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2023-03-31-accounts

COMPANY NUMBER: 02313579 CHARITY NUMBER: 800655

THE RAILWAY LAND WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

THE RAILWAY LAND WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

INDEX TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

Page
1 Legal and Administrative Information
2 - 8 Report of the Trustees
9 Independent Examiner’s Report
10 Statement of Financial Activities
11 Balance Sheet
12 - 20 Notes to the Financial Statements

THE RAILWAY LAND WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

The directors of the Charitable Company are its Trustees for the purpose of Charity law and throughout this report are collectively referred to as the Trustees.

Directors and Trustees

James Hillage Sandra Llewellyn (appointed 26th April 2023) Julie Lloyd Barry McNulty Ryan Myint Deborah Prince (resigned 25th November 2022) Jacqueline Ralph Sarah Rideout (appointed 26th April 2023) Andrew Saunders Mark Sawtell Antonia Scarr Angela Smith

Chief Executive Officer

Helen Meade

Company number: 02313579 Charity number: 800655

Registered Office

Linklater Pavilion Railway Lane Lewes East Sussex BN7 2FG

Professional Advisors

Independent Examiner

VMR Anderson BA (Hons) FCA DChA Clark Brownscombe 2 St Andrews Place Lewes East Sussex BN7 1UP

Bankers

NatWest Bank 11 High Street Lewes East Sussex BN7 2ZX

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THE RAILWAY LAND WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

The Trustees of The Railway Land Wildlife Trust (RLWT) have pleasure in presenting their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31st March 2023 which are also prepared to meet the requirements for a directors’ report and financial statements for Companies Act purposes.

Letter from the Trustees

What a year for Lewes’s natural world, its precious human community and the RLWT! At least two storks and four hundred geese were spotted on the new wetland created by the Cockshut Restoration project. It reminds us how much can be achieved when we collaborate on larger projects. With help from us humans, nature can and will thrive. In our Wilder Ways Festival, the Railway Land took centre stage and lit up autumn. Have we ever had more fun learning and giving a voice to our natural environment? Events included the Beaver Trail and wonderful “Soil World” which transported us to our “microscopic neighbours beneath our feet”.

These are just a couple of highlights of the tangible and uplifting results for all of us to celebrate. Yet much of our work is less tangible. Wellbeing in Nature is something that weaves through all our projects like mycelium in the soil! It is perhaps worth reflecting on recent history, the COVID pandemic and the continuing challenges of climate change on our natural world. The mental health challenges these profound uncertainties bring have sometimes exacerbated a sense of powerlessness to change. Nature teaches us we are not powerless.

Through the pandemic the Railway Land, Landport Bottom and many other local nature spaces were there to lift our spirits and remind us of who we are. As the challenges of climate change and ecological collapse grow more pressing, these natural spaces, and the human and animal communities that depend on them, need us to advocate for them.

It is also worth taking a moment to remember the countless (often nameless) people who championed for the creation of the Railway Land and who formed and guided this amazing charity. Without their passion and determination, and even now their continued generous financial support, we would not be here delivering for our communities. They have passed us the baton for the challenges of today so that we in turn can pass it on to the generations to come.

Advocating does not always need to be a fight. Collaboration and a shared vision for the future can provide positive ways forward. Lewes District Council is not only the owner of the Local Nature Reserve, but is now one of the RLWT’s greatest supporters. Working together with the amazing tapestry of passionate volunteers and organisations proves we can really move mountains or at least remove “parrot’s feather” from the Cockshut! Our growing team at the RLWT and our evolving programme of nature projects are showing how people and nature can help each other thrive.

Well-designed interventions to co-create with nature can have a dramatic positive impact on our local and transitory species (human and nature!). We can all do our bit on our nature reserves, both by prevention of unthinking harms (litter, dog poo, straying off paths, spreading invasive species) and by joining in an organised active habitat creation project (chalk banks, planting trees, shrubs, hedgerows, wildflowers). Both can have a major positive impact on our communities of flora and fauna as well as on our human community.

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THE RAILWAY LAND WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

Our projects are increasing varieties of flora which in turn feed greater numbers and variety of insects and butterflies; teasels feed our flocks of Goldfinch and our heart of reeds comes alive with the sounds of the Reed Warbler. Our projects are also increasing the range of people involved and the ways they can get involved. So, whether it is the large scale Cockshut Restoration project; or the practical conservation projects throughout the district; walking for wellbeing; counting birds, or with spades and physical work, together we are working to make a difference to our local natural world.

Our CEO, Helen Meade, leads our growing team of passionate, talented people that work through life-long learning, practical conservation and ecology to bring this aspiration to life. They inspire our children and young people, coordinate large numbers of us to roll our sleeves up, they welcome and invite in those who are struggling; they help all of us to connect with nature. And there is so much more to do.

As we look to the future we’re excited about how we can evolve land management in the Lewes District, perhaps to be more hands on and less reliant on machinery, and to better monitor the local green spaces so we know more about the direction nature is taking locally.

Our team are on the front line of advocating for nature and putting the two communities we serve, both People and Nature, at the heart of what we do.

We know, if we do our part for Nature, the rewards for us are joyfully limitless.

Report from the CEO

Strategic Aims

Just under 5 years ago we set out 4 strategic aims:

Objects

All Charities have a set of “Objects” which are embedded into the legal governing document. They guide the Charity and ensure we stay true to our guiding principles. A precis of the RLWT’s objects are:

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THE RAILWAY LAND WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

Main Report

Here are just some of the achievements during the last financial year and as we look forward to the next 18 months and beyond.

Strategic Aim 1: Increase our influence with key stakeholders

Our work developing partnerships with a broad range of local and national organisations began to bear fruit in this year, with several multi-partner projects moving to the delivery phase.

In April the Changing Chalk project began, led by the National Trust and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Over four years, the 18 projects being delivered by the ten partners will create multiple connections across the urban and rural areas of the Downs, and will restore and reconnect the fragmented areas of remaining chalk grassland. RLWT’s role is to deliver the ‘Creating Connections’ part of Changing Chalk, and we have recruited two part time project staff to do so.

In October 2022 the Ouse Valley Climate Action project began. Led by South Downs National Park Authority and including Lewes District Council, Railway Land Wildlife Trust, Transition Town Lewes, Seaford Community Partnership, Community Energy South, OVESCO, 3VA and Sussex Community Development Association as partners, the project aims to bring the community together to inspire positive action to mitigate the effects of climate change in the lower Ouse valley and Havens. Our CEO sits on the project board. Our role in delivery includes holding conferences, training opportunities, and working with Wilderlife to progress understanding of and engagement with rewilding.

Our key relationship with Lewes District Council has been further strengthened during this period, working together on a number of initiatives to improve the Railway Land. We are responding to the changes that have come about with the move from Specialist Advisors to the Green Consultancy. Notably, we now run the practical conservation volunteer groups on the Railway Land – the Meadow Minders – and the Changing Chalk project gives us the capacity to expand the provision of practical conservation opportunities.

Strategic Aim 2: Get more local people involved with the Trust

Our programme of school visits has been very successful, and we have welcomed more than 2000 school children to the Railway Land, both from local schools and those further afield. The feedback from visiting schools has been excellent.

Our mental health project, Wellbeing in Nature (WiN), has continued to provide vital support to people who are struggling with their mental health. Wellbeing walks enable participants to deepen their connection to the natural world and to build social connections. The project is founded on the principle of co-design, and so participants are encouraged to help with planning the sessions and getting involved with different aspects of the Trust’s work. Volunteers provide support to the sessions, with many volunteers sharing their own areas of expertise, such as bird watching, floral identification and creative writing.

The projects we are involved with have greatly increased our ability to reach wider audiences. As well as Changing Chalk and Ouse Valley Climate Action, this year saw the start of our youth action Blue Green Infrastructure project, ‘NatureLinks’. This is a three year project funded by the National Lottery’s Reaching Communities fund, and has made great strides in engaging with young people, working with them to identify environmental issues that matter to them and empowering them to learn more about the issues and take action to support solutions.

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THE RAILWAY LAND WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

We have a vibrant volunteering programme, with over 70 active volunteers. Opportunities range from supporting school visits and wellbeing walks to practical conservation, helping with marketing and promotion and maintaining the building.

Strategic Aim 3: Provide inspirational and innovative learning activities and events

We take a lifelong approach to learning, and acknowledge that there is formal and informal learning, as well as different learning styles. Our programme of school visits provides curriculum based experiential learning that is imaginatively delivered; our Wellbeing in Nature project is underpinned by the Five Ways to Wellbeing, one of which is ‘Learn’; our projects such as Changing Chalk, Ouse Vally Climate Action and NatureLinks all provide opportunities for people to learn more about the natural world and how to support it to thrive; our volunteering programme provides opportunities for people to learn and also to share their knowledge and expertise.

This year has seen all sorts of community events, from our River Festival delivered in partnership with Love Our Ouse CIC, to Tree Days celebrations and wildlife discovery events.

Strategic Aim 4: Improve our infrastructure and resources

Our staff team has grown and this has broadened the knowledge and skills within the team. We now have a team of eight part time staff.

We are developing many reusable learning resources, for schools and youth groups as well as for lifelong learning. Many of the first-year project initiatives have created techniques, knowledge, contacts and many other resources that allow us to mobilise “quicker and better”. For example, the networks, expertise and resources around the creation of chalk banks were developed as a result of the NatureLinks youth action work and have gone on to be used by wellbeing groups, practical conservation volunteers, adults with learning disabilities and at wildlife discovery days for the general public.

We continue to manage the Linklater Pavilion as a hub for environmental learning. As well as holding our own events and activities, we hire out the building to other local groups and organisations. This provides essential income for the charity. Some of the infrastructure within the building, namely the lift and ground source heat pump, are now ageing and needed replacing in 2023/24.

We also generate income for the charity through our ‘Friends of the Railway Land’ scheme. We are lucky to benefit from donations and legacies.

The signal box is in much better condition than in recent years although it is still subject to some vandalism and graffiti. It sees some use and this is something we would like to grow.

Organisation

The Railway Land Wildlife Trust (RLWT) is governed by a Trustee Board which, as a minimum, is responsible for setting policies and ensuring legality and good practice in accordance with the Articles of Association of the RLWT, Companies Act 2006 and Charities Act 2011.

We have a strong Board of Trustees with a breadth of senior experience and we are looking to leverage those skills more over the coming year. There have been some changes in leadership, as Deborah Prince resigned as both Chair and Trustee in November 2022. Jim Hillage held the reins until our new Chair, Sandra Llewellyn, was elected in July 2023. We thank Deborah for her service to the trust.

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THE RAILWAY LAND WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

Some of our Trustees are approaching their maximum term of service and looking to retire and we are actively considering the skills we need to recruit for in the coming year or two. As our project portfolio expands there are even more opportunities for our board of Trustees to provide strategic leadership, operational guidance and mentoring to our team.

Structure, Governance and Management Governing Document

As with many Charities, The Railway Land Wildlife Trust Limited (RLWT) is a company limited by guarantee (Company registration number 02313579) and is registered as a charity (Charity registration number 800655). It is governed by its Memorandum and Articles dated 19th April 2013 and updated [XX MMM 2019]. The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, the Memorandum and Articles of Association and “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice” applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1st January 2019).

Public Benefit

The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Charity’s aims and objectives.

Financial Review

The financial year 2022/23 was a year when the considerable effort and planning to expand the work of the RLWT came to fruition resulting in a significant increase in income to £417k (from £181k in 2022). Total resources expended amounted to £230,035 (2022: £146,063) with a technical net surplus for the year of £187,435 (2022: £35,382).

Of the £417k total income, more than 75% (£316k) is project specific and restricted. This increase in income represents “upfront payments” for multi-year projects, with the associated project costs planned for the next 2-3 years. The resulting technical “surplus” for this year is in reality committed funding for staff costs that materialise over the lifetime of the projects.

The £316k restricted, predominantly project, income includes a large one-off lump sum for the Cockshut Project (£140k). The associated costs, scheduled for the year 23/24, are unusual as they relate to heavy landscaping associated with the restoration of the Cockshut stream rather than our normal employee and freelance costs.

Our other non-grant based income (£67k) include work with Schools and Holiday Clubs (£38k) and income from the use of the Linklater pavilion (£29k). Our schools work has been both popular (28 different schools) and successful. Sadly, however, schools work runs at a significant loss as schools have historically not funded the true cost of provision. Given the restricted nature of our project work there is little opportunity to cross subsidise this loss and no other funding sources are available. We remain committed to our local schools, and will look for funding to bridge the gap. We continue to provide nonschool based activities to provide exciting, inspiring, less curriculum restricted projects for our children and young people.

We are grateful for the vital financial support through donations and legacies, and the Gift Aid they attract, (£21k). This funding continues to be fundamental to the financial health of the charity and helps bridge those deficits on Schools, the upkeep of the Linklater Pavilion and non-funded work.

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THE RAILWAY LAND WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

Our main asset (2023: £612k) is the Linklater pavilion an eco-building which provides both a centre for our work and a home to our charity. As with any building it requires maintenance and in future years a sink fund will be established to account for maintenance and replacement of technology and equipment. This maintenance and repair work has previously been paid for out of normal reserves and extraordinary donations. Depreciation (2023: £13k) is nearly exclusively for the Linklater and while it is a technical accounting adjustment to the balance sheet, in this instance it is also a helpful reminder of the minimum needed to be set aside annually for the long-term maintenance/replacement of the Linklater.

The increase in income has supported a significant increase in our staff team with costs of £134k (from £72k in 2022) representing a parttime headcount increase to 8 (from 4). These costs are likely to increase in the next year as the projects become fully staffed. We use freelance staff to add to our skills and capacity where needed, but are working toward a core team of experts to build long term projects so that knowledge can be retained in the charity.

We pride ourselves in being “agile” with a “flat” organisation structure where everyone has delivery responsibilities. Our team is very experienced in ecology, life-long learning and community-based projects. Our CEO leads the organisation and is also the Programme Director. She leads a collaborative, supportive team to look for synergies across projects and with external organisations, focussing the team on tangible deliverables. Collectively the team, with the active support of trustees, refine the project strategies, spends most of its time on the ground with the communities we serve (human and nature).

We have a part time administrator/bookkeeper and we utilise the skills of our board of trustees to keep normal overheads to an absolute minimum.

Recruitment and appointment of trustees

Trustees are elected in accordance with the Articles of Association Trustees. Half of the Trustees are required to retire annually by rotation and may offer themselves for re-election. Any Trustee co-opted by the Trustee Board during the year are required to stand for re-election at the next Annual General Meeting (AGM). When considering co-opting, the Trustee Board has regard to the requirements of any specialist skills needed.

Risk management

The Trustees acknowledge their responsibility to manage risk and have a risk strategy in place which comprises:-

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THE RAILWAY LAND WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

Trustees’ responsibilities

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Trustees have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law the trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and the incoming resources and application of resources, including the net income or expenditure of the Company for the period. In preparing those financial statements, the Trustees are required to:-

The Trustees must, in determining how amounts are presented within items in the income and expenditure account and balance sheet have regard to the substance of the reported transaction or arrangement in accordance with generally accepted accountancy principles or practice.

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

By order of the Board:

S Llewellyn - Trustee

Date: 14th December 2023

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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF

THE RAILWAY LAND WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

I report on the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31st March 2023, which are set out on pages 10 to 20.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity’s trustees of the company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).

Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity’s financial statements as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the ‘2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner’s report

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.

Victoria Anderson BA (Hons) FCA DChA Chartered Accountant Clark Brownscombe Date: 14th December 2023 2 St Andrews Place Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 1UP

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THE RAILWAY LAND WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING THE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

Note
Unrestricted
Funds
2023
Restricted
Funds
2023
£
£
INCOME FROM
3
Donations and legacies
28,466
-
Charitable activities
67,173
315,860
Other trading activities
5,317
-
Investments
654
-
TOTAL
101,610
315,860
EXPENDITURE ON
4
Raising funds
1,225
-
Charitable activities
101,084
127,726
TOTAL
102,309
127,726
Net movement in funds
(699)
188,134
Fund balances at 31st March 2022
710,605
55,465
Fund balances at 31st March 2023
709,906
243,599		 2023
Total
£

28,466
382,733
5,317
654
417,170
1,225
228,810
230,035
187,435

766,070
953,505		 2022
Total
£
35,552
139,360
6,525
8
181,445
3,901
142,162
146,063
35,382
730,688
766,070

The detailed 2022 comparative statement of financial activities is reported in note 2.

The notes form part of these financial statements

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THE RAILWAY LAND WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST MARCH 2023 COMPANY NUMBER 02313579

Note
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible fixed assets
7
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
8
Cash at bank
CREDITORS:Amounts falling due within one year
9
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES
FUNDS
Restricted Funds
11
Unrestricted Funds
12		 2023
£
6,634
340,661
347,295
(6,038)
£
612,248
341,257
953,505
243,599
709,906
953,505		 2022
£
620,366
11,884
141,825
153,709
(8,005)
145,704
766,070
55,465
710,605
766,070

The company is entitled to exemption from audit conferred by Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31st March 2023.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees confirm that they are responsible for:

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Approved on behalf of the Board of Trustees on 14th December 2023

S Llewellyn - Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

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THE RAILWAY LAND WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

1. Accounting policies

a. Basis of Accounting

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102, effective 1 January 2019), hereafter referred to as the Charities SORP (FRS 102).

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

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, if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods. However, there are no judgements or assumptions that have a significant risk of causing material adjustment.

b. Funds Held

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

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

c. Income

All income is included in the SOFA when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. For legacies, entitlement is the earlier of the charity being notified of an impending distribution or the legacy being received.

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THE RAILWAY LAND WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

d. Expenditure

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs relating to the category. 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. Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.

e.

Fixed Assets

Tangible fixed assets costing more than £500 are capitalised and included at cost including any incidental expenses of acquisition.

Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets at rates calculated to write off cost less residual value over their expected useful economic lives as follows:

Freehold Land - none Pavilion building - over the length of the lease Fixtures, fittings and equipment - 5 years straight line

f. Debtors

Trade debtors and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid. Accrued income and tax recoverable are included at the best estimate of the amounts receivable at the balance sheet date.

g. Creditors

Creditors are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably.

h. Financial instruments

The charity 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.

i. Pensions

Employees of the charity are entitled to join a defined contribution ‘money purchase’ scheme. The costs of the defined contribution scheme are included with the associated staff costs and are allocated to charitable activities. The charity participates in the NEST pension scheme in accordance with meeting auto enrolment responsibilities.

j. Going Concern

There are no material uncertainties concerning the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.

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THE RAILWAY LAND WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

2.
Comparative Statement of Financial Activities
Unrestricted
Funds
2022
Restricted
Funds
2022
£
£
INCOME FROM
Donations and legacies
35,552
-
Charitable activities
66,932
72,428
Other trading activities
6,525
-
Investments
8
-
TOTAL
109,017
72,428
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds
3,901
-
Charitable activities
104,303
37,859
TOTAL
108,204
37,859

Net movement in funds
813
34,569

Fund balances at 31st March 2021
709,792
20,896
Fund balances at 31st March 2022
710,605
55,465
3.
Income
Unrestricted
Funds
2023
Restricted
Funds
2023
Total
2023
£
£
£
Donations and legacies
Donations and Gift aid
20,892
-
20,892
Legacy
-
-
-
Membership fees
7,574
-
7,574
28,466
-
28,466
Charitable activities
Children’s activities and school visits
38,492
-
38,492
Hire of Linklater Pavilion
28,681
-
28,681
Grants
-
315,860
315,860
Pandemic aid
-
-
-
67,173
315,860
382,733
Other trading activities
Fundraising events
3,251
-
3,251
Electricity feed in tariff
2,066
-
2,066
Sundry income
-
-
-
5,317
-
5,317
Investments
Bank interest received
654
-
654
Total income
101,610
315,860
417,170		 2022
Total
£
35,552
139,360
6,525
8
181,445
3,901
142,162
146,063
35,382
730,688
766,070
2022
£
4,163
25,000
6,389
35,552
29,683
21,097
72,428
16,152
139,360
2,684
3,098
743
6,525
8
181,445

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THE RAILWAY LAND WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

4. Expenditure

Unrestricted
Funds
2023
£

Raising funds
Event costs
1,225
Charitable activities
Cost of charitable activities
12,347
Grant related costs
Property costs
7,069
Salaries and wages
56,155
Light, heat and power
3,555
General insurance
2,795
Marketing and communication
2,767
Administration costs
1,140
Depreciation
13,696
Donation to Madagascar project
-
Building control fees
-
Bad debts
150
Independent examination fee
1,410
101,084
Total expenditure
102,309
5.
Staff Costs
Wages and salaries
Social security
Pension costs		 Restricted
Funds
2023
Total
2023
£
£
-
1,225
-
12,347
36,523
36,523
13,100
20,169
78,103
134,258
3,555
2,795
2,767
1,140
-
13,696
-
-
-
-
-
150
-
1,410
127,726
228,810
127,726
230,035
2023
£
117,352
3,266
5,831
126,449		 2022
£
3,901
13,529
17,847
13,511
71,840
1,548
2,365
3,028
1,759
13,548
1,023
660
-
1,504
142,162
146,063
2022
£
68,562
470
2,808
71,840

The average number of employees during the year was 7 (2022: 4). No employees received remuneration in excess of £60,000 p.a.

The key management personnel of the company comprise the trustees and the Programme Coordinator. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel were £61,820 (2022: £34,959).

No remuneration was paid to any of the Trustees during the year. During the year no expenses were reimbursed to any Trustee.

Page: 15

THE RAILWAY LAND WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

6. Net income

Net income is stated after charging:
Depreciation
Independent examiners remuneration		 2023
£
13,696
1,504		 2022
£
13,548
1,504

7. Fixed Assets

ixed Assets
Freehold
Land
Pavilion
Building
Fixtures,
Fittings
and
Equipment
£
£
£
Cost
At 1st April 2022
3,530
757,547
38,166
Additions
-
5,578
-
At 31st March 2023
3,530
763,125
38,166
Depreciation
At 1st April 2022
-
143,322
35,555
Charge for the year
-
12,686
1,010
At 31st March 2023
-
156,008
36,565
Net Book Value
At 31st March 2023
3,530
607,117
1,601
At 31st March 2022
3,530
614,325
2,611		 Total
£
799,243
5,578
804,821

165,329
13,696

192,573

612,248

620,366

There is a legal charge dated 13 November 2012 in favour of Viridor Credits in respect of the building known as “The Linklater Pavilion”. This was a condition of the funding provided by Viridor Credits to ensure compliance with the Land Communities Fund (LCF) Regulations and is designed to ensure the “The Linklater Pavilion” remains in compliance in terms of the management of LCF funded assets only.

8. Debtors

Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments		 2023
£
2,444
1,706
2,484
6,634		 2022
£
3,160
7,055
1,669
11,884

Page: 16

THE RAILWAY LAND WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

9. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Trade creditors
Other taxes and social security costs
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income		 2023
£
1,140
1,047
1,001
2,850

6,038		 2022
£
4,960
-
1,605
1,440
8,005

10. Analysis of Net Assets between Funds

Unrestricted
Funds
£
Fixed assets
612,248
Current assets
103,696
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
(6,038)
709,906
nalysis of Net Assets between Funds (Prior year)
Unrestricted
Funds
£
Fixed assets
620,366
Current assets
98,244
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
(8,005)
710,605		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
243,599
-

243,599
Restricted
Funds
£
-
55,465
-

55,465		 Total
Funds
2023
£
612,248
347,295
(6,038)

953,505
Total
Funds
2022
£
620,366
153,709
(8,005)

766,070		 Total
Funds
2022
£
620,366
153,709
(8,005)
766,070
Total
Funds
2021
£
631,804
103,815
(4,931)
730,688

Analysis of Net Assets between Funds (Prior year)

Page: 17

THE RAILWAY LAND WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

11. Restricted Funds

1st April
2022
Income
Expenditure


£
£
£
Chalk Cliff Trust
842
-
(800)
Sussex Community Foundation
4,665
-
(4,665)
Southover Manor General
1,929
-
-
CIL
5,011
14,692
(15,800)
Youth Action Fund
527
-
(470)
Awards for All
1,962
-
(1,962)
NLHF Changing Chalk
-
31,252
(38,657)

Cares Project
770
4,150
(5,975)

HAF
800
-
(169)
Reaching Communities
38,959
77,917
(44,586)
Enjoolta
-
722
(722)
Grants for Wellbeing
-
16,828
(9,866)
Scythes
-
299
(958)

NLHF Mosaic
-
-
(3,096)

Veolia
-
140,000
-
Crucible
-
30,000
-
55,465
315,860
(127,726)
Restricted Funds (Prior year)
1st April
2021
Income
Expenditure
£
£
£
Chalk Cliff Trust
1,400
5,200
(5,758)
Sussex Community Foundation
1,910
4,665
(1,910)
Ernest Kleinwort Charitable Trust
2,500
-
(2,500)
Active Access
1,676
-
(1,676)
Southover Manor General
2,544
-
(615)
Ninevah Trust
2,000
-
(2,000)
Postcode Lottery
8,866
-
(8,866)
Youth Action Fund
-
1,075
(548)
Awards for All
-
9,960
(7,998)
NLHF Changing Chalk
-
159
(159)
Cares Project
-
4,000
(3,230)
HAF
-
800
-
Reaching Communities
-
38,959
-
CIL
-
7,610
(2,599)
20,896
72,428
(37,859)		 At 31st
March
2023
£
42
-
1,929
3,903
57
-
(7,405)
(1,055)
631
72,290
-
6,962
(659)
(3,096)
140,000
30,000
243,599
At 31st
March
2022
£
842
4,665
-
-
1,929
-
-
527
1,962
-
770
800
38,959
5,011
55,465

Page: 18

THE RAILWAY LAND WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

Awards for All - for our Wellbeing in Nature mental health project

NLHF Changing Chalk – for RLWT’s element of the Changing Chalk partnership, the Creating Connections project, including the recruitment of Chalk Life Rangers

Reaching Communities Fund – for the Blue Green Infrastructure project

Chalk Cliff Trust – for the Railway Land Recovery project, coordinating volunteers to undertake practical tasks reinstating areas of the nature reserve impacted by increased footfall during the lockdowns.

Sussex Community Foundation – for our Wellbeing in Nature mental health project

Southover Manor General Educational Trust - for resources for the Lewes Outdoor Learning project

Awards for All - for our Wellbeing in Nature mental health project

NLHF Changing Chalk – for RLWT’s element of the Changing Chalk partnership, the Creating Connections project, including the recruitment of Chalk Life Rangers

National Lottery Climate Action Fund – for RLWT role in the Ouse Valley Climate Action project

HAF – for subsidised places on our holiday clubs

Reaching Communities – for the Blue / Green Infrastructure project, working with young people and local organisations to raise awareness of Blue – Green Infrastructure and the benefits it brings communities

CIL – improvements to the water meadows, contribution towards the dipping platform, improvements to paths

Lewes District Council Community Grant – for Wellbeing in Nature Open Days

CIL – improvements to the water meadows, contribution towards the dipping platform, improvements to paths

Enjoolata – for our Wellbeing in Nature project

Page: 19

THE RAILWAY LAND WILDLIFE TRUST LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

12. Unrestricted funds

At 1st
April
2022
£
General
710,605
Unrestricted funds (Prior year)
At 1st
April
2021
£
General
709,792		 Income
Expenditure
£
£
101,610
(102,309)
Income
Expenditure
£
£
109,017
(108,204)		 At 31st
March
2023
£
709,906
At 31st
March
2022
£
710,605

1 3. Statutory Information

The Company is a private company, limited by guarantee. Members have a liability not exceeding £1 each in the event of a winding up. The company is registered in England and Wales and the registered number and registered office address can be found on the Legal and Administrative information page.

14. Taxation

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

Page: 20