ids. CAUSEWAY COAST AND GLENS HERITAGE TRUST LIMITED Chartered occountants TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 The members, who are also directors of the Charity for the purposes of the Companies Act present Iheir report and accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies sel out in note 1 to accounts and comply with the Companies Act 2006 and 'Accounting and Reporting by Gharilies: 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 IFRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015)°, Objectives and activities The charity's objects are specifically restricted to promotion for the benefit of the public of the advancement of education, the promotion of sustainable development and biological diversity, the advancemenl of rural regeneration and the conservation. maintenance. impiovement and protection of the physical, natural and built environment of Ihe Causeway Coasl and Glens. The policies adopted in furtherance of these objects are as follows and there has been no change in these during the yeaf. to advance the education of the public or any local or statutory authority in the principles and practice of conservation, and the conservalion and prot8ction of wildlife and marine life in an effort to encourage conservation- to advance, promole, preserve and further the conservation maintenance and protection of features of the landscape in the area of benefit with geographical, historic, physiographical or amenity value and to enhance théir contribution lo axisting environmèntal amenities in the area of benefit for the public benefit: to advance the education of the public in subjects relating lo sustainable development and Ihe protection, management, enhancement and rehabilitation of the environment and lo encourage and promote study and research in such subjects provided that the useful results of such study are disseminaled to the general public., lo advance any other exclusively charitable purpose as the directors, may from time to time. decide in accordance with the law of charity. The Trustees have paid due regard lo guidance issued by the Chartly Commission in deciding what acllvilies the chafily should undertake. The direct benefits that flow from CCGHT'S purposes are.. Habitat protection and enhancemenl through measures including establishing habitat management p'.ans, controlling invasive species and addressing the risk of wild fires. Protection of native specie5 such a5 the red squirrel and native woodlands. Improved public access lo the area and mitigation of the impact of increased visitor numbers through engagement with landowners and the building, maintenance and promotion of paths. Restoration of the built heritage through the repair of the historic stonewalls and other historic structure5 and monuments in the aiea. Securing of the living heritage of the area for future generations through the collection and collation of heritage material. Sharlng of the heritage of the area for the education and enjoyment of the public Ihrough events, publications, exhibilions. training courses and volunteering opportunities. The above will lead to protection of cultural values. heritage and the environment for future generations.. enhanced appreciation and enjoyment of the area; increased social and economic welkbeing of local communities,. conservation and enh8nrEment of the special qualities of the Causeway Coast and Glens for current and future generations. development of outdoor skn'lls and actsve lifestyles.
ids. CAUSEWAY COAST AND GLENS HERITAGE TRUST LIMITED hartered c7ccountonts TRUSTEES. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Our activities are designed to enhance and proted the environment and contribute to welkbeing. Any potenlial harms are outweighed by the benefits and alleviated through respecting the rights of all stakeholders, managing arSS, reducing wildfi'res and controlling invasive species. The beneficiaries ofthe work ofthe Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust are.. The local population in terms of improved access, heritage events and interprelalion and development of outdoor skills and active lifestyles. The general public including out of stale visitors in terms of the conservation of the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauly as a public assel, improved access to enjoy the area and enhanced appreciation and enjoyment of the area through providing information on the living heritage, flora and fauna. Local landowners through the control of unwanted access and the safeguarding of boundaries and liveslock through the building and repair of paths, stiles and bridges. Local landowners receive a private benefit through the control of unwanted access and the safeguarding of boundaries and livestock. There are no private benefits lo any other individuals connected with the organisalion other than the payment of salaries to slaff which is a necessary r8quirem8nl in order to provide our services and therefore ircidenlal to the carying oul of our purpose.
ids. CAUSEWAY COAST AND GLENS HERITAGE TRUST LIMITED ¢hurtered accovntants TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Achlevements and performance 2023-24 has proven lo be a successful year for Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust. For the firsl time its income levels have exceeded £1 m leaving the organisalion in a sound financial position. With cash, monies owed and assets in the region of £500k this leaves the Trust well within the sustainability parameters set out by the Charity Commission. CCGHT continues lo work closely with ils key partners in the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Ihe National Lottery Heritage Fund, Caijseway Coast and Glens Borough Council and Tourism Northern Ireland delivering wide range of activities and projects that ensure the sound and sustainable management of some of Northern Ireland'5 most important prolecled areas. promote sustainable and regenerative tourism and rural diversification. This year CCGHT'S core activities have been primarily funded by NIEA supported by CCG8C and TNI. 2023-24 was Ihe first year of the new S-year strategic support programme under NIEA'S Environment Fund. Due to an increase in funds available from the Carrier Bag Leyy, funding levels increased from £175k lo £320k per annum. This has allowed CCGHT lo engage in more strategi¢ activity and has PTovided real security for the organisation over the medium lem. 11 has resulted in staff gaining more confidence in the slabilily of their own posts resulting in significant benefits for the organisation. NIEA funding has meanl that CCGHT has been able lo provide greater focus on Ilie development and ddivery of management and action plans for the areas 3 AONBS.. AntrTm Coast and Glens. Binevenagh and Causeway Coast and also the Giant's Causeway and Causeway Coast World Heiilage Site. Through the Environment Fund CCGHT has taken on a renewed role in Marine and Coastal protection. This has resulted in the appointment of Geoff Nutlall a5 the new Marine and Coastal Manager. Key lo this role will be delivery of CCGHT'S responsibility for a rejuvenated Rathlin Island Environmental Forum. The &year funding package has allowed CCGHT to refocus its operational structure in line with its strategic direction. In addition lo marine matters Geoff Nullall will assume responsibility for the Anlrim Coast and Glens AONB. Nikki Maguire will focus on the Causeway Coast AONB and the WHS as well as taking the lead in Geopark development. Andr8w Brallen will retain responsibility for the Binevenagh Landscape Partnership Schema and AONB. In 2023-24 il was agreed by all stakeholders thal CCGHT would establish a new Dark Hedges Management Forum taking over responsibility from Ihe existing Dark Hedges Preservation Trust. While the new body is in the proGess of being established. CCGHT has, in good faith, taken on responsibility for maintenance of Ihe Bregagh Road avenue and LTndertaken vital tree maintenance activity as well as respond to the aftermath of Storm Isha. In total nine trees were removed. Vvhile it is understood that the Dark Hedges has a finite life cycle it is expected Ihal with proper rnanagemenl and co-operation the life span can be extended ensuring a continuation of the Dark Hedges experience and the use of the sile as an important tourist destination. In 2024-25 it 15 expected Ihal strategic masterplan will be developed foi the sile which will include a tree management plan for the avenue itself. CCGHT'S biggest ever single project has been acting as the lead partner in the Binevenagh and Coastal Lowlands Landscape Partnership Scheme. The scheme funded by Heritage Lottery. Ihe Woodland Trust. National Trust, CCGBC and others entered the third of its 5 years of delivery in 2023. Following a slow start due to COVID. activities have picked up pace particulady in the areas of natural heritage and Gultural heritage where the primary focus has been defence heritage. Durtng the year The Moors at Castlerock and the Tails and Trails projects in the village have been completed. Significant progress has been made regarding Ihe repurposing of the Limavady VVVVII Trainer Dome and the Magilligan Anti-Aircraft Battery. On the downside circumstances have resulted in changes to a number of Outdoor Recreation projects. Unfortunately, following agreement with all private landowners, we have been unable lo complete the development of the Myroe Trail. due to a change in interpretation in policy by officials in DAERA. The outstanding success of the LPS has been the developmenl of the Magilligan Tree Nursery. CCGHT, in partnership with HMP Magilligan, has developed a Iree nursery in the grounds of the prison. As part of their rehabilitation process prisoners have been learning horticultural techniques assisting in the growing and bringing on of a wide range of native tree species. CCGHT is grateful to DAERA and the Dormonl Accounts Fund administered by Charities Lottery for support in this project.
ids. CAUSEWAY COAST AND GLENS HERITAGE TRUST LIMITED charteied occountonts TRUSTEES. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 The impending work at Dark Hedges and thè existing work in Magilligan have resulted in CCGHT beginning the process of establishing a trading company. 11 is hoped that the two locations will soon become self-sustaining allowing for surpluses to be used to support the on-going work of the Trust. A significant amount of the day-lo-day activity of CCGHT staff has involved working in partnership with others in the development of new and refreshed projects. The Trust has been central lo the development of several partnership applications into the Peace+ funding stream which will hopefully come to fruition in 20225. Additionally. the Trust has been instrumental in the rejuvenation of the Northern Ireland Protected Areas Nelwok which is being refocussed under the new umbiella of Landscapes Nl. A small pol of funding from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland's Arts & Older People Programme allowed CCGHT lo work with the more mature members of our area through the Culturally Creative Communities project. Additionally, the Trust has been an active partner in the Northem Ireland Environmenl Link led Heritage for Health projèct. Both programm@s focussed on making our heritage more accessible to more members of our community. CCGHT continues lo adopt an active role in the field of sustainable and regenerative tourism. Without funding from any major source, the Trust conlinues lo oversee. manage, ¢¢>ordinale and promote the Economussee network which currently has eleven members throughout ils area of operation. Plans to host an Inlemalional Conference in the area Ihis year were delayed until 202*25. The Trusl has been actively engaged in developing Ihe concept of community tourism. 2023-24 has been a year of change regarding the people involved with CCGHT. The Trust's Chair. Graham Seymour, and Deputy Chair, Roy Craig, both stood down and were replaced by existing Board members Julie Taylor and George McAuley respectively. The appointments of Professor Joan Condell and Dr Paul Jose weie confirmed following their participation in the work of the Trust as Observers. The Trust has a150 been grateful for the service of Max Bryant, the National Trust's representative, who stood down on his appointment as the new Chief Executive of Northem Ireland Environment Link Following the 2023 Council elections 5 Councillor Board members Stood down. Sandra Hunter and Margaret- Ann McKillop had served two full lerms as representatives of CCGBC. Sharon MGKillop of CCGBC and Tcmmy Nichol and Maureen Morrow of Mid and East AntFim Borough Council also stood down. M&EABC had decided not to provid& financial support to the Trust for 202>24 and chose not to appoint new Directors. This decision disappointed greatly the Board of CCGHT who decided that where previously and where possible discretionary spend had been priorilised in both councils this should now be limited lo the CCGBC area. The Board was very clear that in the event of funding being reintroduced this policy would be reviewed and that aclivilie5 funded by other partners (particularfy relating to the Anlrim Coast and Glens AONB and Causeway Coastal Route) would ontinue. CCGHT is very gialeful for the work and commitment of those who stood down during the year and is particularly pleased lo see former Board members continuing to participate in other Trust aclivilies. The Trust has welcorned the appointments of Councillors Bill Kennedy and Richard Stewart onto the Board and OlweT Mcmullan's appointment for an addFtional term. 202&24 has seen staff leaving and joining the Trusl as well as some important absences. Aisling Gribbin has seen her post as Tree Nursery Officer confirmed and is now SLtpported by Erin Boyle as tree Nursery Assistant. Rachael Marshall resigned from her position in the Causeway Team and was replaced by Grace McAllister. As a result of Grace moving from the Binevenagh Team her responsibilities have been taken on by Barbara Lynch. This year also saw additions to the CCGHT family., Nikki Maguire and Laura McAuley both took well deserved maternily leave after we were joined by Ernily and Shane. Financial review The Charity regularly reviews its policy on risk. The main risk5 to the Chartly are associaled with being adequalely funded to continue with its main objectives. The Charity is heavily dependent on grants from DAERA each year, with DAERA being the biggest individual funder with a grant of £288.102. The net deficit for the year to 31 March 2024 was £209,652 {2023.' net surplus of £21,592). The organisation has assessed the major risks to which the chartty is exposed and is satisfied Ihat systems are in place lo mitigate exposure to the major risks.
ids. CAUSEWAY COAST AND GLENS HERITAGE TRUST LIMITED hartered accountants TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Stru¢tur8, governance and management The charity is a company limited by guarantee. Causeway C02St and Glens is governed by a memorandum and articl@s of association. the company is recognised a5 a charity by HMRC {Charily Number.. 106064). The Trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose ofcompany law. and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were.. Mrs Julie Ann Taylor Mi George McAuley Prol Joan Condell Mr Roy Craig Cllr Bill Kennedy Dr Paul Jose MrAndrew McAlisler Prof Patrick McKeever Cllr Oliver MGMullan Mr Graham Seymour Ald Richard Stewart Mr Robert Wilson Cllr John Wisen8r M5 Margaret Anne McKillop Mr Max Bryant Ms Sandra Hunter Ms Sharon McKillop Ms Mary Morrow Mr Thomas Nicholl (Appointed 19 September 2023} (Appointed 30 June 2023) (Appointed 27 June 2023) (Appointed 30 June 2023) (Appointed 4 June 20241 (Resigned 30 June 2023) (Resigned 27 June 2023) (Resigned 30 June 2023) (Resign8d 27 June 20231 (Resigned 30 June 2023) (Resigned 27 June 2023) None of the Trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the Trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up. CCGHT is a publiclprivatel voluntary sector partnership set up in 2002 and managed by a Board of13 Trustees who are familiar with and have knowledge and regard lo the Charity Commission Nl's Public Benefit requiremen15. Representation on Ihe Board includes the local councils, voluntary sector bodies. tourism, government. farming and community organisalions. With a small core staff and time bound project staff the Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust is led by the Chief Executive Officer in Ihe small North Antrim village of Aimoy. The Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust ICCGHTI has no stalutory powers and as such seeks to influence and work in partnership with a range of statutory and other bodies to achieve its aims, purposes and objectives. In addition lo influencing Strategic direction. CCGHT secures and dislribules funding lo a5S1St in the implementation and delivery of ils own objectives.11 supports Ihe development of strategies and the delivery of programmes and plans. which aim to ensure the long-term benefit of the area and to balance thi5 Wlth current economic development in a sustainable manner. CCGHT has responsibility for a large area of Northem Ireland covering two council areas- Causeway Coast & Glens and Mid & East Anlrim Borough Councils.11 includes Ihree Areas of Oulslanding Natural Beauty - Binevenagh, Causeway Coast (including the Giant's Causeway and Causeway Coast World Herilage Site) and Antrim Coast and Glens (including Ralhlin Island). It also includes several Ramsar 511es. which all have intemational importance for Iheir bird life alongside many Special Areas of Conservation. Special Protection Areas and Areas of Special Scientific Interest. Auditor In accordance with the company's articles, a resolution proposing that IDS Chart@r@d Accountants LLP be reappointed as auditor of the Company will be put at a General Meeting.
ids. CAUSEWAY COAST AND GLENS HERITAGE TRUST LIMITED chartered accountant5 TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Disclosure of Infomiatlon to auditor Each of the Trustees has confirmed that there is no information of which they are aware which is relevant to the audit. but of which the auditor is unaware. They have further confirmed that they have taken appropriate steps to identify such relevant informalion and to establish that the auditor is aware of such information. The Trustees. report was approved by the Board of Trustees. Gra am Thompson (Sècretary) Dated: 24 September 2024