OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2025-06-30-accounts

THE BORDERS FOREST TRUST

REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

COMPANY NUMBER: SC162581 SCOTTISH CHARITY NUMBER: SC024358

THE BORDERS FOREST TRUST

CONTENTS
Charity Information 1
2
7
Independent Auditor Report 8
Group Statement of Financial Activities 13
Charity Statement of Financial Activities 14
Group Balance Sheet 15
Charity Balance Sheet 16
Group Statement of Cash Flows 17
Notes to the Financial Statements 18

THE BORDERS FOREST TRUST

CHARITY INFORMATION

Company Number SC162581
Scottish Charity Number SC024358
Directors A Bourne
(Trustees) R H Grant-Robertson
T Hall (appointed 4 December 2024)
I E Laidlaw
C McLean
J F Ogilvie (resigned 4 December 2024)
Dr J K Rosegrant (resigned 25 November 2025)
Dr G Peniche
R Shearer
Dr A Strathdee
R Thompson (appointed 4 December 2024)
Professor I J Wall
S P Young
Company Secretary
N Hunt
Chief Executive C Dundas (to 9 September 2025)
Principal Address Monteviot Nurseries
and Registered Office Ancrum
Jedburgh
TD8 6TU
Auditors MHA
Chartered Accountants
6 St Colme Street
Edinburgh EH3 6AD
Bankers Bank of Scotland
40 High Street
Jedburgh TD8 6DQ
Nationwide Building Society (to March 2025)
Nationwide House
Pipers Way
Swindon SN38 1NW
Solicitors J & H Mitchell
51 Atholl Road
Pitlochry
PH16 5BU

1

THE BORDERS FOREST TRUST REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

The trustees who are also directors of the charitable company for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charitable company for the year ended 30 June 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Objectives and aims

The Trust aims to conserve, restore and manage native woodlands and other natural habitats for the benefit of people and wildlife, to support community woodlands, habitat restoration, education and arts projects, and are involved in the sustainable use of hardwood timber. The Trust has a vision of the South of Scotland as a place where a rich tapestry of native woodlands and wild places flourish thanks to ecological restoration. These restored landscapes will be managed sustainably and enjoyed, valued and protected by both thriving communities of place and engaged communities of interest.

Objectives, strategies and activities

Over 2024 2025 Borders Forest Trust did not alter its overall objectives or strategies. The key strategic documents that were reviewed and updated by the trustees were:

The usual management and planting activity continued across the Trust's estate, alongside volunteering opportunities and engagement with the public. The trust also continued to build and reinforce partnerships with a range of organisations, both local and national.

Borders Forest Trust continues to work with other landowners to promote good ecological restoration and management of their sites. A second focus of the Trust's work is around the theme of community and education; with individuals, communities, schools and woodland groups. This includes a number of volunteering opportunities, education programmes and events.

Trustees also discussed a number of key issues at their meetings over 2024-25

2

THE BORDERS FOREST TRUST REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES (Continued)

Public benefit

The Trust engages in ecological restoration, conservation, volunteering and education activities, aligned to its core objectives across Southern Scotland. BFT believes that every action it undertakes should be for the wider public benefit and not private benefit.

Volunteers

Volunteering is a core principle in the Trust's strategy to involve people with our work and give opportunities to link people and nature.

The Trust is grateful for the unstinting efforts of its volunteers who have helped in a variety of ways including practical conservation work, governance, monitoring and fundraising. Volunteer numbers have remained steady undertaking a variety of activities across the sites, both through regular volunteer days, one off events and corporate planting days

Fundraising disclosures

The Trust continually raises funds from other trusts, foundations and organisations that hold similar objectives to enable the strategic objective to be delivered. Staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent on fundraising and where specific costs are incurred for specific projects, these projects have the costs allocated to them on a direct basis.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Charitable activities

The Borders Forest Trust's charitable objects are to: "conserve, regenerate and promote the restoration of native woodlands in the geographical region of the Borders as an important part of Scotland's natural environment for the benefit of the public."

Management and Staff

Staff changes

John Matthews was appointed as Finance Manager on 24[th] February 2025. Laura Alcock-Ferguson was appointed as Development Manager on 7[th] May 2025.

Sam Knight was appointed as Discover Nature Award Programme Manager on 16[th] June 2025 (6 month fixed term contract)

Elvera Green, Finance Manager (maternity cover) left in October 2024. Rebecca Jones, Finance Manager, left in March 2025

Cameron Newall, Community & Education Officer, left in December 2024 Becky Chenery, Community & Education Officer, left in April 2025

Health and Safety

Staff have been involved in reviewing of all activity-based risk assessments. These risk assessments are reviewed on an on-going basis.

3

THE BORDERS FOREST TRUST REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

FINANCIAL REVIEW

BFT were pleased to report income of £ 998,205 in the year. Total resources expended over the same period were £815,082. There was a loss on the value of investments of £24,950 . The charity can therefore report a surplus in the year of £158,173 (2024: £403,697 restated). Total reserves at the year end are £6,380,388 (2024: £6,222,215 restated).

The group also reports a surplus of £158,173 (2024: £403,697 restated). Total consolidated reserves at the year end are £6,380,388 (2024: £6,222,215 restated)

Prior year adjustments made had the following impact on previously published financial statements:

Charity

Year to 30 June 2023 increase in reserves of £89,682 Year to 30 June 2024 increase in reserves of £34,674

Group

Year to 30 June 2023 increase in reserves of £84,682 Year to 30 June 2024 increase in reserves of £58,394

Principal funding sources

The principal funding source of the Trust continues to be grants representing 60% of total funding. Donations represent 38% with 2% coming from memberships and the provision of services to landowners.

BFT overheads were funded by regular donations in addition to significant grants from The Esmee Fairbairn Foundation and the Wesleyan Foundation.

Woodland Trust.

match funded through a number of small grants, as well as private donations from individuals and businesses including Baillie Gifford.

Investment policy and objectives

The Trust holds a portfolio of investments with Quilter Cheviot. The portfolio (Quilter Cheviot Climate Assets Balanced Fund) is reviewed annually. Quilter Cheviot provide investment reports every quarter and a trustee meets with them at least once a year to review performance.

The portfolio is still divided into 2 funds: Wildwood and BFT Endowment.

The Wildwood fund holds the majority of the Wildwood restricted funds raised as stewardships and had a year-end balance of £232,270.

The BFT Endowment fund holds legacies, funds raised from life memberships, specific donations and associated gift aid (designated funds), as well as EFT Expendable Endowment funds and had a year-end balance of 345,075.

4

THE BORDERS FOREST TRUST REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

Investment policy and objectives

The portfolio is managed mainly for capital growth rather than income at present. Appropriate donations and endowment gifts are added to the investments when received, if not required for the current year's activities.

Investment performance

BFT have been disappointed by the modest investment returns seen in 2024/25 but also note that UK performance has been stilted following the September 2022 mini budget, a weak pound, and recession fears. However, the performance reflects a wider trend across all Ethical investments, and it is relatively early in terms of the Quilter Cheviot investments to judge performance. We are investing for the long term. Our investment policy requires a formal review after 5 years.

Investment property held in group

property was last professionally revalued in 2017 at a value of £2,235,000. Management and trustees have been unable to provide a current valuation as at 30 June 2025 and given that the value of the property must be carried in the Balance Sheet at fair value under FRS 102 this has resulted in a limitation in scope qualified audit opinion. The trustees are aware of the position and have taken steps to initiate a revaluation of the investment property in the year to 30 June 2026.

The Trust's policy on reserves is to aim to maintain a level of reserves to cover the Trust's financial commitments for between 6 and 12 months. This policy recognises our statutory obligations, the dependence on grant funding and the uncertain nature of the timing of cashflows.

Unrestricted reserves are always necessary to cover statuary liabilities in addition to a quarter s operating overhead. Unrestricted funds are increased and maintained by fundraising and investing activities. The unrestricted funds balance as at 30 June 2025 for both the charity and the group is £2,849,050. In addition, endowment funds of £345,075 are held by both the charity and the group as at 30 June 2025.

Restricted reserves are always necessary to help manage project cashflow, as forestry planting grants are paid in arrears. This balance represents funds yet to be expended or held on behalf of projects and is not available to the Trust for core expenditure. The restricted funds balance as at 30 June 2025 for both the charity and the group is £3,186,263.

Overall, total reserves at 30 June 2025 are £6,830,388 (2024: £6,222,215 restated) for both the charity and the group. The free reserves of the charity at 30 June 2025 are £793,625 (2024: £579,874 restated) and the free reserves of the group at 30 June 2025 are £684,426 (2024: £554,195 restated).

The level of free reserves at the year end therefore exceed the target level of holding between 6 and 12 months unrestricted expenditure.

Going concern

The trustees consider that the Trust is a going concern. The increased head-count of staff puts more pressure on revenue spending, but the appointment of a dedicated Development Manager to build up the Trust's membership, relationship with corporate sponsors, high-net worth individuals, and grant giving foundations will ensure that the Trust meets its fundraising targets.

5

THE BORDERS FOREST TRUST REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

BFT plans a full review of its Fundraising Strategy in early 2026 with a view to securing a greater proportion of unrestricted core funding on a long term sustainable basis. A plan for growth in income, membership and activity as the organisation expands its influence and its reputation.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The company, which is a registered charity in Scotland, is a charitable company limited by guarantee and was set up by a Memorandum of Association on 12th January 1996.

The principal object of the company is to provide conservation, regeneration and promotion of the restoration of native woodlands in the South of Scotland.

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

The management of the company is the responsibility of the trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Articles of Association. New trustees are recruited by membership nomination prior to the AGM, with details being circulated to the members with the AGM papers. Trustees are elected for a period of 3 years. They may stand for 2 terms but must then retire for at least one year. New trustees are elected annually at the AGM by a show of hands and proxy vote or by postal votes if it is a competitive process.

Organisational structure

The Trust is a membership organisation. The members are responsible for electing the Board of trustees in accordance with the procedures set out in the Articles of Association. The Board of trustees meets regularly, at least 6 times per year. Daily operational matters are delegated to the Trust's employees with supervision by the Chief Executive. The day-to-day management decisions are delegated to the CEO. The Trust employs staff to progress programmatic goals, and also employs contract staff to work on specific short-term projects and to assist with the staffs work on a long-term basis, such as deer control. Bookkeeping and Financial Planning is managed by a member of staff. There are two subcommittees of trustees. The first is the Ecological Advisory Sub- Committee, which is convened at the request of the Board of Trustees and reports to them. It recommends appropriate ecological policy across BFT sites. The CEO and Chair sit ex officio. The second sub-committee is the Finance and Audit Sub-Committee. In addition, Carrifran Wildwood has a Steering Group. The CEO and Site Officer sit ex officio on this group. Subcommittees are subject to the Trust's Terms of Reference for Devolved Decision Making group.

Induction and training of new trustees

Trustees are inducted into the trust with an introductory staff briefing which includes a BFT Trustee pack, which summarises Trustee obligations, responsibilities and funding information. The Trust maintains a register of Trustee and Staff interests.

Key management remuneration

Trustees are not remunerated. The remuneration for key management personnel is set by the trustees and reviewed on an annual basis.

Major risks and management of those risks

The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the Trust is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.

6

THE BORDERS FOREST TRUST REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

SMALL COMPANY RULES

The Directors have prepared this report in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Approved by order of the Board of Trustees on 17 December 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

S YOUNG TRUSTEE

7

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES AND MEMBERS OF THE BORDERS FOREST TRUST

Qualified Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of The Borders Forest Trust year ended 30 June 2025 which comprise the group and parent charitable company Statement of Financial Activities, the group and parent company Balance Sheets, the group Statement of Cash Flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion, except for the possible effects of the matter described in the basis for qualified opinion section of our report below, the financial statements:

Basis for qualified opinion

The basis of our qualified opinion relates solely to the limitation on our audit work relating to the valuation of the Investment Property held by the charitable group which must be carried at fair value under FRS 102. We have not been able to obtain appropriate audit evidence over the fair value of the property as reported on the group Balance Sheet and at note 13 in the financial statements, with the latest revaluation performed in 2017. Management have not obtained a current valuation or provided alternative evidence to support the carrying value, and as a result we have a limitation of scope of this specific balance.

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the group and parent charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are 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 for a basis for our qualified opinion.

8

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES AND MEMBERS OF THE BORDERS FOREST TRUST (Continued)

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 group and parent charitable the financial statements are authorised for issue. Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

As described in the basis for qualified opinion section of our report, we were unable to satisfy ourselves over the fair value of the Investment Property held on the group Balance Sheet at 30 June 2025. We have concluded that where the other information refers to the Investment Property balance, or related balances, it may be materially misstated for the same reason.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

Except for the possible effects of the matter described in the basis for qualified opinion section of our report, in our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

Except for the matter described in the basis for qualified opinion section of our report, in the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and parent charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the directors report included within the

9

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES AND MEMBERS OF THE BORDERS FOREST TRUST (Continued)

Matters on which we are required to report by exception (continued)

Arising solely from the limitation on the scope of our work relating to the Investment Property held in the group:

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 require us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of trustees

directors of the parent 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 group s and related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the group or parent charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

We have been appointed as auditor under section 44(1)(c) of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and under the Companies Act 2006 and report in accordance with regulations made under those Acts.

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole 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.

10

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES AND MEMBERS OF THE BORDERS FOREST TRUST (Continued)

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

The specific procedures for this engagement and the extent to which these are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description

11

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR REPORT TO THE DIRECTORS AND MEMBERS OF THE BORDERS FOREST TRUST (Continued)

Use of report

Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006, and to the charitable company’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with section 44 (1) (c) of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and Regulation 10 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. Our audit work has been trustees those matters

To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company, the charitable company’s members as a body and the charitable company’s trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Paul Marshall CA (Senior Statutory Auditor) 17 December 2025 For and on behalf of MHA, Statutory Auditor

6 St Colme Street Edinburgh EH3 6AD

MHA is the trading name of MHA Audit Services LLP, a limited liability partnership in England and Wales (registered number OC455542) and is eligible to act as an auditor in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.

12

THE BORDERS FOREST TRUST

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

Note
Income
Donations and legacies
2
Charitable activities
3
Other trading activities
4
Investments
5
Other income
Total Income
Expenditure
Raising funds
6
Charitable activities
7
Total Expenditure
Net income before gains
on investments
8
Gains on investments
12
Taxation
16
Net income
Transfers between funds
17
Net movement in funds
Total funds brought
forward - restated
17
Total funds carried
forward
17
Unrestricted
Funds
£
391,899
103,938
73,691
20,816
4,331
594,675
63,700
355,474
419,174
175,501
6,758
(2,000)
180,259
(1,173)
179,086
2,669,964
2,849,050
Endowment
Funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
6,924
-
6,924
1,173
8,097
336,978
345,075
Restricted
Funds
£
123,671
302,243
-
-
-
425,914
-
459,608
459,608
(33,694)
4,684
-
(29,010)
-
(29,010)
3,215,273
3,186,263
2025
Total
Funds
£
515,570
406,181
73,691
20,816
4,331
1,020,589
63,700
815,082
878,782
141,807
18,366
(2,000)
158,173
-
158,173
6,222,215
6,380,388
2024
Total
Funds
Restated
£
354,656
775,771
67,334
13,196
8,510
1,219,467
49,239
752,541
801,780
417,687
43,185
(63,957)
396,915
-
396,915
5,825,300
6,222,215

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

All income and expenditure is derived from continuing activities.

13

THE BORDERS FOREST TRUST

CHARITY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

Note
Income
Donations and legacies
2
Charitable activities
3
Other trading activities
4
Investments
5
Total Income
Expenditure
Raising funds
6
Charitable activities
7
Total Expenditure
Net income before
gains/(losses) on
investments
8
(Losses)/Gains on
investments
12
Net income
Transfers between funds
17
Net movement in funds
Total funds brought
forward restated
17
Total funds carried
forward
17
Unrestricted
Funds
£
448,782
103,938
458
19,113
572,291
-
355,474
355,474
216,817
(36,558)
180,259
(1,173)
179,086
2,669,964
2,849,050
Endowment
Funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
6,924
6,924
1,173
8,097
336,978
345,075
Restricted
Funds
£
123,671
302,243
-
-
425,914
-
459,608
459,608
(33,694)
4,684
(29,010)
-
(29,010)
3,215,273
3,186,263
2025
Total
Funds
£
572,453
406,181
458
19,113
998,205
-
815,082
815,082
183,123
(24,950)
158,173
-
158,173
6,222,215
6,380,388
2024
Total
Funds
Restated
£
368,438
775,771
303
11,312
1,155,824
5,518
752,541
758,059
397,765
(1,068)
396,697
-
396,697
5,825,518
6,222,215

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

All income and expenditure is derived from continuing activities.

14

THE BORDERS FOREST TRUST

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 JUNE 2025

2025 2024 Restated 2024 Restated
Note £ £ £ £
Fixed Assets
Tangible Fixed Assets 11 2,824,862 2,816,462
Investments 12 674,260 655,721
Investment Property 13 2,235,000 2,235,000
5,734,122 5,707,183
Current Assets
Stock 500 500
Debtors 14 186,916 159,904
Cash at bank and in hand 893,851 819,486
1,081,267 979,890
Current Liabilities
Creditors (amounts falling due within
one year) 15 (156,001) (187,858)
Net Current Assets 925,266 792,032
Provisions for liabilities 16 (279,000) (277,000)
Total Net Assets 6,380,388 6,222,215
Represented by
Unrestricted Funds:
General 17 1,515,504 1,341,176
Non distributable reserves held
In charitable subsidiary 17 1,333,546 1,328,788
2,849,050 2,669,964
Restricted Funds 17 3,186,263 3,215,273
Endowment Funds 17 345,075 336,978
6,380,388 6,222,215

The financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006, were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Trustees on 17 December 2025 and signed on its behalf by

S Young Trustee

COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER: SC162581

15

THE BORDERS FOREST TRUST

CHARITY BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 JUNE 2025

2025 2024 Restated 2024 Restated
Note £ £ £ £
Fixed Assets
Tangible Fixed Assets 11 2,818,503 2,808,513
Investments 12 2,780,067 2,804,844
5,598,570 5,613,357
Current Assets
Debtors 14 186,277 151,248
Cash at bank and in hand 743,056 629,263
929,333 780,511
Current Liabilities
Creditors (amounts falling due within
one year) 15 (147,515) (171,653)
Net Current Assets 781,818 608,858
Total Net Assets 6,380,388 6,222,215
Represented by
Unrestricted Funds:
General 17 2,849,050 2,669,964
Restricted Funds 17 3,186,263 3,215,273
Endowment Funds 17 345,075 336,978
6,380,388 6,222,215

The financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006, were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Trustees on 17 December 2025 and signed on its behalf by

S Young Trustee

COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER: SC162581

16

THE BORDERS FOREST TRUST

STATEMENT OF CASHFLOWS AND CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASHFLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

Net income for the year (as per the SOFA)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation
Investment income
Losses/(Gains) on investments
(Profit) on disposal of fixed assets
(Increase) in stocks
(Increase)/decrease in debtors
(Decrease)/increase in creditors
Movement in provisions
Net cash provided by operating activities
Cash provided by operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Interest income
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Purchase of fixed asset investments
Sale of tangible fixed assets
Sale of fixed asset investments
Cash provided by investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Loan written off
Cash provided by financing activities
Increase in Cash And Cash Equivalents in the
year
Cash and Cash Equivalents at the beginning
of the year
Total Cash and Cash Equivalents at the year
end
CHARITY
2025
2024
Restated
£
£
158,173
396,697
34,064
21,170
(19,113)
(11,312)
24,950
1,068
-
-
-
-
(35,029)
(326)
(24,138)
48,054
-
-
138,907
455,351
2025
2024
£
£
138,907
455.351
19,113
11,312
(44,054)
(110,989)
(1,173)
(538,645)
-
-
1,000
337,586
(25,114)
(300,736)
-
-
113,793
154,615
629,263
474,648
743,056
629,263
GROUP
2025
2024
Restated
£
£
158,173
396,915
35,654
23,157
(20,816)
(13,196)
(18,366)
(43,185)
-
(80)
-
(500)
(27,012)
7,412
(31,857)
30,181
2,000
67,000
97,776
467,704
2025
2024
£
£
97,776
467,704
20,816
13,196
(44,054)
(110,989)
(1,173)
(538,645)
-
80
1,000
375,246
(23,411)
(261,112)
-
(8,510)
-
(8,510)
74,365
198,082
819,486
621,404
893,851
819,486
GROUP
2025
2024
Restated
£
£
158,173
396,915
35,654
23,157
(20,816)
(13,196)
(18,366)
(43,185)
-
(80)
-
(500)
(27,012)
7,412
(31,857)
30,181
2,000
67,000
97,776
467,704
2025
2024
£
£
97,776
467,704
20,816
13,196
(44,054)
(110,989)
(1,173)
(538,645)
-
80
1,000
375,246
(23,411)
(261,112)
-
(8,510)
-
(8,510)
74,365
198,082
819,486
621,404
893,851
819,486
467,704
2024
£
467,704
13,196
(110,989)
(538,645)
80
375,246
(261,112)
(8,510)
(8,510)
198,082
621,404
819,486

17

THE BORDERS FOREST TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

A summary of principle accounting policies, all of which have been applied consistently throughout the year and the preceding year is set out below.

Charity information

The charitable company is limited by guarantee, incorporated in Scotland, and consequently does not have share capital. Each of the trustees is liable to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 towards the assets of the charitable company in the event of liquidation.

Basis of Preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charitable companies preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standards applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

The Borders Forest Trust meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated.

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

The financial statements include a prior year adjustment see note 23 for details.

The charitable company is a qualifying entity for the purposes of FRS 102, being a parent of a group, where publicly available consolidated financial statements are prepared, which are intended to give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and surplus or deficit of the group. The charitable company has therefore taken advantage of exemptions from the following disclosure requirements and these financial statements reflect this information for the group only:

Going Concern

Based on the trustees business plans and the related expected financial outcomes, the trustees deem it appropriate to prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis which assumes that the group and charitable company will continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.

18

THE BORDERS FOREST TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Group Financial Statements

The consolidated Statement of Financial Activities and Balance Sheet include the financial statements of The Borders Forest Trust and its wholly owned trading subsidiary K E H Brownlie idiary has been consolidated on a line by line basis.

Income

Income is recognised when the charitable company has entitlement to the funds, when it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Income, including donations, gifts and legacies and grants that provide core funding or are of a general nature are recognised where there is entitlement, it is probable the income will be received and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability.

Trading income is recognised once the service is performed or the product is delivered to the customer. This is recorded at the point of sale net of VAT and discounts.

Investment income is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charitable company, this is normally on notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.

Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis inclusive of any VAT which cannot be recovered and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category:

Support costs include central function costs and have been allocated to activity categories on the basis consistent with the use of resources i.e. with reference to staff time spent. They include governance costs, which are those associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charitable company. They therefore include the costs of statutory audit, together with costs linked to the strategic management of the charitable company.

Taxation

The charitable company is exempt from tax on income and gains to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects. No tax charges have arisen in the charitable company.

The wholly owned trading subsidiary is subject to corporation tax. Any profits generated in future in the trading subsidiary however, over and above those which have been identified as required under Gift Aid.

19

THE BORDERS FOREST TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Deferred Tax

Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all timing differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the timing difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the tax profit nor the accounting profit.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting end date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered. Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when the charitable group has a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to taxes levied by the same tax authority.

Tangible Fixed Assets

Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Assets costing in excess of £500 are capitalised.

Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets at rates calculated to write off the cost, less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful life as follows:-

Land - Not depreciated

Buildings 10% straight line Motor Vehicles 25% reducing balance IT Equipment 3-4 years straight line Site infrastructure 10-25 years straight line

Tangible Fixed Assets (continued)

The policy with respect to impairment reviews of fixed assets is that anannual review iscarried out by the trustees. As at 30 June 2025, in the trustees opinion, market value is in excess of the cost shown in the accounts.

Gains or losses on the sale of fixed assets are accounted for through the Statement of Financial Activities in the year of disposal.

Investments

Fixed asset investments are included at market value at the balance sheet date. Realised gains and losses on investments are calculated as the difference between sales proceeds and their market value at the start of the year, or their subsequent cost, and are charged or credited to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period of disposal.

Unrealised gains and losses represent the movement in market values during the year and are credited or charged to the statement of financial activities based on the market value at the year end.

Investment property is valued at fair market value.

20

THE BORDERS FOREST TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

Cash at Bank and in Hand

Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

Creditors and Provisions

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charitable company has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

Financial Instruments

The charitable company only has financial assets and liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Pensions

The charitable company operates a money purchase (defined contribution) pension scheme, or as an alternative provides an option for employees to receive contributions to suitable personal pensions. Contributions payable are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the year to which they relate. These contributions are invested separately from the

Unrestricted Funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in the furtherance of the general objectives of the charitable company. Unrestricted funds in the charitable evaluation of the investment in the trading subsidiary to its underlying net asset value.

Restricted Funds

Restricted funds are subject to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through the terms of the grant award.

Endowment Funds

The donor has specified that capital will be retained with income and capital growth being accumulated for use by the trust according to a specific set of rules.

21

THE BORDERS FOREST TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Critical accounting estimates and judgements

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

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

2 DONATIONS AND LEGACIES GROUP AND CHARITY

Donations
Gift Aid
Legacies
GROUP
2025
2024
Restated
£
£
348,266
137,067
49,247
27,621
118,057
189,968
515,570
354,656
CHARITY
2025
2024
Restated
£
£
405,149
150,849
49,247
27,621
118,057
189,968
572,453
368,438
CHARITY
2025
2024
Restated
£
£
405,149
150,849
49,247
27,621
118,057
189,968
572,453
368,438
368,438

Group income from donations and legacies was £515,570 (2024: £354,656) of which £391,899 (2024: £293,469) was unrestricted and £123,671 (2024: £61,187) was restricted.

Charity income from donations and legacies was £572,453 (2024: £368,438 restated) of which £448,782 (2024: £307,251) was unrestricted and £123,671 (2024: £61,187) was restricted.

3 INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES GROUP AND CHARITY

Grants
Memberships
Other generated income
Income from carbon credits
2025
£
319,386
14,416
62,332
10,047
406,181
2024
Restated
£
621,441
15,639
25,381
113,310
775,771

Income from charitable activities was £406,181 (2024: £775,771 restated) of which £103,938 (2024: £225,882) was unrestricted and £302,243 (2024: £549,889) was restricted.

22

THE BORDERS FOREST TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

4 INCOME FROM OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES

Publications
Trading activities
GROUP
2025
2024
£
£
458
303
73,233
67,031
73,691
67,334
CHARITY
2025
2024
£
£
458
303
-
-
458
303

Group income from other trading activities was £73,691 (2024: £67,334) of which £73,691 (2024: £67,334) was unrestricted and £Nil (2024: £Nil) was restricted.

Charity income from other trading activities was £458 (2024: £303) of which £458 (2024: £303) was unrestricted and £Nil (2024: £Nil) was restricted.

The charitable company owns 100% of the issued ordinary share capital of K E H Brownlie Limited, a company registered in Scotland. The subsidiary is used for non-primary purpose trading activities, and donates all profits to the parent charity under Gift Aid.

A summary of the results of the subsidiary is shown below:-

Turnover
Other income
Cost of Sales
Gain on investments
Interest Received
Net profit for the year
Tax
Distribution to parent company
Retained in subsidiary
The assets and liabilities of the subsidiary were:-
Fixed Assets
Current Assets
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
Deferred tax
2025
£
73,233
4,331
(63,700)
6,758
1,703
22,325
(2,000)
(56,883)
(36,558)
2,338,274
151,934
(8,486)
(279,000)
2,202,722
2024
restated
£
67,031
8,510
(43,721)
13,533
1,884
47,237
(61,957)
(13,782)
(28,502)
2,333,106
199,379
(16,205)
(277,000)
2,239,280

23

THE BORDERS FOREST TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

5 INVESTMENT INCOME

Deposit account interest
Dividends receivable
GROUP
2025
2024
£
£
20,816
4,316
-
8,880
20,816
13,196
CHARITY
2025
2024
£
£
19,113
2,432
-
8,880
19,113
11,312
CHARITY
2025
2024
£
£
19,113
2,432
-
8,880
19,113
11,312
11,312

money held in interest bearing accounts.

The full amount was unrestricted in both 2025 and 2024.

6 RAISING FUNDS

Fundraising and related costs
Other trading activities
GROUP
2025
2024
£
£
-
5,518
63,700
43,721
63,700
49,239
CHARITY
2025
2024
£
£
-
5,518
-
-
-
5,518
CHARITY
2025
2024
£
£
-
5,518
-
-
-
5,518
5,518

Expenditure on raising funds was unrestricted in both 2025 and 2024.

24

THE BORDERS FOREST TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

7 DIRECT CHARITABLE EXPENDITURE GROUP AND CHARITY

Direct staff costs
Staff costs other
Cost of income
Site costs
Community project costs
Vehicle costs
Rent and Utilities
Admin and Marketing
Insurance and Subscriptions
Legal and Professional
IT and communications
Depreciation
Governance costs
audit fee
2025
£
481,739
26,329
11,572
130,719
14,398
20,296
3,689
14,414
30,180
18,077
12,565
34,064
798,042
17,040
815,082
2024
£
356,458
31,312
6,876
204,829
25,253
19,331
4,451
26,968
28,162
1,051
11,827
24,625
741,143
11,398
752,541

Expenditure on charitable activities was £815,082 (2024: £752,541 restated) of which £355,474 (2024: £185,752 restricted) was unrestricted and £459,608 (2024: £566,789) was restricted.

8 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) FOR THE YEAR

GROUP CHARITY
2025 2024 2025 2024
£ £ £ £
This is stated after charging:
Depreciation 35,654 24,875 34,064 22,888
- Audit Fees 17,040 11,901 17,040 11,372
- Accountancy Fees 3,300 529 - -
(Gains)/Loss on disposal of - (80) - (80)
fixed assets

9

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the period ended 30 June 2025 nor for the period ended 30 June 2024.

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the period ended 30 June 2025 nor for the period ended 30 June 2024.

25

THE BORDERS FOREST TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

10
STAFF COSTS
Wages and Salaries
Social Security Costs
Pension Costs (Note 11)
GROUP
2025
2024
£
£
418,779
320,175
42,697
19,592
20,263
16,691
481,739
356,458
CHARITY
2025
2024
£
£
418,779
320,175
42,697
19,592
20,263
16,691
481,739
356,458
CHARITY
2025
2024
£
£
418,779
320,175
42,697
19,592
20,263
16,691
481,739
356,458
356,458

The average number of employees during the year, calculated on the basis of full time equivalents, was as follows:

equivalents, was as follows:
Project staff
Administration
Total
2025
11
4
15
2024
9
3
12

The key management personnel of the group comprise the Trustees, the CEO, the Head of Land Management and the Finance Manager. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the group were £108,763 (2024: £45,280, Trustees and CEO only).

No employees received emoluments over £60,000 in either the current or prior year.

26

THE BORDERS FOREST TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

11
FIXED ASSETS
GROUP
COST
At 1 July 2024 restated
Additions
At 30 June 2025
DEPRECIATION
At 1 July 2024 restated
Charge for year
At 30 June 2025
NET BOOK VALUE
At 30 June 2025
At 30 June 2024 restated
FIXED ASSETS
CHARITY
COST
At 1 July 2024 restated
Additions
At 30 June 2025
DEPRECIATION
At 1 July 2024 restated
Charge for year
At 30 June 2025
NET BOOK VALUE
At 30 June 2025
At 30 June 2024 restated
Land &
Buildings
£
2,620,725
-
2,620,725
-
-
-
2,620,725
2,620,725
Land &
Buildings
£
2,620,725
-
2,620,725
-
-
-
2,620,725
2,620,725
Plant &
Machinery
£
285,357
44,054
329,411
89,620
35,654
125,274
204,137
195,737
Plant &
Machinery
£
229,629
44,054
273,683
41,841
34,064
75,905
197,778
187,788
Total
£
2,906,082
44,054
2,950,136
89,620
35,654
125,274
2,824,862
2,816,462
Total
£
2,850,354
44,054
2,894,408
41,841
34,064
75,905
2,818,503
2,808,513

27

THE BORDERS FOREST TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

12 INVESTMENTS GROUP

MARKET VALUE
At 1 July 2024
Additions
Disposals
Revaluations
At 30 June 2025
NET BOOK VALUE
At 30 June 2025
At 30 June 2024
CHARITY
MARKET VALUE
At 1 July 2024 restated
Additions
Disposals
Revaluations
At 30 June 2025
NET BOOK VALUE
At 30 June 2025
At 30 June 2024 restated
Historic cost at 30 June 2025
Shares in
group
undertakings
£
2,239,280
-
-
(36,558)
2,202,722
2,202,722
2,239,280
2,270,000
Other
investments
£
565,564
1,173
(1,000)
11,608
577,345
577,345
565,564
554,221
£
655,721
1,173
(1,000)
18,366
674,260
674,260
655,721
Total
£
2,804,844
1,173
(1,000)
(24,950)
2,780,067
2,780,067
2,804,844
2,824,221

28

THE BORDERS FOREST TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

13
INVESTMENT PROPERTY
FAIR VALUE
At 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025
NET BOOK VALUE
At 30 June 2025
At 30 June 2024
GROUP
2025
2024
£
£
2,235,000
2,235,000
2,235,000
2,235,000
2,235,000
2,235,000
CHARITY
2025
2024
£
£
-
-
-
-
-
-

Investment properties were professionally valued as at 31st October 2017 by Davidson and Robertson Rural on an open market basis which the directors/ trustees consider to be the fair value of the assets.

Fair value at 30 June 2025 is represented by:

Cost
Revaluation
At 30 June 2025
689,369
1,545,631
2,235,000

14 DEBTORS GROUP AND CHARITY

Due within one year
Trade Debtors
Prepayments
Accrued income
VAT
GROUP
2025
2024
Restated
£
£
51,645
42,623
5,847
1,060
126,024
105,912
3,400
10,309
186,916
159,904
CHARITY
2025
2024
Restated
£
£
51,006
40,278
5,847
1,060
126,024
99,601
3,400
10,309
186,277
151,248

29

THE BORDERS FOREST TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

15 CREDITORS (amounts falling due within one year) - GROUP AND CHARITY

GROUP
2025
2024
Restated
£
£
Trade Creditors
14,300
21,100
Other Taxation and Social
Security Costs
10,296
7,281
Other Creditors
7,517
-
Accruals
33,566
37,684
Deferred income
30,000
30,000
VAT
56,971
89,012
Pension scheme creditor
3,351
2,781
156,001
187,858
16
PROVSIONS FOR LIABILITIES
GROUP
2025
2024
restated
£
£
Deferred tax
279,000
277,000
Accelerated capital allowances
Investment property
Listed investments
Tax charge:
GROUP
2025
2024
restated
£
£
Current year tax charge
-
-
Deferred tax movement
2,000
63,957
2,000
63,957
CHARITY
2025
2024
Restated
£
£
13,331
19,254
10,296
7,281
-
-
33,566
23,325
30,000
30,000
56,971
89,012
3,351
2,781
147,515
171,653
CHARITY
2025
2024
£
£
-
-
Deferred tax
£
1,360
265,000
12,640
279,000
CHARITY
2025
2024
£
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
CHARITY
2025
2024
Restated
£
£
13,331
19,254
10,296
7,281
-
-
33,566
23,325
30,000
30,000
56,971
89,012
3,351
2,781
147,515
171,653
CHARITY
2025
2024
£
£
-
-
Deferred tax
£
1,360
265,000
12,640
279,000
CHARITY
2025
2024
£
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

30

THE BORDERS FOREST TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

17 FUNDS

GROUP
Unrestricted Funds:
General Funds
Non distributable funds held
in charitable subsidiary
Restricted Funds:-
Land held in Trust
Project funds:
Wildwood
Ericstane
Talla & Gameshope
Corehead
Mountain Birch Trial
Woodland Habitat
Community Woodlands
Branching Out
Woodland Outreach
Community & Education
Destination Tweed
D&G Woodland
DNA
Species reintroduction
Montane
Endowment Funds:-
BFT Endowment fund
Alex Smith Expendable
Endowment fund
Total Funds
As at 1 July
2024
Restated
£
1,341,176
1,328,788
2,669,964
2,620,725
137,436
90,665
81,097
25,583
-
-
-
4,566
56,504
51,323
47,157
85,509
-
13,920
788
3,215,273
301,678
35,300
336,978
6,222,215
Income
£
594,675
-
594,675
-
13,278
25,952
8,531
45,559
14,365
17,039
-
9,786
25,000
57,830
102,490
91,084
15,000
-
-
425,914
-
-
-
1,020,589
Expenditure
£
(419,174)
(2,000)
(421,174)
-
(27,851)
(37,085)
13,595
(59,753)
(8,416)
(10,385)
(2,117)
(8,901)
(35,244)
(66,169)
(74,163)
(127,569)
(842)
(13,920)
(788)
(459,608)
-
-
-
(880,782)
Gains
£
-
6,758
6,758
-
4,684
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
4,684
5,724
1,200
6,924
18,366
Transfers
£
(1,173)
-
(1,173)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,173
-
1,173
-
As at 30
June 2025
£
1,515,504
1,333,546
2,849,050
2,620,725
127,547
79,532
103,223
11,389
5,949
6,654
(2,117)
5,451
46,260
42,984
75,484
49,024
14,158
-
-
3,186,263
308,575
36,500
345,075
6,380,388

31

THE BORDERS FOREST TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

17 FUNDS (continued)

GROUP
Unrestricted Funds:
General
Non distributable funds held
in charitable subsidiary
Restricted Funds:
Land held in Trust
Project funds:
Wildwood
Ericstane
Talla & Gameshope
Corehead
Woodland Habitat
Community Woodlands
Branching Out
Woodland Outreach
Community & Education
Destination Tweed
D&G Woodland
Species reintroduction
Montane
Ettrick Beaver
Houndwood
Volunteering Wild Heart
Wild Heart
Other Projects
Endowment Funds:-
BFT Endowment fund
Alex Smith Expendable
Endowment fund
Total Funds
As at 1 July
2023
Restated
£
1,174,890
1,389,915
2,564,805
2,620,725
123,508
-
76,649
24,035
216
-
3,632
30,043
70,647
41,897
60,000
-
-
75
-
8,000
34,520
38,107
3,132,054
94,191
34,250
128,441
5,825,300
Income
£
607,452
-
607,452
-
30,685
92,290
46,761
126,289
5,050
-
9,880
61,000
50,656
85,146
74,765
19,000
8,505
-
-
1,000
50
-
611,077
938
-
938
1,219,467
Expenditure
£
(224,257)
(74,660)
(298,917)
-
(32,436)
(1,625)
(42,313)
(124,741)
(9,232)
(35)
(8,946)
(34,539)
(69,980)
(79,886)
(49,256)
(5,080)
(7,717)
(75)
(416)
(27,204)
(73,309)
-
(566,790)
(30)
-
(30)
(865,737)
Gains
£
10,899
13,533
24,432
-
15,679
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
15,679
2,024
1,050
3,074
43,185
Transfers
£
(227,808)
-
(227,808)
-
-
-
-
-
3,966
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
416
18,204
38,739
(38,107)
23,253
204,555
-
204,555
-
As at 30
June 2024
£
1,341,176
1,328,788
2,669,964
2,620,725
137,436
90,665
81,097
25,583
-
-
4,566
56,504
51,323
47,157
85,509
13,920
788
-
-
-
-
-
3,215,273
301,678
35,300
336,978
6,222,215

32

THE BORDERS FOREST TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

17 FUNDS (continued)

CHARITY
Unrestricted Funds:
General Funds
Restricted Funds:-
Land held in Trust
Project funds:
Wildwood
Ericstane
Talla & Gameshope
Corehead
Mountain Birch Trial
Woodland Habitat
Community
Woodlands
Branching Out
Woodland Outreach
Community &
Education
Destination Tweed
D&G Woodland
DNA
Species reintroduction
Montane
Endowment Funds:-
BFT Endowment fund
Alex Smith Expendable
Endowment fund
Total Funds
As at 1 July
2024
Restated
£
2,669,964
2,620,725
137,436
90,665
81,097
25,583
-
-
-
4,566
56,504
51,323
47,157
85,509
-
13,920
788
3,215,273
301,678
35,300
336,978
6,222,215
Income
£
572,291
-
13,278
25,952
8,531
45,559
14,365
17,039
-
9,786
25,000
57,830
102,490
91,084
15,000
-
-
425,914
-
-
-
998,205
Expenditure
£
(355,474)
-
(27,851)
(37,085)
13,595
(59,753)
(8,416)
(10,385)
(2,117)
(8,901)
(35,244)
(66,169)
(74,163)
(127,569)
(842)
(13,920)
(788)
(459,608)
-
-
-
(815,082)
Losses
£
(36,558)
-
4,684
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
4,684
5,724
1,200
6,924
(24,950)
Transfers
£
(1,173)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,173
-
1,173
-
As at 30 June
2025
£
2,849,050
2,620,725
127,547
79,532
103,223
11,389
5,949
6,654
(2,117)
5,451
46,260
42,984
75,484
49,024
14,158
-
-
3,186,263
308,575
36,500
345,075
6,380,388

33

THE BORDERS FOREST TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

17 FUNDS (continued)

CHARITY
Unrestricted Funds:
General Funds
Restricted Funds:-
Land held in Trust
Project funds:
Wildwood
Ericstane
Talla & Gameshope
Corehead
Woodland Habitat
Community
Woodlands
Branching Out
Woodland Outreach
Community &
Education
Destination Tweed
D&G Woodland
Species reintroduction
Montane
Ettrick Beaver
Houndwood
Volunteering Wild
Heart
Wild Heart
Other Projects
Endowment Funds:-
BFT Endowment fund
Alex Smith Expendable
Endowment fund
Total Funds
As at 1 July
2023
Restated
£
2,565,023
2,620,725
123,508
-
76,649
24,035
216
-
3,632
30,043
70,647
41,897
60,000
-
-
75
-
8,000
34,520
38,107
3,132,054
94,191
34,250
128,441
5,825,518
Income
£
543,809
-
30,685
92,290
46,761
126,289
5,050
-
9,880
61,000
50,656
85,146
74,765
19,000
8,505
-
-
1,000
50
-
611,077
938
-
938
1,155,824
Expenditure
£
(191,239)
-
(32,436)
(1,625)
(42,313)
(124,741)
(9,232)
(35)
(8,946)
(34,539)
(69,980)
(79,886)
(49,256)
(5,080)
(7,717)
(75)
(416)
(27,204)
(73,309)
-
(566,790)
(30)
-
(30)
(758,059)
Losses
£
(19,821)
-
15,679
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
15,679
2,024
1,050
3,074
(1,068)
Transfers
£
(227,808)
-
-
-
-
-
3,966
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
416
18,204
38,739
(38,107)
23,253
204,555
-
204,555
-
As at 30 June
2024
£
2,669,964
2,620,725
137,436
90,665
81,097
25,583
-
-
4,566
56,504
51,323
47,157
85,509
13,920
788
-
-
-
-
-
3,215,273
301,678
35,300
336,978
6,222,215

34

THE BORDERS FOREST TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

17 FUNDS (continued)

Restricted Funds:

Land held in trust is held for long term purposes. There are various restrictions that apply to the land holdings which means that they are unable to be sold or used as security.

Project funds:

Wildwood funds provided to support the Wildwood project. Includes funds held within the investment portfolio.

Ericstane funds provided for projects in the Ericstane woodland area Talla & Gameshope funds provided for projects in the Talla & Gameshope woodland area Corehead - funds provided for projects in the Corehead woodland area

Mountain Birch Trial funds provided for the project of mountain birch regeneration Woodland Habitat funds provided for the development of woodland habitats Community Woodlands funds provided for the development of community woodlands Branching Out funds provided to support the branching out project

Woodland Outreach funds provided for projects in the woodland outreach field

Community & Education funds to support the community and education projects run by The Borders Forest Trust

Destination Tweed funds provided for the Destination Tweed project

D&G Woodland funds provided for a joint project with D&G Woodlands

DNA funds provided to support the DNA project

Species reintroduction funds provided to support the reintroduction of various species across woodland. Project completed at end June 2025.

Montane funds provided for projects in the Montane woodland area. Project completed at end June 2025.

Volunteering Wild Heart funding received to support volunteers of the Wild Heart project Wild Heart - funds provided for Wild Heart projects

Ettrrick Beaver funds to support the beaver population in Ettrick forest. Project completed at end June 2024.

Houndwood funds to support projects in Houndwood. Project completed at end June 2024.

Endowment funds:

BFT Endowment fund:

The expendable endowment fund represents donations made with particular terms and conditions as to the use of capital and income. The terms provide for the accumulation of donations over time, retaining the donations as capital with the Trust being able to use any income generated by the fund.

Alex Smith Expendable Endowment fund:

Donation received from Alex Smith held in an endowment fund. The aim of the endowment is to contribute to the long-term, large scale ecological restoration work that Borders Forest Trust undertakes.

35

THE BORDERS FOREST TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

18 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS

2025 GROUP
Fixed Assets
Net Current Assets
Provisions
Total
2025 CHARITY
Fixed Assets
Net Current Assets
Total
2024 GROUP restated
Fixed Assets
Net Current Assets
Provisions
Total
2024 CHARITY restated
Fixed Assets
Net Current Assets
Total
Unrestricted
Funds
2,768,322
359,728
(279,000)
2,849,050
Unrestricted
Funds
2,632,770
216,280
2,849,050
Unrestricted
Funds
2,749,480
197,484
(277,000)
2,669,964
Unrestricted
Funds
£
2,655,654
14,310
2,669,964
Restricted
funds
£
2,620,725
565,538
-
Endowment
Funds
£
345,075
-
-
345,075
Endowment
Funds
£
345,075
-
345,075
Endowment
Funds
£
336,978
-
-
336,978
Endowment
Funds
£
336,978
-
336,978
Total
2025
£
5,734,122
925,266
(279,000)
6,380,388
Total
2025
£
5,598,570
781,818
6,380,388
Total
2024
£
5,707,183
792,032
(277,000)
3,186,263
Restricted
Funds
£
2,620,725
565,538
3,186,263
Restricted
Funds
£
2,620,725
594,548
-
3,215,273
Restricted
Funds
£
2,620,725
594,548
3,215,273
6,222,215
Total
2024
£
5,613,357
608,858
6,222,215

36

THE BORDERS FOREST TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

19
ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET DEBT
Group
Cash at bank and in hand
Charity
Cash at bank and in hand
At 1 July
2024
£
819,486
629,263
Cash flows
At 30 June
2025
£
£
74,365
893,851
113,794
743,057

20 OTHER FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS

Total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

GROUP AND COMPANY
Not later than one year
Later than one year and not later
than five years
More than 5 years
GROUP
2025
2024
£
£
2,074
2,097
4,782
6,074
-
759
6,856
8,930
CHARITY
2025
2024
£
£
2,074
2,097
4,782
6,074
-
759
6,856
8,930
CHARITY
2025
2024
£
£
2,074
2,097
4,782
6,074
-
759
6,856
8,930
8,930

21 CONTINGENCIES

Woodland management obligations - the Trust has various legal obligations arising from woodland management agreements that will continue for a number of years (10 - 15). The trustees are assessing the cost implications of these obligations.

Grants - all grants received by the Trust have certain conditions attached arid should these conditions not be met, the grants would be repayable. At the date of signing the accounts, the Trustees know of no circumstances that would result in any grant being repayable.

22 RELATED PARTIES

3 Trustees (2024: 1) are also Directors of KEH Brownlie Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Borders Forest Trust. During the year KEH Brownlie made a donation of £56,883 (2024: £13,782) to The Borders Forest Trust.

37

THE BORDERS FOREST TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

23 PRIOR YEAR ADJUSTMENT

During the year, as a result of a review by the trustees, a prior year adjustment has been made to correct a number of balances for both completeness and accuracy following identification of misstated balances brought forward from previous years. These include the following adjustments for the charity and the group:

Funds

Debtors

Creditors < 1 year

Tangible Fixed Assets

Investments (charity only)

Provisions for liabilities (group only)

A reconciliation of the opening reserves is set out overleaf:

38

THE BORDERS FOREST TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

23 PRIOR YEAR ADJUSTMENT (Continued)

GROUP
Reserves as previously stated at
1 July 2023
Unrestricted Funds:
Reallocation of Endowment fund
Debtors:
Adjustment to accrued income
Creditors <1 year:
Correction to accruals
Tangible Fixed Assets:
Correction to fixed asset balances
Provisions for liabilities:
Correction to deferred tax provision
Reserves restated at 1 July 2023
Net income 2023/24 as previously
stated
Unrestricted Funds:
Reallocation of Endowment fund
Debtors:
Adjustment to accrued income
Creditors < 1 year:
Adjustment to deferred income
Tangible Fixed Assets:
Adjustment to fixed asset balances
Provisions for liabilities:
Adjustment to deferred tax provision
Reserves restated at 30 June 2024
Unrestricted
30 June
2024
£
2,492,933
60,109
-
(13,203)
29,966
(5,000)


Endowment
30 June
2024
£
188,550
(60,109)
-
-
-
-


Restricted
30 June
2024
£
3,059,135
-
72,919
-
-
-


Total
30 June
2024
£
5,740,618
-
72,919
(13,203)
29,966
(5,000)
2,564,805
309,996
(204,555)
-
-
1,718
(2,000)
128,441
3,982
204,555
-
-
-
-
3,132,054
109,225
-
3,994
(30,000)
-
-
5,825,300
423,203
-
3,994
(30,000)
1,718
(2,000)
2,669,964 336,978 3,215,273 6,222,215

39

THE BORDERS FOREST TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

23 PRIOR YEAR ADJUSTMENT (Continued)

CHARITY
Reserves as previously stated at
1 July 2023
Unrestricted Funds:
Reallocation of Endowment fund
Debtors:
Adjustment to accrued income
Creditors < 1 year:
Correction to accruals
Tangible Fixed Assets:
Correction to fixed asset balances
Reserves restated at 1 July 2023
Net income 2023/24 as previously
stated
Unrestricted Funds:
Reallocation of Endowment fund
Investments:
Impairment of investments
Debtors:
Adjustment to accrued income
Creditors < 1 year:
Adjustment to deferred income
Tangible Fixed Assets:
Adjustment to fixed asset balances
Reserves restated at 30 June 2024
Unrestricted
30 June
2024
£
2,488,151
60,109
-
(13,203)
29,966


Endowment
30 June
2024
£
188,550
(60,109)
-
-
-

Restricted
30 June
2024
£
3,059,135
-
72,919
-
-


Total
30 June
2024
£
5,735,836
-
72,919
(13,203)
29,966
2,565,023

338,498
(204,555)
(30,720)
-
-
1,718
128,441
3,982
204,555
-
-
-
-
3,132,054
109,225
-
-
3,994
(30,000)
-
5,825,518
451,705
-
(30,720)
3,994
(30,000)
1,718
2,669,964 336,978 3,215,273 6,222,215

40