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2025-03-31-accounts

Docusign Envelope ID: 7B44C744-6195-43DE-AD44-E30DEAC6CA01

Trustees’ Report FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

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Registered with the charity commission for Northern Ireland NIC103694 Registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC103694 Company number NI605894 – Company number NI605894 – Patron: Joe MahonPatron: Joe Mahon

Docusign Envelope ID: 7B44C744-6195-43DE-AD44-E30DEAC6CA01

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

A tribute to

Alan Keys MBE

Alan Keys was a visionary environmentalist whose tireless dedication to Northern Ireland’s rivers and biodiversity has left a legacy that will ripple through generations. As a founder of the Ballinderry Rivers Trust, he transformed passion into lasting impact.

In 1984, whilst farming full-time, Alan, driven by his despair at successive pollution incidents and fish kills in his local river, founded the Ballinderry River Enhancement Association, which later evolved into the Ballinderry Rivers Trust. His pioneering vision was for a community-led organisation dedicated to the conservation and protection of the river and Lough Neagh, to restore the river ‘to its former greatness’

Alan’s approach was deeply collaborative. He built bridges between environmentalists and rural communities, earning admiration as a friend to farmers, anglers, and the environment. His efforts helped shape policy, educate young and old, and inspire countless volunteers to get involved in the protection of their local waterways.

Having learned about the plight of the globally endangered freshwater pearl mussel, and that the Ballinderry River was still home to a few thousand, Alan set about establishing Europe’s first dedicated conservation breeding programme for this unique and long-lived species; a programme that continues to this day and has inspired countless similar conservation efforts across northern Europe.

It was due to this and his dedication to the conservation of Northern Ireland’s rivers and loughs that Alan was awarded an MBE in recognition of his outstanding service to conservation—a testament to his unwavering commitment and influence.

Even in retirement, Alan remained deeply involved in conservation efforts, advocating for environmental solutions and engaging with leaders—including King Charles during a visit to Northern Ireland in March 2025.

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

His work focused especially on Lough Neagh and its tributaries, where he promoted rapid assessment of water quality at bridges to identify water quality pressures contributing to the blue-green algae crisis in the Lough. He was also instrumental in the development of an innovative solution to cleaning dirty water from farms, using comfrey plants to take up nutrient and then utilising the plants as animal feed and fertiliser, recycling nutrients on the farm. He continued to promote this idea as a win-win solution to tackled water pollution while promoting sustainable land management.

Alan passed away peacefully on June 29, 2025, at the age of 78. He leaves behind his beloved wife Libby, children Clare, Helen, and David, and grandchildren Joseph and Tilly.

Alan was more than a conservationist—he was a guardian of nature, a mentor to farmers and fishers, and a champion of clean water and biodiversity. He is remembered not only for his achievements but for his warmth, humility, and generosity.

Alan Keys’ legacy lives on in every clean stream, thriving habitat, and inspired steward of the land. The Ballinderry Rivers Trust stands as a living tribute to his vision—a reminder that one person’s dedication can truly change the course of nature.

Docusign Envelope ID: 7B44C744-6195-43DE-AD44-E30DEAC6CA01

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

Registered Charity number: NIC 103694 HMRC Charities number: XT318

Ballinderry Rivers Trust

Registered number: NI 605894 (Northern Ireland)

Trustees’ report

For the period ended 31[st] March 2025

Docusign Envelope ID: 7B44C744-6195-43DE-AD44-E30DEAC6CA01

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

CONTENTS

CONTENTS ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 4

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISORS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31

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||| |---|---| |MARCH 2025|..................................................................................................................................................................................... 8| |Company/Charity registered name ..................................................................................................................................................8| |Company Registered Number ..........................................................................................................................................................8| |Charity Registration Number ...........................................................................................................................................................8| |Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs Charities number ..................................................................................................................8| |Registered office ..............................................................................................................................................................................8| |Trustees as of March 2025 ...............................................................................................................................................................8| |Other Trustees in the year to March 2025 .......................................................................................................................................8| |Patron ...............................................................................................................................................................................................8| |Secretary ..........................................................................................................................................................................................8| |Company/Charity Employees ...........................................................................................................................................................9| |Advisors ............................................................................................................................................................................................9| |Independent accountants ............................................................................................................................................................9| |Auditors ........................................................................................................................................................................................9| |Bankers .........................................................................................................................................................................................9| |Solicitors .......................................................................................................................................................................................9| |Insurers.........................................................................................................................................................................................9| |Public, Employers, Officers & Directors .......................................................................................................................................9| |Commercial ..................................................................................................................................................................................9| |Contents .......................................................................................................................................................................................9|

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||| |---|---| |TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 .................................................................................................... 10| |Structure, governance, and management .....................................................................................................................................10| |a. Constitution ............................................................................................................................................................................10| |b. Method of appointment or election of Trustees ...................................................................................................................10| |c. Policies adopted for the induction and training of Trustees ..................................................................................................11| |d. Organisational structure and decision-making ......................................................................................................................11| |Executive Officers|.......................................................................................................................................................................11| |Employees|..................................................................................................................................................................................11| |e. Related party relationships ....................................................................................................................................................12| |f. Risk management ....................................................................................................................................................................12| |Purpose, Public Benefit, Aims and Objectives ................................................................................................................................12| |a. Purpose...................................................................................................................................................................................12| |Environmental protection and improvement ............................................................................................................................12| |Education ...................................................................................................................................................................................12|

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

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||| |---|---| |b. Public Benefit statement ........................................................................................................................................................13| |Environmental protection and improvement ............................................................................................................................13| |Education ...................................................................................................................................................................................13| |Assessment of Harm arising from the Trust’s Purpose ..............................................................................................................13| |Assessment of Direct Private Benefit arising from the Trust’s Purpose ....................................................................................14| |c. Aims ........................................................................................................................................................................................14| |d. Objectives for achieving wider public benefit ........................................................................................................................15| |Trustees Report on Activities in the year to March 2025 ..............................................................................................................16| |a. Core activities .........................................................................................................................................................................16| |Supporting and Helping the Development of Local River Interest Groups ................................................................................16| |Mentoring Young People and Life-long Learners .......................................................................................................................16| |Learning and Outreach for young people and life-long learners|................................................................................................16| |Curriculum-based and extracurricular primary and post-primary education|.............................................................................17| |Public education and outreach|...................................................................................................................................................17| |Rivers and Fisheries Internships|.................................................................................................................................................17| |Volunteering Opportunities .......................................................................................................................................................18| |b. Project Activities.....................................................................................................................................................................19| |ResiRiver2030: Towards Nature Recovery and Climate Resilience in the Ballinderry River catchment by 2030 ......................19| |Salterstown Group Facilitation Project ......................................................................................................................................23| |Sustainable Catchments Programme .........................................................................................................................................24| |Our Rivers (2022-2025) ..............................................................................................................................................................25| |c. Grant making policies .............................................................................................................................................................26| |Achievements and performance ....................................................................................................................................................26| |a. Going Concern ........................................................................................................................................................................26| |b. Review of activities.................................................................................................................................................................26| |Core activities|.............................................................................................................................................................................26| |Project activities|.........................................................................................................................................................................27| |c. Investment policy and performance ......................................................................................................................................29| |Financial review ..............................................................................................................................................................................30| |a. Reserves policy .......................................................................................................................................................................30| |b. Principal funding ....................................................................................................................................................................31| |Income|........................................................................................................................................................................................31| |Expenditure|................................................................................................................................................................................31| |Balance sheet|.............................................................................................................................................................................31| |Plans for the future ........................................................................................................................................................................32| |a. Future developments .............................................................................................................................................................32| |Core activities|.............................................................................................................................................................................32| |Project activities|.........................................................................................................................................................................33|

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

Trustees' responsibilities statement ..............................................................................................................................................34
Disclosure of information to reporting accountants ......................................................................................................................35
REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST ........................................ 36
Opinion ...........................................................................................................................................................................................36
Basis for opinion .............................................................................................................................................................................36
Conclusions relating to going concern ...........................................................................................................................................36
Other information ..........................................................................................................................................................................37
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006 ..............................................................................................37
Matters on which we are required to report by exception ...........................................................................................................37
Responsibilities of trustees ............................................................................................................................................................38
Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements...............................................................................................38
Further information regarding the scope of our responsibilities as auditor ..................................................................................38
Use of our report ............................................................................................................................................................................39
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 ....................................................................................... 40
Balance Sheet 31 March 2025 ....................................................................................................................................................... 41
Cash Flow Statement for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 ......................................................................................................... 42
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 .................................................................................... 43
1.
Other restricted funds ...........................................................................................................................................................43
2.
Accounting policies ...............................................................................................................................................................43
Basis of preparing the financial statements ...............................................................................................................................43
Income........................................................................................................................................................................................43
Expenditure ................................................................................................................................................................................43
Tangible fixed assets ..................................................................................................................................................................43
Taxation ......................................................................................................................................................................................43
Fund accounting .........................................................................................................................................................................44
Statement of compliance ...........................................................................................................................................................44
3.
Donations and legacies .........................................................................................................................................................44
4.
Charitable activities costs .....................................................................................................................................................45
5.
Support costs ........................................................................................................................................................................45
6.
Net income/(expenditure) ....................................................................................................................................................45
7.
Trustees' remuneration and benefits ...................................................................................................................................45
Trustees' expenses .....................................................................................................................................................................45
8.
Staff costs ..............................................................................................................................................................................45
9.
Comparatives for the statement of financial activities .........................................................................................................46
10.
Debtors .............................................................................................................................................................................46
11.
Cash at bank and in hand..................................................................................................................................................46
12.
Tangible fixed assets .........................................................................................................................................................47

Docusign Envelope ID: 7B44C744-6195-43DE-AD44-E30DEAC6CA01

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

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||| |---|---| |13.|Debtors: amounts falling due within one year .................................................................................................................47| |14.|Cash at bank .....................................................................................................................................................................47| |15.|Creditors: amounts falling due within one year ...............................................................................................................47| |16.|Loans .................................................................................................................................................................................48| |17.|Movement in funds ..........................................................................................................................................................48| |17.|Movement in funds - continued .......................................................................................................................................49| |18.|Related party disclosures ..................................................................................................................................................50| |19.|Reconciliation of net income to net cash flow from operating activities .........................................................................50| |20.|Analysis of changes in net funds .......................................................................................................................................50| |21.|Status ................................................................................................................................................................................50|

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Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 ........................................................................ 51 Support costs..................................................................................................................................................................................51

Analysis of Movements Between Funds for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 .......................................................................... 52 Analysis of Net assets between funds ............................................................................................................................................52 Analysis of movement of funds ......................................................................................................................................................52 Schedule of Resources Expended for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 ..................................................................................... 53

Docusign Envelope ID: 7B44C744-6195-43DE-AD44-E30DEAC6CA01

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISORS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Company/Charity registered name Ballinderry Rivers Trust

Company Registered Number NI605894

Charity Registration Number

NIC103694

Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs Charities number

XT318

Registered office

213a Orritor Road, Cookstown, County Tyrone, BT80 9NB Northern Ireland

Trustees as of March 2025

Mr S Aspinall Ms P Campbell Mr L Cassidy MBE Mrs L Fawthrop Mr D Ferguson Mr R Graham Treasurer Mrs S Graham Miss V Graham Chairperson Dr P Mac Cana Vice-Chairperson Mr S Mac Nia Secretary Mr M Mellon Dr R Mellon

Other Trustees in the year to March 2025

None

Patron

Mr J Mahon Patron

Secretary

Mr S Mac Nia

Docusign Envelope ID: 7B44C744-6195-43DE-AD44-E30DEAC6CA01

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

Company/Charity Employees

Mr M Horton MBE BSc (Hons) MSc Chief Executive Mr E Devlin BSc (Hons) Farm Advisor Miss J Johnston B Ed. Education & Outreach Officer Mrs H Kennedy Officer Manager Miss R McEldowney BSc (Hons) Agriculture & Land Manager Mr S McGill BSc (Hons) Farm Advisor Mr F Mitchell Conservation and Breeding Programmes Manager Mr P Mitchell Conservation and Breeding Programmes Officer

Advisors

Independent accountants

RTJ Ross & Co., 44 Molesworth Street, Cookstown, County Tyrone, BT80 8PA

Auditors

Corr and Corr Chartered Accountants, 2nd Floor, The Cornmill, Lineside, B520, Coalisland, Dungannon BT71 4LP

Bankers

Ulster Bank, 20 William Street, Cookstown, County Tyrone, BT80 8ND

Solicitors

Millar, Shear and Black, 40 Molesworth Street, Cookstown, County Tyrone, BT80 8PH

Insurers Public, Employers, Officers & Directors

AXA Insurance UK Plc

Commercial

Q Underwriting Services Ltd

Contents

NFU Mutual, LCC House, 1 Lissan Road, Cookstown, BT80 8EN

Docusign Envelope ID: 7B44C744-6195-43DE-AD44-E30DEAC6CA01

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The Trustees present their report along with the financial statements of Ballinderry Rivers Trust (the charitable company) for the year ended 31 March 2025. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in Note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the company’s Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006, Part 8 of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008, other applicable law and the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP), FRS102 and with the financial reporting standards applicable to charities preparing their accounts.

This is the fourth year the Trust has required a fully independent audit in accordance with the thresholds set in the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 and the outcome of this audit is presented here.

Structure, governance, and management

a. Constitution

The Trust is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee, governed by its Articles of Association. The Articles of Association were updated:

Subject to the Articles of Association, membership is open to any individual or organisation.

b. Method of appointment or election of Trustees

The governing body of the Trust is the Board of Trustees, which comprises not less than 3 and no more than 20 Trustees. The Board comprises founding members of the Trust, these members having been retired, re-nominated, and subsequently re-elected at the AGM, pursuant to Articles 23 and 24, and Trustees invited to join the Board by the members.

One-fifth, or if the number on the Board is not a multiple of 5, then the nearest to one-fifth, of the Trustees must retire by rotation annually at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

The recruitment of Trustees is by communication with the Members. Subject to the Articles, selection is based on environmental or specific rivers trust interest, expertise in environmental or other relevant matters, general experience of charities and company/charity regulatory integrity, with the over-riding objective of maintaining a broadly representative body, strong on governance and ability to add value.

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

c. Policies adopted for the induction and training of Trustees

Newly appointed Trustees are given access to the Trust’s digital file sharing and communication platform – Basecamp, which contains the governing documents of the Trust, the responsibilities of Company Directors and Charity Trustees, contact details of all other Trustees and copies of minutes, discussion papers and management accounts for all meetings preceding their appointment.

Each new Trustee also receives an induction session with the Chief Executive of the Trust.

The Board meets formally six times per year, but there is frequent consultation with Trustees, individually and as groups, outside formal meetings.

d. Organisational structure and decision-making

The Board has confirmed that the Trust should adopt best practice in accordance with the advice and guidance of its reporting accountants, RTJ Ross & Co, and its umbrella body, The Rivers Trust. The Board has adopted ‘The Code of Good Governance’ for charities in Northern Ireland

(http://www.diycommitteeguide.org/introducing-code) and The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland’s ‘Running Your Charity’ guidance (https://www.charitycommissionni.org.uk/charity-essentials/runningyour-charity-guidance/) as its guiding principles of best practice and effective governance.

Executive Officers

At the end of 2024/2025, the Executive Officers of the Trust were:

Mr M Horton MBE BSc (Hons) MSc Chief Executive Mrs H Kennedy Office Manager Miss R McEldowney BSc (Hons) Agriculture & Land Manager

Employees

At the end of 2024/2025, the employees of the Trust were:

Mr M Horton MBE BSc (Hons) MSc Mr E Devlin BSc (Hons) Miss J Johnston B Ed. Mrs H Kennedy Miss R McEldowney BSc (Hons) Mr R McClenaghan Mr S McGill BSc (Hons) Mr F Mitchell Mr P Mitchell

Chief Executive Farm Advisor Education & Outreach Officer Officer Manager Agriculture & Land Manager Project Assistant Farm Advisor Conservation and Breeding Programmes Manager Conservation and Breeding Programmes Officer

Docusign Envelope ID: 7B44C744-6195-43DE-AD44-E30DEAC6CA01

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

e. Related party relationships

The Trust works closely with The Rivers Trust (the umbrella body for the river trust movement in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Ireland) and other charities and organisations. However, all relationships are conducted on an arms’ length basis.

f. Risk management

As a small, incorporated charity, there is no legal requirement to undertake a formal Annual Risk Management Review, however, the Trustees recognise the need to identify and, as far as is practically possible, eliminate risk at source. Therefore, as a matter of adopting best practices, the Trustees have resolved to utilise the guidance provided by The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland in it ‘Running your Charity’ document.

The Trustees encourage the executive officers to adopt innovative approaches in developing the Trust, to promote leadership and initiative, and to make real and significant contributions to environmental improvements. This ethos is supported by good governance, prudent financial control, sustainability, and a culture of mutual trust.

The Trust maintains Public and Employers’ Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance cover as well as Trustees’ ‘Officers and Directors’ indemnity insurance; however, the Trustees consider insurance cover to be the measure of last resort.

Purpose, Public Benefit, Aims and Objectives

a. Purpose

The purpose (objects) of the Trust is twofold: -

Environmental protection and improvement

To conserve, protect, rehabilitate, and improve the rivers, streams, watercourses and water impoundments in the geographical areas known as:

Education

To advance the education of the public, or any association, institution, voluntary organisation, company, local authority, administrative or governmental agency or public body or representative body in: -

Docusign Envelope ID: 7B44C744-6195-43DE-AD44-E30DEAC6CA01

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

b. Public Benefit statement

Environmental protection and improvement

The direct benefits for the public which flow from the charity’s purpose of environmental protection and improvement are improved water quality and freshwater habitats in rivers and loughs in the Trust’s area, providing a healthier freshwater environment with greater social, economic and environmental value, and; healthy populations of water-dependant flora and fauna which are an important part of the public’s local natural heritage, and the conservation and protection of these species for future generations to enjoy.

These benefits are evidenced through survey work undertaken by the Trust to determine the condition of water quality, habitat, or species populations, before, during and after conservation or rehabilitation works are carried out; as a measure of success and achieving the Trust’s aims. Environmental improvements undertaken by the Trust are also incidentally evidenced through Statutory monitoring and reporting, undertaken by Government Departments, and by academic institutions as part of research projects. This provides a level of independent assessment of the Trust’s work.

Education

The direct benefits which flow from the purpose of education are increased public awareness of our rivers and loughs and the roles the public can play in their protection; upskilled members of the public in river survey and conservation techniques that give the public an opportunity to play a key role in the protection of the environment and; the provision of dedicated education resources and support to schools and education providers, allowing freshwater topics to be fully integrated into education provision in all schools in the Trust area.

These benefits are evidenced through the number of students, community groups and individuals participating in education/information and training events organised by the Trust, the uptake and usage of education resources, the usage of the Trust’s River School, and feedback from participants, education providers and group leaders.

Assessment of Harm arising from the Trust’s Purpose

Environmental improvement work, undertaken by the Trust, may cause localised disturbance to wildlife and the immediate river environment, however, the Trust utilise best practice, evidence-based, river conversation and rehabilitation methods, which include the mitigation of environmental impact. The Trust also works closely with Statutory Agencies, responsible for the regulation and protection of the environment, ensuring that its work is undertaken to the highest standard and in line with regulatory requirements. The impacts of any works carried out by the Trust are always minimal and are far outweighed by the benefits for which the work is being undertaken.

The purpose of our charity does not pose any harm to environmental education.

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

Assessment of Direct Private Benefit arising from the Trust’s Purpose

The purposes of the charity are not intended for any direct private benefits.

Incidental private benefit may arise for landowners on whose land the Trust has undertaken work, which has led to an improvement in the environment; to recreational users of the rivers and loughs due to improved water quality and increased biodiversity value, to the local tourism sector which supports these activities, and to those who receive training through the Trust which may allow them to privately benefit from these skills acquired, however, these benefits are an unavoidable and necessary consequence of the charity fulfilling its purposes.

c. Aims

To deliver its purpose for wider public benefit, Ballinderry Rivers Trust aims to conserve, protect, and improve the rivers and loughs of the Ballinderry River system, Lough Neagh, the Lough’s western-shore streams, and their wildlife, for the benefit of the public and the wider environment.

To achieve this, we strive to:

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

d. Objectives for achieving wider public benefit

The Trust’s strategy for achieving its objects and aims is twofold:

  1. Through its core activities:

  2. a. The Trust acts as the umbrella organisation for river interest groups operating in the Trust’s area of charitable interest. Its policy is to support the development of, and build capacity in, these organisations helping to deliver the Trust’s objects and provide wider public benefit to its work.

  3. b. the Trust provides mentoring in the further development of young people and life-long learners in the field of river conservation & management and land management, benefitting the environment and the wider public.

  4. c. The Trust provides volunteering opportunities, helping the Trust to deliver its objects, and providing wider public benefit to its work.

  5. Through its project activities:

  6. a. The Trust pursues mainly public grant funded opportunities to promote, develop and deliver, practical solutions to environmental issues, for public benefit and to educate the community on the importance of the freshwater environment.

In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland relating to wider public benefit for the’ Advancement of environmental protection or improvement’ and the ‘Advancement of education’.

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

Trustees Report on Activities in the year to March 2025

a. Core activities

Supporting and Helping the Development of Local River Interest Groups

The Trust continued to provide support to river interest groups in the Trust’s area of charitable interest.

River Interest Groups, affiliated (as described in Article 10) with the Trust during the reporting period were:

The Trust continued to operate on the principles of partnership working and consent, providing, where requested, specialist support in project planning and the provision of training and volunteering opportunities to the groups and their members as required, but played no part in the governance of these groups.

The Trust established an ‘Anglers Forum’ to facilitate discussion and coordinated action on the common challenges and support needs of, and opportunities for, the angling clubs on the river.

Each affiliated group may nominate one representative to sit on the Board of Trustees of the Trust, subject to Article 6 of the Trusts’ governing document, ensuring that the Trust maintains a governance structure that is representative of local interests. In the reporting period, all named groups maintained a member on the Board of Trustees.

Mentoring Young People and Life-long Learners

Learning and Outreach for young people and life-long learners

The Trust provides learning and outreach opportunities through our Trust’s River School and Conservation Breeding Centre, Trust-led field trips to demonstration sites in the Ballinderry River system and the Trust providing outreach talks to groups.

In September 2024, we have hosted a half-day seminar and field trip for Queens University Belfast students studying for a Master’s degree (MSc) Conservation Biology and Ecology. In total, 29 students learned about the Trust’s long-running conservation breeding and reintroduction programme for the endangered freshwater pearl mussel, catchment conservation measures and the ecology of the species, which included a tour of the Trust’s conservation breeding centre and a field visit to a local farm to see conservation measures in-situ.

Docusign Envelope ID: 7B44C744-6195-43DE-AD44-E30DEAC6CA01

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

Curriculum-based and extracurricular primary and post-primary education

We continued to deliver and develop our education and outreach programme through the ‘Our Rivers’ project. During the period 2024-25 a total of 1080 Primary and Secondary school-aged students (715 Primary; 365 Secondary), across 29 schools, took part in education and learning programmes offered by the Trust. This included a total of 405 students across 15 schools taking part in our Trout in the Classroom Programme.

In total, 12 after-school ‘Eco-Club’ activities were also delivered in schools across the catchment area, which contributes towards Eco-School status for participating schools.

The Trust delivered 10 ‘River Study’ trips, during which students, accompanied by the Trust’s Education and Outreach Officer, travel by bus down the Lissan Water, from its mountain source to its mouth, stopping at six locations to undertake geography and science-based experiments to complete GCSE and A-Level fieldwork, was delivered to 199 pupils, across five secondary school.

Public education and outreach

During 2024-25, the Trust attended two agricultural shows (Omagh and Miller’s Fram Event) with our mobile education and outreach tent, comprising display tanks and a touch-pool for aquatic species. In total approximately 450 people were engaged in the work of the Trust at these events.

In addition, one 1-day Riverside Summer Sessions and one 3-day Summer Scheme were held for families during July/ August 2025, reaching 38 children in total. Attendees engaged in activities around the river, investigated river invertebrates and learnt about the importance of good water quality.

Rivers and Fisheries Internships

For the sixth year the Trust delivered a Rivers and Fisheries Internship, which focuses on freshwater ecological survey techniques and in-channel and riparian habitat restoration. For the second year in a row the Trust offered an Agriculture and Catchment Management Internship, which focuses on land assessment for identifying pressures on the water environment and its wildlife arising from agriculture and land management practices, and planning and implementing appropriate nature-based and engineered mitigations.

The aim of the internships are to provide structured and purposeful long-term placements (up to 12 months) for up to two students per year, studying a relevant degree at Queens University, Ulster University, or the College of Agriculture Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE). The intention is for the students to learn in a work environment while achieving learning outcomes as part of their academic courses. Knowledge, skills, and ideas are transferred between the Trust and the students with the aim of developing both the students, and the capability of the Trust to deliver its charitable objectives.

Docusign Envelope ID: 7B44C744-6195-43DE-AD44-E30DEAC6CA01

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

During 2024-25 the Trust hosted three interns: one Rivers and Fisheries Intern, with 9-month placement concluding June 2024; one Agriculture and Catchment Management Intern, with 9-month placement commencing August 2024; and one Rivers and Fisheries Internship lasting 3-month during summer 2024.

In March 2025, the Trust began the internship recruitment exercise for 2025-26.

Volunteering Opportunities

The Trusts volunteering opportunities provide transferable skills and knowledge to participants whilst helping the Trust to achieve its objectives in a cost and time efficient manner.

During this period (2024-25), volunteers collectively contributed 906.75 hours of in-kind time with a combined monetary value of £17865.00 (based on Heritage Lottery Fund benchmark day rates for Unskilled [£50], Skilled [£150] and Professional [£350] volunteers).

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

b. Project Activities

ResiRiver2030: Towards Nature Recovery and Climate Resilience in the Ballinderry River catchment by 2030

Name ResiRiver 2030 Project (Year 2 of 5) Period 1[st] April 2023 – 31[st] March 2028 Type Habitat Improvement/Water Quality Improvement/Climate Resilience Project Partners The Rivers Trust

ResiRiver 2030 is a five-year project that seeks to deliver on national and international targets for water quality, biodiversity and climate adaptation in the Ballinderry River catchment.

The project is working at a landscape-scale, through the principles of integrated catchment management, nature networks and the use of nature-based solutions, to deliver a programme of catchment-scale actions that are designed to support nature’s recovery and climate adaptation and resilience in the river system.

This is an ambitious project that aims to deliver a number of outcomes, designed to meet local environmental need, Northern Ireland policies and strategies, as well as contribute to international targets and conventions on water, biodiversity, climate and sustainable development.

The outcomes and delivery mechanisms are as follows:

Outcome 1

To achieve this, we will:

  1. Provide non-regulatory water-friendly farming advice to landowners along and in the catchment area of the Upper Ballinderry River SAC/ASSI, through a team of dedicated Farm Advisors, and produce 200 farm-scale Water and Environment Management Plans (WEMPs) that identify measures required for the protection of water, land, and air, that contribute to the favourable management of the SAC/ASSI (some of these plans may be outside the SAC/ASSI catchment where actions are required to reduce atmospheric ammonia impacting on the SAC/ASSI).

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

  1. Further develop and administer the Ballinderry Water-friendly Farming (agri-environmental) Scheme (WFS), as a mechanism through which to deliver funding to farms for targeted water, land and air protection measures expected to bring about condition improvements to the SAC/ASSI.

  2. Develop and pilot a Results-based Payments Scheme (RbPS) for landowners in the Upper Ballinderry River SAC/ASSI, designed to secure sustained, long-term, water quality and habitat improvement for the special protection features of the SAC, as well as wider biodiversity, including peatland restoration (see Outcome 5).

  3. Control Japanese Knotweed and Giant Hogweed, in and near to the Upper Ballinderry River SAC/ASSI.

  4. Identify opportunities for tree planting in the Upper Ballinderry River SAC/ASSI and wider Ballinderry catchment, by working with The Rivers Trust and the Woodland Trust (Woodlands for Water Officer) and undertake annual tree planting (target 5000 trees by 2028).

  5. Establish an SAC/ASSI Landowner Information Hub for landowners, providing support and guidance on managing land and farming along the SAC/ASSI, including support in obtaining consent and undertaking work along the designated stretch.

Outcome 2:

To achieve this, we will:

  1. Develop and publish a Catchment Plan (incorporating the Upper Ballinderry River SAC Conservation Management plan), as a public facing interactive StoryMap, that combines data actions from all sectors to achieve improved water quality across the Ballinderry River system and western-shore rivers of Lough Neagh.

  2. Utilise this plan to secure funding for strategic project delivery.

Outcome 3:

To achieve this, we will:

  1. Maintain and further develop the long-running Ballinderry Freshwater Pearl Mussel Conservation Breeding and Reinforcement Programme, including continued training of an FPM Conservation Breeding Centre Technician by existing staff (part of breeding programme continuity planning).

  2. Undertake detailed habitat assessment and mapping of suitable mussel habitat stretches in the SAC/ASSI to identify new release sites, to expand the range of the population within the river.

  3. Release at least 1500 juvenile mussels to the river (~300 each year).

  4. Undertake annual condition assessments of mussels and habitat at release sites on an annual basis.

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

  1. Undertake annual salmonid population assessments at 30 sites per annum across the Ballinderry River catchment to compliment FPM assessment data.

  2. Undertake annual redox assessment at established FPM/Salmonid Habitat Assessment Sites to inform site condition and habitat improvement measures.

Outcome 4:

To achieve this, we will:

  1. Undertake Condition Assessments, using JNCC Common Standards Monitoring (CSM), for all six freshwater pearl mussel rivers in NI – maintaining the 6-year data collection and reporting cycle.

Outcome 5:

By 2030, 12ha of peatland, located on privately owned land, will have been restored to functioning peat, sequestering carbon, and contributing to hydrological function within the catchment, and act as a pilot for peatland restoration on privately owned land.

To achieve this, we will:

  1. Integrate peatland restoration with Result-based Payment Scheme (RbPS) pilot (see Outcome 1), as a trial incentive to peatland restoration on privately owned land.

  2. Identify and recruit at least two farms with a minimum area of 12ha of peatland restoration potential into the peatland restoration pilot project.

  3. Undertake peatland restoration measures on the privately owned peatland.

  4. Use RbPS Score Cards to assess peat recovery (carbon sequestration) and biodiversity net gain.

Outcome 6:

To achieve this, Ballinderry Rivers Trust will coordinate a support network for rivers trusts in Northern Ireland (iCatch) and act as a hub trust for NI’s rivers trusts to organise, coordinate, and host:

  1. 50 iCatch meetings encouraging peer-to-peer learning and support and greater links with Irish rivers trusts.

  2. 5 rivers trust seminars/events, bringing together NI, cross-border and Irish rivers trusts to share learning and expertise.

  3. Linking NI rivers trusts through Communities of Practice, providing specialist per-to-peer support and knowledge transfer.

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

The ResiRiver 2030 Project is being delivered in partnership with:

The ResiRiver 2030 project is funded by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, an Agency within the Department for Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs, through the Environment Fund (EF) Strategic Strand 2023-2028.

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

Salterstown Group Facilitation Project

Name Salterstown Group Facilitation Project (Year 2) Period 1[st] April 2023 – 31[st] March 2026 Type Water Quality Improvement/Education Project Partners The Rivers Trust

This project aims to reduce the impact of agricultural businesses on water quality in the Salterstown River, by provide non-regulatory water-friendly farming advice to landowners in the catchment, through a team of dedicated Farm Advisors, and producing farm-scale Water and Environment Management Plans (WEMPs) that identify measures required for the protection of water quality.

The farm plans are designed to identify and prioritise action that can be taken through the Trust’s Ballinderry Water-friendly Farming (agri-environmental) Scheme (WFS), as a mechanism through which to deliver funding to farms for targeted water, land and air protection measures.

The plans also identify opportunities for tree planting which will be delivered in partnership with The Rivers Trust and the Woodland Trust (Woodlands for Water Officer).

Salterstown Group Facilitation Project is funded through and being delivered in partnership with:

The Rivers Trust’s Group Facilitation Project is part of the DAERA Environmental Farming Scheme – Group Facilitation programme which is jointly funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

Sustainable Catchments Programme

Name Sustainable Catchments Programme (SCP) 2024-25 Period 1[st] April 2024 – 31[st] March 2025 Type Water Quality Improvement/Education Project Partners The Rivers Trust

The Sustainable Catchment Programme (SCP) is joint initiative between the Department for Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs (DAERA) and The Rivers Trust and is a capital grant that allows the implementation of on-farm measures that are identified through the production of Water Environment Management Plans and are expected to bring about water quality benefit.

Through this fund the Trust was able to significantly increase the impact of its Water-friendly Farming Scheme, to benefit water quality and wildlife, by being able to commit significant funds for on-farm water quality protection measures and levering additional landowner contributions towards the cost of measures.

The Sustainable Catchment Programme (SCP) is delivered in partnership with:

The Sustainable Catchment Programme (SCP) is funded by the Department for Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs, under its Green Growth programme.

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

Our Rivers (2022-2025)

Name Our Rivers Period 7[th] October 2022 – 30[th] April 2025 (extended from 30[th] September 2024) Type Water Quality Improvement/Education Project Partners Lissan House Trust

The ‘Our Rivers’ project has two main objectives:

  1. Design and implementation of a multi-facetted freshwater education programme aimed primarily at Key Stage 2, providing both class and field-based options for learning about our rivers and loughs.

  2. Coordination of a range of volunteer initiatives aimed at increasing participation in recording and environmental monitoring through citizen science.

This project aims to reinvigorate and further grow our education and outreach impact through development and delivery a new, exciting, engaging, and integrated freshwater learning, outreach, and citizen science experience, aimed at increasing environmental awareness about our water environment and involvement of the public in direct conservation activity.

The project strives to establish the Ballinderry River catchment as Northern Ireland’s ‘Freshwater Education and Engagement Hub’, at the fore of ‘hand-on’ environmental engagement and accessible to all. The project will provide the freshwater education support and opportunities that our local schools are so eager for us to deliver for them and be able to meet the demand in an effective, impactful, and sustainable way. We will also provide high quality, meaningful, and fulfilling freshwater volunteering and citizen science opportunities for the public who have a renewed appetite and interest in their local environment.

The ‘Our Rivers’ project is funded by the Garfield Weston Foundation.

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

c. Grant making policies

The Trust does not provide grants to other bodies.

Achievements and performance

a. Going Concern

After making appropriate enquiries and due consideration, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Trust has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

b. Review of activities

Core activities

In 2024/25, we said we would:

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

During 2024/25 we:

In addition, the Trust maintained the access created through the Ardtrea to Drapersfield Walkway Project, including controlling the growth and spread of Giant Hogweed ( Heracleum mantegazzianum ) which poses a health risk to access users and an environmental risk to the river and biodiversity.

Project activities

In 2024/25 we said we would:

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

In 2024/25 we:

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

c. Investment policy and performance

The Trust has insufficient uncommitted funds to consider long-term investments, and a detailed review of performance and performance targets is not required. The Trust’s investment policy currently is to keep any surplus liquid funds in short-term deposits, which are low risk. Any investment beyond short-term deposits is required to be supported by independent professional advice, at which point the Trustees will consider ethical investment issues and direction.

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

Financial review

a. Reserves policy

It is the aim of the Trustees to generate a level of reserves sufficient to carry out the objects of the Trust on a steady and stable basis. The Trustees have therefore resolved to hold surplus liquid funds in short term deposits that can be accessed readily.

In determining the level of reserves to be held the Trustees have considered the income generating streams of the organisation, from the selling of services, public donations and restricted project funding alongside the running costs which will be financed through restricted funds, match funding arrangements, and the organisation’s general funds.

The Board has therefore resolved to hold sufficient reserves to respond to any unexpected difficulties in securing restricted funding and to meet contractual obligations to staff including the provision of redundancy payments should the Trust be forced to close.

Based upon the levels of expenditure in the financial year, it was agreed that £155,500 would be held in reserve.

The trustees wanted to ensure that sufficient reserves were available to respond to any unexpected difficulties in securing restricted funding.

To bridge any potential shortfall in income and to allow sufficient time for additional income to be secured £155,500 would cover 6 months running costs and salaries. Although contractual notice periods of staff would cost £32,500, the trustees agreed that staffing numbers should be retained at the current level, as any reduction would significantly reduce the Trusts ability to deliver on its purposes.

The trustees further agreed that surplus funds beyond the amount to be held in reserve could be used for the benefit of the Trust.

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

b. Principal funding

Income

In 2024/2025, total incoming resources were £1,213,360 (2023/24: £885,831).

The Trust was fortunate enough to receive support during the year from several sources, including:

Expenditure

Total expenditure for 2024/2025 was £1,219,655 (2023/24: £883,962).

Balance sheet

The Trust was in a healthy financial position at year-end, with net assets of £236,623 (2023/24: £242,918)

The Board confirms that since the year-end, it is not aware of any events that would have a material detrimental impact on its position.

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

Plans for the future

a. Future developments

Core activities

In 2025/26, we plan to:

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

Project activities

In 2025/26, we plan to:

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

Trustees' responsibilities statement

The Trustees (who are also directors of Ballinderry Rivers Trust for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing this Trustees' Report, and independent accounts in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company and charity law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and the group and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including income and expenditure, of the charitable group for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charitable company transactions and 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 charitable company and the group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable group’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

Disclosure of information to reporting accountants

Each of the persons who are Trustees at the time when this Trustees' report is approved has confirmed that:

This report was approved by the Trustees on 12[th] November 2025 and signed on their behalf, by:

Oa ................................................ (\ Gb — Miss Victoria Graham Chairperson/Trustee

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Ballinderry Rivers Trust (the 'charitable company') for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow Statement and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies.

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with FRS 102.

In our opinion the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

Other information

The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report, other than the financial statements and our Report of the Independent Auditors thereon.

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

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

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Report of the Trustees.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the Trustees' Responsibilities Statement, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue a Report of the Independent Auditors that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud.

The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below.

There is inherent difficulty in detecting irregularities during audit. However effectiveness of entities controls, the nature and extent of the audit procedures performed, gives us confidence in detecting irregularities.

Further information regarding the scope of our responsibilities as auditor

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

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors' report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Brendan Corr (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Corr & Corr Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditor 2nd Floor, The Cornmill Coalisland, Co. Tyrone N. Ireland BT71 4LP

Date: 22 December 2025

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the financial year.

All income and expenditure relate to continuing activities.

The notes form part of these financial statements

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

Balance Sheet 31 March 2025

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

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 12[th] November 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:

Oa ............................................. [\ Gd —

V R Graham - Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

Cash Flow Statement for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

The notes form part of these financial statements

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

1. Other restricted funds

The closing balance breakdown of the 'Other Restricted Funds' totalling £82,952 in NOTE 17.

2. Accounting policies

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related 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 resources.

Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost or at valuation, less accumulated depreciation. The charge to depreciation is calculated to write off the original cost or valuation of tangible fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives as follows:

Plant and machinery - 10% Straight line

Taxation

No current or deferred taxation arises as the company has been granted charitable exemption. Irrecoverable valued added tax is expenses as incurred.

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

Statement of compliance

The financial statements of the company for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 have been prepared on the going concern basis and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) "Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015)" and FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland".

3. Donations and legacies

Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

4. Charitable activities costs

5. Support costs

6. Net income/(expenditure)

Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):

7. Trustees' remuneration and benefits

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 nor for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 nor for the year ended 31 March 2025.

8. Staff costs

The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:

No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

9. Comparatives for the statement of financial activities

10. Debtors

Debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due. Income recognised by the company from government agencies and other co-founders, but not yet received at year end is included in debtors.

11. Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand comprises cash on deposit at banks requiring less than three months' notice of withdrawal.

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

12. Tangible fixed assets

Certain fixed assets have been funded by direct support. These now form part of the restricted funds (£71,468)

13. Debtors: amounts falling due within one year

14. Cash at bank
Bank deposit account
Total
15. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

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BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

16. Loans

An analysis of the maturity of loans is given below:

17. Movement in funds

Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Comparatives for movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Docusign Envelope ID: 7B44C744-6195-43DE-AD44-E30DEAC6CA01

49

BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

17. Movement in funds - continued

Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Docusign Envelope ID: 7B44C744-6195-43DE-AD44-E30DEAC6CA01

50

BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

18. Related party disclosures

Ballinderry Rivers Trust works alongside River Care Ltd, a company with a separate board comprised of some members who are also trustees of Ballinderry Rivers Trust. The transactions between the two companies relate to a quarterly recharge for office costs of £1,800. The lease on the premises used by both companies is held by BREA Ltd.

The following balance was owed to River Care Limited at the year-end:

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|||||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |19.|Reconciliation of net income to net cash flow from operating activities| |Net|income|for the|reporting|period|(as|per the|Statement|of| |Financial|Activities)| |Adjustments|for:| |Depreciation|charges| |Deferred|income|adjustment| |Fixed|asset|addition| |Increase|in|debtors| |Increase|in|creditors| |Net|cash|provided|by operations| |20.|Analysis of changes in net funds|

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21. Status

The company is limited by guarantee not having a share capital. The liability of the members is limited.

Every member of the company undertakes to contribute to the assets of the company in the event of its being wound up while they are members, or within one year thereafter, for the payment of the debts and liabilities of the company contracted before they ceased to be members and the costs, changes and expenses of winding up, and for the adjustment of the rights of the contributors among themselves, such amount as may be required not exceeding £1.

Docusign Envelope ID: 7B44C744-6195-43DE-AD44-E30DEAC6CA01

51

BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Support costs

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Docusign Envelope ID: 7B44C744-6195-43DE-AD44-E30DEAC6CA01

52

BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

Analysis of Movements Between Funds for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Analysis of Net assets between funds

Analysis of movement of funds

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Docusign Envelope ID: 7B44C744-6195-43DE-AD44-E30DEAC6CA01

53

BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST (A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)

Schedule of Resources Expended for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

S&S freshwateRivers T r ustlife

Docusign Envelope ID: 7B44C744-6195-43DE-AD44-E30DEAC6CA01

BALLINDERRY RIVERS TRUST

54

(A Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital)