley Nature Partnership and Nature North to identify how industry can play a greater role in driving a green economy — channelling finance into nature conservation, environmental education and community health and wellbeing through deeper connections with nature.
Reserves Policy
The free reserve is an important part of the Trust’s risk management process, protecting the organisation from a number of potential risks such as a short-term downturn in fundraising income or periods of high inflation. In addition, with some of the Trust’s project income paid in arrears of expenditure,the free reserve is essential for managing cash-flow.
The trustees have agreed to establish a level of financial reserve that would support the operational costs of the charity for between 3 and 6 months. The funds currently available to the charity are £335801. The trustees have reviewed the level of its free financial reserve against current staff numbers and the budgeted expenditure for the current financial year. They have concluded that they meet their requirements.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Structure and Governance
Tees Valley Wildlife Trust Limited is registered as a charity with the Charity Commission and is also a company limited by guarantee. It was founded in 1979 and was formerly known as the Cleveland Nature Conservation Trust and Cleveland Wildlife Trust. The organisation’s governing document is its Memorandum and Articles of Association. Anyone can become a member of the Trust.
The Council of Management of the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust Limited comprises a minimum of 10 and maximum of 15 trustees, who are also the directors of the company limited by guarantee. The Council is responsible for[setting][ policy][ and][strategy][ and][for][approving][major][ commitments.][ A][ Chief Executive][Officer][is] appointed by the Council to manage the day to day operations of the charity. Trustees are elected from the membership and all members can nominate trustees prior to the Annual General Meeting. Trustees must retire at the third AGMfollowing their election, although they are eligible for re-election. Council may co-opt additional trustees at any time. Trustees appointed by this method must not exceed one third of its elected membership and must retire from office at the next AGM.
New trustees undertake an induction following a written procedure, to brief them on their legal obligations under charity and company law and the management and operation of the charity. An induction pack is provided and includes items such as the governing document, trustee minutes and audited accounts. New
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Tees Valley Wildlife Trust — Trustees Annual Report and Accounts trustees meet key employees ofthe[charity] and have[the][opportunity][ to][visit][its][nature][reserves] and[current] project sites. The charity encourages training for trustees where this helps them to undertake their duties.
The Wildlife Trusts
The charity is a member of the Wildlife Trusts, a federation of 46 Wildlife Trusts which cover every part of the British Islands, along with the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts (charity number 207238). While each member of the partnership remains entirely independent in terms of governance, The Wildlife Trusts work together collectively towards agreed strategic goals while sharing best practice, skills, and knowledge. They help each other to ensure that leadership and governance structures within Wildlife Trusts and across the movement are underpinned by robust systems that promote aculture of sharing, learning, respect, and mutual trust, so that we can optimise opportunities for change.
Environmental Report
The Trust is committed to minimising any negative environmental impacts that result from its activities as part of our contribution to tackling the climate and ecological emergency. In order to assess and address these impacts we completed an annual audit of our carbon footprint for the year following the standards of the GreenhouseGas Protocol. Asummary is provided below. New items are added to the protocol annually, so a comparative figure has been included to indicate trends since the baseline year. -
In the past year the heating system at the Margrove Heritage Centre was upgraded. Our choice of system was heavily constrained by the location, age and condition of the building, such that no alternatives to fossil fuels were realistically available. We also in the year of 2024 invested in a new vehicle, which is more efficient. Although not an EV, the aspiration is in the future it to move in this direction. Along with exploration of moving away from fossil fuel powered machinery.
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|‘Building|[Fuel][ (stationary][ combustion)]|2orey2014.8|||zozo/213.05|||2021/223.05||2022/238.25| sooayonpa6.38||| 2024/202510-87)|||
|Combes|[eaipment][ Fuel(mobile]|46.0|2.87|||63.a||7.99|3.75|||5.05|
|Purchased electricity (location based)|||26||24]|1.88)|229)|1.88)|0.98|[|]|
|Purchese electricity (market based)|}|||-||4.17/|0.8|||3.43|||
|(Water vge|and wastewater|||0.04|0.02|0.02||0.01|||0.07|||0.01|
|Business|travet {employees}|7|]|3.98/|0.43|||3.28)|5.47|||5.25|||441)|
|‘Travel (casualstaffandvolunteers}|-||0.23)|1.14|0.41|||164/50|1.82|||
|Employee commuting|||29.58]|592)|14.75)|23.37]|27.88|||78.81|||
|Greenhouse|gaa amisaions overtime for|||
|lcategorias raported on since|the baseline|67.00|14.62|31.06|43.65|50.24|42.58|
|lonly. (Totals given to|show|trend)|‘||||"||||
||Purchased|goods|11.49|106.76|F384|
|Purchases services (excluding water)|(43.58)|13.38|||28.54|||
|Capital|foods|||-||-|||3.57|||
|Fuelincludedand energyin scoperelated 1|or scope activities 2|not|||||||442|4.22|||B74||
|‘Upstream transportation and distribution|-||-/|||
|Waste generated in operations|||||||6.29|0.1|||0.78|||
|Employees workinghomhome|SCS|4.45|||224)|4.82)|10>|745|||
|Jpstream leased assets|||||||||
|‘Downstream transportation and distribution|j|||||
|‘Total|greenhousega emissions {tCO2e)|||||||88.50,|175.30|||166.08|
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Public Benefit
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Tees Valley Wildlife Trust — Trustees Annual Report and Accounts The work of the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust Limited addresses threats to people and the natural world such as the unsustainable consumption of the world's natural resources and damage to the natural ecosystems which support the planet. Our report provides detail of the benefits to people’s health and wellbeing that come from engagement with nature and access to natural environments. Our activities are provided for all sectors of society and our sites, which are distributed widely across the Tees Valley, are made freely available to all.
In reviewing our aims and objectives and as part of the planning of future work, the trustees have taken account of the guidance given by the Charity Commission on public benefit. Careful consideration is given to ensuring that activities consistently contribute to the charity’s objectives.
Investment Policy
The trustees, having regard to the financial reserves policy, have operated a policy of keeping available funds in interest bearing deposit accounts with competitive levels of interest and with ethical investment policies.
Remuneration Policy
Our approach to remuneration is designed to ensure we can attract and retain the talented and motivated people we need to achieve our mission and deliver our strategic goals. It is applied consistently across the organisation.
The trustees aim to pay staff competitively in the not-for-profit sector within the context of affordability. Salaries are benchmarked across the Wildlife Trusts partnership and against other environmental charities working in the North of England.
The Management of Risk
The Trustees are responsible for ensuring that the organisation has a sound system of internal control to safeguard its assets and funds, and that they use their best endeavours to ensure that its policies are implemented and its aims and objectives met. For reasons of cost and practicality, the system of internal control is intended to manage rather than eliminate risks, and to give reasonable rather than absolute assurances.
The system of internal control includes:
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e An annual Business Plan which is developed by the trustees and staff. This is a strategic plan which covers the aims and objectives of the organisation and is used to ensure that all activity meets with the Trust’s charitable objects. The plan also sets a project programme and budget for the year
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e Council reviews progress against the Business Plan and budget fourtimes each year through management accounts and a project report.
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e A Project Management System is used to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of expenditure on projects and the achievement of outputs and outcomes.
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e A Risk Register is reviewed regularly during the year and is updated annually by Council
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e AHealth and Safety Policy and Procedures are followed. Council reviews Health and Safety issues at least every six months. External Health and Safety audits and reviews are made by the Local Authority and the Health and Safety Executive.
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e A policy and detailed working procedures are followed on child protection and working with vulnerable adults. They are subject to annual update and review.
This report was approved by the Council of ManagementJuly 2025 and is signed on their behalf by the Chair:
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Tees Valley Wildlife Trust — Trustees Annual Report and Accounts JohnChairman Dear ( hin. ee / {
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Tees Valley Wildlife Trust — Trustees Annual Report and Accounts
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF TEES VALLEY WILDLIFE TRUST
| report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 31st March 2025 which are set out on pages 12 to 24,
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity’s trustees, who are also the directors of Tees Valley Wildlife Trust for the purposes of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. The Charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 and | am qualified to undertake the examination by beinga qualified memberof the Institute of Chartered Certified Accountants.
Having satisfied myself that the Charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:
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® examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
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® to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5){b) of the 2011 Act; and
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e to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the financial statements presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the next statement.
Independent examiner's statement
in connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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(a) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
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® to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; and
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e to prepare financial statements which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities;
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have not been met; or
(b) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
C Mason FCCA Draycott & Kirk Chartered Accountants Cleveland House 92 Westgate Guisborough Cleveland TS14 GAP
Dated: \ %/3/ af” STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
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Tees Valley Wildlife Trust — Trustees Annual Report and Accounts FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31°* MARCH 2025
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Unrestricted|Restricted|Total|Total|
|funds|funds|
|2025|2025|2025|2024|
|Notes.|£|£|£|£|
|Income from:|
|Donations and legacies|6,512|485|6,997|14,567|
|Charitable activities|3|114,530|534478|°|699,008|990,089|
|Investment|535|395|534|
|Otherincome|1,400|1,400|-|
|Total income|121,637|586,363|708,000;|1,005,190|
|Expenditure on:|
|Charitable activities|4|196,734|468,855|"665,589|613,548|
|Net {outgoing} /incoming|
|reseurces before transfers|{75,097}|117,508|42,411|391,542|
|Gross transfers between funds|43,816|(43,815)|-|-|
|Netincome/{expenditure}|for the|
|year / Net|movementin|funds|(31,221)|73,502|42,411|391,642|
|Fund|balances at|1st|April 2024|858,317|595,935|1,454,252|1,062,610|
|Fund balances at|31st|March 2025.|827,086|669,627|1,496,663|1,454,252|
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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.
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31°* MARCH 2025
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Tees Valley Wildlife Trust —- Trustees Annual Report and Accounts
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| 2025 | 2034 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ | |||
| Fixedassets | |||||||
| Tangibleassets | 5 | 845,835 | 827,929 | ||||
| Current assets | |||||||
| Debtors | 9 | 20,746 | 67,404 | ||||
| Cashat bankand inhand | 673,979 | 583,365 | |||||
| £94,725 | 650,760 | ||||||
| Creditors: amountsfalling due | |||||||
| withinoneyear | 10 | 43,897 | 24,446 | ||||
| Netcurrentassets | 650,528 | 626,323 | |||||
| Netassets | 1,456,663 | 1,454,252 | |||||
| Income funds | |||||||
| Restrictedfunds | 14 | 669,527 | 595,935 | ||||
| Unrestrictedfunds-general | 827,036 | 858,317 | |||||
| 1,496,663 | 1,454,252 |
The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 315 March 2025.
The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for ensuring that the charity keeps accounting records which comply with section 386 of the Act and for preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as at the end of the financial year and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the financial year in accordance with the requirements of sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements. So far as applicable to the company.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.
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 by the Trustees in July 2025.
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J Dear JAvy , t
Chairman
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Company Registration No. 1528307 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31° MARCH 2025
1. Accounting policies
Charity information Tees Valley Wildlife Trust is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and
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Tees Valley Wildlife Trust —- Trustees Annual Report and Accounts
Wales. The registered office is Margrove Heritage Centre, Margrove Park, Saltburn, TS12 3BZ.
Accounting convention
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the charity’s governing document, the Companies Act 2006 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 treland (FRS 102)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016).
The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.
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 £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
Going concern
At the time of approving the financial statements, 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 financial statements.
Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives unless the funds have been designated for other purposes.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31° MARCH 2025
1. Accounting policies
Income
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 thatthe income will be received.
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Tees Valley Wildlife Trust — Trustees Annual Report and Accounts
Legacies are recognised at the earliest of the date the charity is notified of an impending distribution or of the legacy being received.
Cash donations are recognised as income in the year in which they are receivable any income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Grants receivable are shown gross and are recognised in the SOFA to the extent that they relate to the period up to the year end. Where funding has been given for a period that spans the year end, the amount that relates to the following period is deferred and carried forward.
Expenditure
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under the headings that aggregate all costs related to the category.
Direct charitable expenditure includes the direct costs of the activities and depreciation on related assets. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings, they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of the resources.
Governance costs are those incurred in connection with administration of the charity and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.
Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses. Gifted assets are included at fair value.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
| Freehold land | nil | |
|---|---|---|
| Buildings | over50 | 50years |
| Fixtures, fittingsand equipment | over | 12years |
| Motorvehicles | over 4years |
Equipment purchases for restricted projects is written off in the year it is acquired due to the often short term nature of the projects.
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 net income/(expenditure) for the year.
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Tees Valley Wildlife Trust — Trustees Annual Report and Accounts NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31°‘ MARCH 2025
Accounting policies (continued)
Pension costs
The company operates a defined contribution scheme for the benefit of its employees. The costs of contributions are written off in the year they are payable.
Retirement benefits
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
2. Critical accounting estimates and judgements
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.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31° MARCH 2025
3. Income from charitable activities
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |||
| 2025 | 2025 | 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Conservation | 2,400 | 433,714 | 436,114 | 848,004 |
| Education | 11,310 | 100,764 | 112,074 | 49,764 |
| Membership | 89,937 | 89,937 | 92,321 | |
| Core | 10,883 | 10,883 | - | |
| Totalincome | 114,530 | 584,478 | 699,008 | 990,089 |
4. Expenditure on charitable activities
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| TeesValleyWildlife | Wildlife Trust-Trustees | TrusteesAnnual Reportand | TrusteesAnnual Reportand | TrusteesAnnual Reportand | andAccounts | andAccounts | andAccounts | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | ||||||
| funds. | furnds | ||||||||
| 2025 | 2025 | 2025 | 20274 | ||||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||||||
| Staffcosts | 114,855 | 294,525 | 409,380 | 423,559 | |||||
| Directcosts | 27,544 | 174,330 | 201,874 | 149,560 | |||||
| Premisescosts | 26,511 | 26,511 | 17,254 | ||||||
| Officecosts | 18,2775 | 18,275 | 14,281 | ||||||
| Accountancy | 3,120 | 3,120 | 3,000 | ||||||
| Legalfees . | 1,354 | 1,54 | 1,182 | ||||||
| Deprecation | 4475 | 4,475 | 4,712 | ||||||
| 196,734 | 468,855 | 665,589 | 613,548 | ||||||
| Consenation | Education | Membership | Core | Total | Total | ||||
| 2025 | 2025. | 2025 | 2025 | 2025 | 2024 | ||||
| Staffcosts | 248,099 | 118,275 | 55,609 | 26,797 | 409,380 | 423,559 | |||
| Directcosts | 170,567 | $673 | 15,639 | 6,995 | 20L 874 | 149,560 | |||
| Premisescosts | 26,511 | 26,511 | 17,254 | ||||||
| Officecosts | 18,275 | 18,275 | 14,281 | ||||||
| Accountancy | 3,120 | 3,120 | 3,000 | ||||||
| Legalfees | 1,954 | 1,954 | 1,182 | ||||||
| Depredation | ™TOJ,_,—- __41,2660R824 |
R824 |
_ R824 |
4,475 — BT |
4475 Eee EHSB9 |
4,712 _— 613,548 |
Expenditure is allocated on a direct basis.
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Tees Valley Wildlife Trust —- Trustees Annual Report and Accounts NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31** MARCH 2025
5. Trustees
None of the trustees (orany persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.
6. Employees
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| No | No | |
| Theaveragemonthlynumberofemployeeduringtheyear was: | ||
| Managementandadministration | 3 | 3 |
| Charitableactivities | 12 | 14 |
| 15 | 17 | |
| Theaveragenumber ofFTEemplyeeswas: | ||
| Managementandadministration | 1 | 1 |
| Conservation | 6 | 7 |
| Education | 4 | 5 |
| Fundraising andmembership |
1 | 1 |
| 12 | 14 | |
| Employmentcosts | 2025 | 2024 |
| £ | £ | |
| Wagesandsalaries | 362,685 | 381,987 |
| Socialsecuritycosts | 31,199 | 25,433 |
| Otherpension costs | 15,496 | 16,139 |
| 409,380 | 423,559 |
There are no employees who received total employee benefits of more than £60000.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31° MARCH 2025
7. Pension costs
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Tees Valley Wildlife Trust - Trustees Annual Report and Accounts
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme in respect of certain employees. The scheme and its assets are held by independent managers. The pension charge for the year represents contributions due from the charity and amounted to £15,496 (2024 - £16,139).
8. Tangible fixed assets
| Fixtures, | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| fittings& | Motor | ||||
| Land | Buildings | equipment | vehicles | Total | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Cost | |||||
| At istApril2024 | 740,024 | 96,973 | 35,793 | 26,510 | 399,360 |
| Additions | - | 27,380 | 22,380 | ||
| Disposals | - | - | - | - | |
| AtistMarch2025 | 740,084 | 96,973 | 35,793 | 48,890 | 921,740 |
| Depreciationandimpairment | |||||
| AtdstApril2024 | - | 29,708 | 18,334 | 23,338 | 71,430 |
| Disposals | - | - | |||
| Depreciation charged in theyear | - | 1,432 | 1075 | 1,968 | 4,475 |
| 31,140 | 19,409 | __25,356 | 75,905 | ||
| Carryingamount | |||||
| At31stMarch 2025 | 740,084 | 65,833 | 16,384 | 23,534 | 845,835 |
| At31stMarch 2024 | 740,084 | 67,265 | 17,459 | 3,222 | £27,930 |
| 9. Debtors |
|||||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||
| £ | £ | ||||
| Tradedebtors | 20,746 | 67,404 | |||
| 20,746 | 67,404 |
9. Debtors
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31°* MARCH 2025
10. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
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| Tees ValleyWildlifeTrust—Trustees Annual ReportandAccounts | Tees ValleyWildlifeTrust—Trustees Annual ReportandAccounts | |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| Amountsfallingduewithinoneyear: | £ | £ |
| Trade creditors | 30,047 | 8,977 |
| Taxation | 6,635 | 6,879 |
| Othercreditors | 4,095 | 5,590 |
| Accrualsanddeferred income | 3,120 | 3,000 |
| 43,897 | 24,446 | |
| 11. Financial commitments | ||
| At3istMarch 2025,thecompany hadthefollowingcommitments | ||
| under non-canceHable operating leases: | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| Expirydate: | f | £ |
| Within 1year | 1,199 | 1,675 |
| 2-5years | - | - |
| 1,199 | 1,675 |
12.Guarantee
The company is incorporated as a company limited by guarantee and not havinga share capital. The members of the company have each undertaken to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 towards any deficit arising in the event of the company being wound up. This guarantee applies during the period of membership and extends one year after membership ceases.
13. Transfers between funds
The transfers from restricted project funds to unrestricted funds represents management charges earned on projects and transfer of balances remaining on ceased projects.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31° MARCH 2025
14. Movement in funds
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Tees Valley Wildlife Trust — Trustees Annual Report and Accounts
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||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Balance|at|Incoming|Resources|Transfers|Balance at|
|14.2004|resources|expended|313.2025|
|Total|Total|
|£|£|£|£|£|
|Restricted|funds|
|Conservation-|main|587,613|484,133|363,693|21,900|686,148|
|Conservation-|landfill|-|°|-|
|Education|8.322|102,230|106,157|21,916|{16,521}|
|595,935|586,363|468,255|43,816|660,627|
|Unrestricted funds|
|General|funds|858,317|121,637|196,734|(43,816)|827,035|
|858,317|121,637|1%,|744|{43,816}|827,036|
|Total funds|1,454,252|708,000|665,589|-|1,496,663|
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Restricted funds are resources held by Tees Valley Wildlife Trust Limited for specific purposes.
Project balances include the following:
-
Conservation projects for which funds have been obtained to enable the Trus t omanage and protect wildlife sites, habitats and species;
-
Projects which deliver the Trust’s conservation objectives that are funded through the Landfill Communities Fund. The Trust has been approved as an Environmental Body (reg. no: 310188) for the purpose of managing and distributing funds made available by landfill site operations under current legislation.
-
Education projects, which are conducted with the aim of raising awareness of natural environment issues and promoting public understanding, enjoyment and involvement in nature and its conservation.
15. The National Lottery Community Fund
There were no funds received directly from the National Lottery Community Fund in 2024/2025.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31° MARCH 2025
16. Analysis of net assets between funds
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Tees Valley Wildlife Trust — Trustees Annual Report and Accounts
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | ||||
| 2025 | 2025 | 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Fundbalancesat21stMarch2025are | |||||
| representedby: | |||||
| Tangibleassets | 830,421 | 15,414 | $45,235 | £27,929 | |
| Current assets | 14,442 | 680,283 | 694,725 | 660,770 | |
| Current liabilities | (17,827) | {26,070} | (43,897) | (24,447) | |
| / | |||||
| 827,086 | 660,627 | 1,496,663 | 1,454,252 |
17. Contingent liabilities
The incoming resources of the company include grants which are subject to various terms and conditions. There is a contingent liability to repay all or part of such grants should the company breach any of the terms and conditions under which the grants are made. However, the Board are not aware of any such circumsta noes currently existing and therefore no provision is required.
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