s IN YEARS OF PROTECTING OUR PARKS. YE 2025"
Patron
HRH The Prince of Wales KG KT
President
Incorporated by Royal Charter Registered Charity No: 306070 Registered Company No: RC000370 OSCR No: SC040357
Jill Scott MBE
Vice Presidents
Alison Moore-Gwyn LVO Christopher Laing OBE Gyles Brandreth The Lord Howard of Rising
Fields in Trust Unit 504 Clerkenwell Workshops 27-31 Clerkenwell Close London, EC1R 0AT
Chair of Trustees
Jo Barnett
Trustees
Carlotta Newbury Caroline Atkinson Clive Betts MP Duncan Peake Ewan Gillies Ian Ginbey Jeremy Hammond (Treasurer) Mark Campion
Chief Executive Helen Griffiths
fieldsintrust.org
2
4 Chair Statement
33 Operational Infrastructure
- 6 Introduction
About Us Public Benefit Structure, Governance and Management Our Vision Our Mission Our Values
11 Our Centenary New President Centenary Pledge
18 Our Strategy
- 20 Insights and Advocacy
Call to Arms: Protecting Our Playing Fields and Green Spaces 2025 Green Space Index 226 Green Spaces Lost Since Covid-19 Pandemic
24 Stewarding and Enabling
Stewarding and Enabling Our Spaces Setting the Standard – Influencing the Creation of Green Space
- 35 Funders and Partnerships Partnerships Trusts and Foundations
38 Our Future Plans
40 Financial Review
Total Income and Expenditure Funding Sources Voluntary Income Charitable Activities How the Funding was Spent Reserves Policy Investment Policy and Performance Management and Staffing Remuneration Policy Risk Management
- 46 Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities
47 Independent Auditor’s Report
- 50 Financial Statements
26 Our Impact
2025 Headlines - Our Work in Numbers Impact Case Studies 2025 Protected Spaces
3
Chair Statement
2025 has been a transformational year for Fields in Trust. After reviewing our strategy, funding model and operating practices in 2024 the last 12 months have seen the charity adopt and implement its new strategy with confidence and urgency. Taking the approach of enhanced collaboration, more vocal challenging of the status quo and greater outreach amongst potential supporters and funders has resulted in us ending 2025 in a significantly stronger position and better placed to address the challenges we face in protecting the green space in our communities.
The need to act now has never been more apparent and with the support of our Patron HRH The Prince of Wales, and new President Jill Scott MBE, as well as new and old funders plus corporate, charity and sporting partners, last year saw us deliver a significant uplift in our activity to drive awareness for our cause, use our voice to influence parks and playing fields provision, improve the financial sustainability of the organisation and provide tools to protect current green spaces and create new ones throughout the country. The Trustees are pleased with the progress made throughout 2025 and the momentum that has been taken into our work in 2026. We are especially grateful for the hard work of the team and those that have supported us.
Our centenary year has acted as a catalyst to drive positive change within the organisation and within our networks. This landmark moment, combined with the energy of our President, saw us celebrate the 3,000 sites protected by FIT, directly benefitting over 9 million people, and deliver a number of important key initiatives. These included our Barbican centenary event and Centenary Pledge plus our open letter backed by sports stars and sporting organisations to lobby for greater protection of our sports sites that are increasingly vulnerable in the face of planning reform.
In addition to driving increased awareness for the organisation, our centenary year saw us put the charity onto a better financial footing with a positive financial outturn for the first time in several years and a related increase in reserves. Voluntary income doubled year on year, boosted by the in-year sale of the office as we moved to new, more suitable premises to accommodate our growing team.
Whilst we know that progress has been made, we are aware that more needs to be done to secure our long-term financial position. Our focus remains on driving up awareness of the impact of our work and appealing to a wider portfolio of funders so that our sustainable income streams can continue to be developed through the new products and services set out in our 5 year plan. We will also seek to continue Fields in Trust’s growth trajectory through a longer-term endowment fund to support the long-term nature of our work.
We would like to thank our President and our Patron for their support. Through their various activities during 2025, they have increased our profile and helped to create engagement and new conversations for the charity. It is heartening to see how much groundswell support the charity’s work has received in 2025 as it has become increasingly apparent that unprotected green spaces continue to be at risk despite the health, wellbeing, community and environmental benefits they bring. Our message that these sites belong to all of us and that ‘once lost they are lost forever’ is as relevant today as it was when the charity was founded in 1925.
The Fields in Trust Trustees are excited by the progress made this year and look forward to building on this, with your support and that of our talented and passionate team, throughout 2026.
Jo Barnett Chair of Trustees
5
Introduction
It has been a privilege to lead the organisation through this truly landmark moment as we celebrated our centenary – a milestone that few charities reach and one that we are incredibly proud of. One hundred years of impact in communities up and down the country which, because of the nature of our work, will continue to be felt for generations to come.
Reaching this milestone has provided a valuable opportunity not only to reflect on the remarkable achievements of the past century, but also to look ahead with renewed purpose and ambition.
During the year we were proud to launch our new organisational strategy. Developed with input from colleagues, partners and other stakeholders it sets out a clear vision for the years ahead and is aligned with a fully costed 5 year plan. It refreshes our mission and vision and contextualises the relevance and urgency of our work in the current external environment. Our new strategy builds on our longstanding core principles but with a bolder approach and greater scale of ambition.
2025 created many opportunities to connect with new partners and stakeholders. We have expanded our network and developed new relationships with organisations and individuals who share our commitment to creating lasting change.
None of this progress would have been possible without the commitment, generosity and belief of our donors, partners, Trustees and team. I would like to thank everyone who has contributed so much to our work during this special year.
As we begin our second century, we do so with pride in our history, confidence in our direction, and determination to achieve even more in the years ahead.
Helen Griffiths Chief Executive Helen Griffiths
6
About Us
Back in 1925 a group of philanthropic families, companies and organisations had the foresight to recognise the need to protect playing fields, playgrounds and green spaces against the backdrop of rapid construction. They were concerned that the absence of statutory protection of these spaces and the pace of development of towns and cities in the UK meant that the least fortunate in our communities would be left with no places to play.
Led by The Duke of Sutherland a visionary purpose was set out; to ensure every community had access to parks, playing fields, and green spaces and our founders created the National Playing Fields Association, what we know today as Fields in Trust. A charity with the unique ability to protect our green spaces, legally, forever. It’s an extraordinary gift, and it safeguards the spaces for as long as we are in existence.
Today we are a proud Royal Charter charity operating throughout the UK to protect the future of parks, playgrounds, playing fields and green spaces. We act as long-term stewards of the spaces protected, using the UK’s only proven legal model and shape the future of green spaces through our approved standards and data tools, advocating for and influencing the creation of quality new spaces.
We believe everyone deserves a safe, high-quality green space within a short walk from home, regardless of income, background or postcode and our work is as compelling today as it was 100 years ago.
Public Benefit
In setting our objectives and planning our activities, the Trustees give careful consideration to the Charity Commission’s advice on public benefit.
Our work benefits everyone: the parks, playgrounds, playing fields and green spaces we protect are free at the point of access and provide opportunities to all members of the community.
Structure, Governance and Management
Fields in Trust is a registered charity established as the National Playing Fields Association in 1925 and incorporated by Royal Charter in 1933. In 2019 Privy Council approved an amendment to the Royal Charter to change the organisation’s name.
Fields in Trust operates throughout the UK and is also registered with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR).
Council of Trustees
The charity is governed by a Council of a maximum of 14 Trustees who serve a three-year term and are then eligible to stand for re-election. The Council of Trustees meets at least four times a year and appoints appropriate committees to oversee the charity’s activities.
There are currently five committees:
-
Fields in Trust Scotland Committee
-
Finance Audit and Risk Committee
-
Planning & Policy Committee
-
Fundraising and Marketing Committee
-
Appointments Committee
During 2025 we were fortunate to have the additional support of a Centenary Appeal Board formed to focus on the opportunities presented by the anniversary and to increase the existing networks of the charity.
7
Our Vision A future where parks, playgrounds, playing fields and green spaces are free to access, safe to use and fit for purpose for everyone, forever.
8
Our Mission
To make this a reality our mission is to foster a national culture that recognises the value of our parks, playgrounds, playing fields and green spaces to society and drives the change needed to protect their future.
9
Our Values
Our values inform and shape all that we do and remain true to our founding principles. We cannot deliver our mission alone and need to pioneer new ways to address the ongoing challenges first identified by our founders.
Partnerships: We build relationships to increase our impact with those that share our vision.
Innovation: We challenge old assumptions and develop new tools to protect what matters.
Equity: We believe in equal access for everyone.
10
. ILII 5 1 YEARS OF PROTECTING OUR PARKS.
Centenary: 100 Years of Protecting Playing Fields
New President
As part of our centenary year, we were delighted to welcome the inspirational Jill Scott MBE onboard as our new President. Jill took over the role of President from HRH The Prince of Wales, who became our Patron in 2024, succeeding Her Majesty the late Queen Elizabeth II and said, on her appointment, “I have big shoes to fill and can’t wait to get started!”
----- Start of picture text -----
Jill Scott MBE
President
----- End of picture text -----
A long-time advocate for sport’s power to change lives, Jill reflected on her own journey and the vital role her local playing field in Sunderland played in sparking her love of sport when she was growing up. From grassroots pitches to becoming one of the nation’s most loved sports personalities, her story shows the transformative power of accessible green spaces for young people.
12
I’m honoured to become President of Fields in Trust at such a pivotal time. My journey began on local pitches in Sunderland, and it was those community spaces that really enabled everything that followed. Without Roker Park on my doorstep, I wouldn’t have become an England footballer. But more than that, I’ve seen how sport and green spaces build confidence, friendships, and help young people discover what they’re capable of.
I’m concerned that so many of these spaces have been lost already. As President of Fields in Trust, I urge everyone to support and protect their local parks – to enjoy them, fight for them, and never take them for granted. Access to parks and green spaces should be seen as a right, not a privilege.
During her Presidency Jill will act as a champion for these spaces using her voice to amplify the charity’s work widely with everyone from policymakers to opinion formers to the public to help inspire a wider awareness of our mission. She is ambitious about the scale of change that can be achieved and will be focussed on increasing the number of people who have a protected green space a short walk from home.
13
Centenary Pledge
A century on from when the charity was founded to protect parks, playgrounds, playing fields and green spaces the need for our work remains as urgent as ever. Housing targets and budget cuts are putting more pressure on these vulnerable spaces despite their measurable impact to health, wellbeing and the environment.
When Fields in Trust was founded there was a groundswell of public support from a breadth of organisations representing sport, play, children, health and education who all recognised that action was needed. To mark our centenary and align with the intentions set out in our new strategy we reached out to individuals, institutions, and influencers to recreate that groundswell of support by signing our Centenary Pledge to;
-
Stand up for children’s right to play.
-
Ensure nature is part of daily life for every generation.
-
Protect the health, happiness, and resilience of communities.
The Pledge will act as a tool to drive our work forward in collaboration with partners who share our commitment to making sure people will always have access to these spaces.
Almost 50 signatories have joined the Centenary Pledge so far, representing a wide array of organisations from all corners of the UK and from a range of sporting bodies, play organisations, planning associations, and organisations in the design and architectural space, as well as sports stars and Members of Parliament.
14
•iaii s I YEARS OF PROTECTING OUR PARKS. 15
Tony Juniper CBE Centenary Ambassador Tony Juniper
Many representatives from these organisations joined us at our centenary celebration event at the Barbican alongside our Vice President Gyles Brandreth and our Centenary Ambassador and world-renowned environmentalist Tony Juniper CBE.
Green spaces are like the unsung heroes of public health. They provide us with a place to exercise, to play, and to connect with one another. They help us breathe a little easier, both literally and metaphorically. When we step into a park, we step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. We find a moment of peace, a chance to recharge, and an opportunity to reconnect with nature. In a world where many of us feel increasingly isolated, these spaces can be a remedy for our disconnection.
Fields in Trust has been a champion for protecting these precious places for nearly a century. I am thrilled to lend my voice and support to their mission. Their work to safeguard parks, playing fields, and green spaces resonates deeply with me.
By preserving these areas, we are not just protecting land; we are ensuring that future generations have the same opportunities to experience the joy and benefits of nature that I did as a child.
16
HRH The Prince of Wales Patron
As Fields in Trust marks 100 years of protecting green spaces for the wellbeing of the people of tomorrow, I am delighted to see their continued work helping us all recognise how much these green spaces matter to the future of our villages, towns, and cities. They are essential to daily life, they are at the heart of our communities, boost wellbeing, reduce loneliness and help fight climate change. Despite the significant importance of these spaces, they are often undervalued and under threat. By supporting Fields in Trust’s brilliant work, we can help ensure there are green spaces for future generations.
17
New 5 Year Strategy
Access to Green Space is a Right Not a Privilege
Celebrating our centenary provided us with the opportunity to reflect on our achievements but more importantly to consider our ongoing relevance and resonance.
In 2025 we published an ambitious new 5 year strategy with a renewed sense of purpose and a transition from quiet stewardship to bold, visible leadership. The next five years will see us scaling our ambition, growing our voice, and strengthening our capacity to act.
Our strategy is focussed on our twin goals;
Fight for the protection and long-term future of all existing parks, playgrounds, playing fields and green spaces.
At least 1 million more people within a 10-minute walk of a protected park, playground, playing field or green space by 2030.
Influence the creation of 20k hectares of new green space needed for 1.5 million new homes by 2030.
New green space the equivalent of 20 Richmond Parks created by 2030.
18
To deliver this strategy, we will focus on six key workstreams, phased over the five-year period as funding is secured to activate new areas of activity.
LEAD: Lead and animate a national conversation on parks, playgrounds, playing fields and green spaces as essential infrastructure to a happier, healthier and greener future
INFLUENCE: Influence government and policymakers to drive the change needed to secure a protected and sustainable future for parks, playing fields, playgrounds, and green spaces
PROTECT: Increase the number of parks, playgrounds, playing fields and green spaces legally protected forever and work with landowners to ensure the effective long-term stewardship of the 3,000 spaces already protected
ACCREDIT: Work directly with developers, planners, and house builders to ensure the FIT Standards are met and implemented making sure the best outcomes are achieved for communities
PARTNER: Work in partnership with Local Planning Authorities to shape local decision-making and secure their endorsement and use of the FIT Standards
RESEARCH: Lead on understanding the challenges and identify opportunities for parks, playgrounds, playing fields and green spaces to thrive, providing evidence-based insights and the Green Space Index
Underpinning all this activity is our commitment to;
SUSTAIN: Be a high-performing, financially sustainable organisation committed to excellent governance and a positive and inclusive culture
From 2026 we will demonstrate how funds were spent against our two new strategic goals.
We aim to raise £8 million over the next five years to support delivery of our strategic priorities. In parallel, we are seeking to establish a £15 million endowment to enable us to scale our impact and ensure the long-term stewardship of our protected spaces.
Our income generation strategy will prioritise building and deepening relationships with key stakeholders, including major donors, partners, and supporters, and continuing to diversify our income streams. A strong and consistent case for support, clearly communicating both the urgency of our work and the long-term benefits will be central to our approach to cultivate and engage our funders and convey the importance of their support to achieve our ambitions. As a charity that does not receive any statutory grants, fundraising is critical to our survival and our ability to steward the legacy we have already created. Our new strategy also prioritises leveraging the expertise and assets of the charity as we translate these into commercial products and services that both support the pursuit of our charitable objectives and generate new income.
Alongside this, Trustees will focus time and resource on a strategic plan to grow our reserves, strengthening financial resilience and supporting the sustainable delivery of our mission over the long term.
19
4""Y4.. 20
Call to Arms
Protecting Our Playing Fields and Green Spaces 2025 Green Space Index
Against the backdrop of proposed planning reforms, we focussed the 2025 Green Space Index on access to playing fields. The results found that 45% of people in Britain live more than a 10-minute walk from their nearest playing field and that green space provision varied significantly between regions.
Worryingly, when mapped against the Government’s Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD), the data showed that the more deprived an area is, the more likely it is to have lost a site, pitch, or parkland in recent years, either through closure or redevelopment. Tackling this inequality must be prioritised in green infrastructure and planning policies moving forward by embedding and enforcing clear benchmarks such as the Fields in Trust Standards to ensure the correct quantum is provided and that these spaces are properly protected for the long term.
The findings came as the Government considers removing Sport England from its statutory consultee role in planning decisions under the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, further weakening existing protection of playing fields – see page 22.
----- Start of picture text -----
45%
----- End of picture text -----
45% of people do not live within a 10-minute walk of a playing field
1 in 8
Only 1 in 8 councils have good playing field accessibility
21
226 Green Spaces Lost Since Covid-19 Pandemic
In December our President Jill Scott MBE led an open letter signed by 87 other organisations and sports stars calling on the Government to reconsider these proposals. Signatories included Sir Mo Farah CBE, Ed Clancy OBE, Tessa Sanderson CBE, Ama Agbeze MBE and Alex Yee.
The letter was also backed by leading sporting organisations including Active Partnerships, The England and Wales Cricket Board, The FA, Groundwork, London Marathon Group, The LTA, Parkrun, The RFU, The Rugby Football League, The Sport and Recreation Alliance, SportsAid, StreetGames, UK Athletics, Women in Sport and The Youth Sport Trust.
The letter called on policymakers to retain a meaningful mechanism to protect playing fields and sports facilities for future generations by maintaining Sport England’s statutory consultee status and highlighting Fields in Trust’s independent protection of parks, playgrounds, playing fields and green spaces.
This advocacy demonstrates Fields in Trust’s singular position as the only organisation with a mandate to protect the future of these spaces and emphasises our renewed focus and bolder stance on raising awareness of these key issues. To continue to deliver this vital work we need to raise funds to support our expert team to increase the scale of this activity.
22
The Gu(Irdian UK- SPORT Menu i¥ews (tylnlon Spjrt Culture Ufe5tyle Football Cricket R9byun10n Tennis Cycling Fl Golf Boxing Rugby Sports stars fear disappearance of playing fields amid reforms s Flann1ng reforms Dan Roan. Bbc SPDrts edttorand Sarth Da¥Jklns. BBC SpDrtseniar Sport EnglaTLd 22DectfflbEr 2025 W233CrrneThts Sport stars'deeply concerned, playing fields will be lost under planning reforms Ah05tof topsports stavs and governlng bodles have expressed fearsthat playing fields acroysEnglandcould be bvilton and disappear rfprbposed pLgnhin9 refDrm5 Ibmeihtolbrte. Formertionessjill Scott, and Olympit thampions 5irMo Farknand Alex Yeeare arnong those to 519n an open letter sayin9 theyare 'de&ply concerned. tsytho potential remov31of statutory MoFarahandMatthewPinsentamongth05e loal(0Ut Py1gfield5 in England areatrisk of beitlgbuiltover BREAKFAS 23
Stewarding and Enabling Our Spaces We know that to maximise their benefit to the public, parks and green spaces need to evolve over time to meet the needs of the local community. Over the past 12 months we have worked closely with stakeholders to ensure timely decisions and deliver positive, practical outcomes on changes to the spaces we protect.
The team dealt with an increased caseload involving a range of transactions and agreements, completing 86 applications in total and managing a pipeline of active cases. To improve responsiveness and better meet demand, we introduced a fast-track service , allowing urgent matters to be prioritised. The team provides high-quality support and oversight in all cases, and the fee tariff enables the charity to charge appropriately for the service provided which is key to the long-term protection of our 3,000 spaces.
Setting the Standard – Influencing the Creation of Green Space
The Fields in Trust Standards are a critical tool to influence how new green space is created in new developments and communities. The Standards were revised in 2024 as the key foundation to our new strategy and the focus on ensuring that new housing is delivered in tandem with the right quantum and quality of multi-functional green space.
The FIT Standards are used daily by practitioners across the built environment sector and referenced or adopted by Local Planning Authorities. In 2025 we continued to promote these Standards to end users and to test products that would enable better implementation of these Standards in local housing schemes, to get the best outcome for communities.
We expect to pilot the first of these products in 2026 as part of a strategic growth plan to generate sustainable commercial income by leveraging the key assets and expertise of the charity.
25
2025 Headlines
Our Work in Numbers
19 New spaces protected
9 million Total population within a 10-minute walk of a protected space
Total spaces 3,000 protected
----- Start of picture text -----
10min
----- End of picture text -----
195,000
Additional population within a 10-minute walk of a protected space
27
Impact Case Studies
Protecting Bitton Recreation Ground, South Gloucestershire
A popular park for both sport and recreation, Bitton Recreation Ground (BRG) was bequeathed to the local community of Bitton, near Bristol, by landowners in 1920.
Today, the ground is home to Bitton Association Football Club, and its sports pitches are a popular location for both adult and juniors’ football and cricket. All sports are welcome at BRG, and the site has a multi-use games area, along with a pavilion and changing facilities.
BRG is also a place for people to come together and socialise, with a wheelchair-accessible Sports and Social Club House, a licensed bar and function rooms which host social events throughout the year.
Having been a crucial place for locals to come together, exercise, relax and play for over 100 years, BRG became officially protected in April 2025 to ensure it will always be enjoyed by the local community.
Trustees are committed to ensuring that the land is protected in perpetuity for its intended purpose (like sports and recreation) and for the benefits of the community.
Paul Cooney, BRG Chair of Trustees
28
Protecting Butcher’s Field, East Sussex
Another new protection completed in 2025 is Butcher’s Field in Westham, East Sussex. Close to the high street and standing in the shadow of historic Pevensey Castle, this meadow is a popular relaxation and walking spot for both locals and tourists.
It was purchased by Westham Parish Council in 2002 to commemorate the Queen’s Jubilee and, as of September 2025, is legally protected for the local community to enjoy forever.
Across our local area, green spaces are under increasing pressure as demand for new housing and infrastructure grows. The last thing the Parish Council wanted was to lose this field to either development or other purposes. Green spaces are essential to everyday life in every community. They provide places for children to play, for people of all ages to be active, and for communities to come together. They also support biodiversity, help improve air quality, and offer vital breathing space in increasingly built-up environments.
Susan Sanders, Parish Clerk at Westham Parish Council
The Council now protects all three of its green spaces with Fields in Trust.
29
Impact Case Studies
Holt Playing Fields
We’ve supported two exciting new projects at Holt Playing Fields that will make a real difference to the local community. A new sublease has been agreed with Holt Owl Skate Park Organisation to create a purpose-built skate park, giving young people a safe, fun space to be active and socialise.
We’ve also approved a sublease for Holt Padel Tennis Limited to build two padel tennis courts. This is a great addition for residents, especially as there are currently no public tennis or racket sport facilities in Holt. Together, these developments will open up more opportunities for people of all ages to get involved in sport and recreation.
30
Sidley Recreation Ground
At Sidley Recreation Ground, we’ve agreed a new lease with Heart of Sidley to bring forward much-needed improvements to the site. The plans include replacing the existing changing rooms with a modern, fully accessible building that meets the latest standards set by Sport England and the Football Foundation.
As well as high-quality changing facilities, the new building will feature a café and flexible space for organising activities and events. This will create a welcoming hub for the community, helping to bring people together and encourage more participation in local sport.
31
2025 Protected Spaces
----- Start of picture text -----
323
84
31
283
162
243
254
355
300
170
440
362
----- End of picture text -----
32
•m-Yiiiilli.A .y* -EARS. UR4 RKS. '33.
Operational Infrastructure
2025 marked a pivotal year of transition, strengthening our organisational foundations and positioning us for the next phase of delivery. The introduction of a two-Directorate structure has enhanced clarity, accountability and collaboration, enabling teams to work more effectively towards the shared priorities set out in our strategy.
Our multi-year business plan sets out a clear pathway for growth, alongside targeted investment in the systems and processes required to support an evolving organisation. This includes a focus on improving how we connect and engage with a wide range of stakeholders, from landowners and elected officials to donors, partners, developers and planners.
Our team is lean and we’re proud of our ability to punch above our weight and deliver across multiple areas through the dedication of our committed people. Gaps in the team in 2025 resulted in further stretched capacity and in 2026 we plan to grow the team to enable us to increase our activity across both goals, with a particular focus on our work with Local Planning Authorities, developers and elected officials.
In 2025 we worked closely with specialist partners in philanthropy, communications, public relations and planning to bring additional skills and expertise into the team to help deliver our work.
We’ve identified digital transformation programmes to integrate our systems and increase automations where possible and seek funding to invest in this fast-moving space to ensure the charity keeps pace with change and embraces the possibilities and efficiencies that exist.
Together, these developments will ensure that our operational infrastructure is fit for purpose and able to underpin our ambitions in the years ahead.
34
*4 s IN YEA OF PROTECTING OUR P
Funders and Partnerships
We’d like to say a big thank you to all our members, partners, donors and funders who make our work possible. Without your support we simply cannot do what we do.
Partnerships
We continued to work with Octopus Foundation as an environmental charity partner and along with an annual unrestricted grant received significant support in delivering activity from several teams across the business.
The ethos of Octopus is to provide support when and where it is needed, if possible, to their charity partners. This has included making resources available to help create branded materials for our centenary, production of our brand film and extending their training, development and mentoring programmes to our staff.
Octopus staff took part in volunteering days on our protected spaces made possible by our delivery partner IdVerde.
And a group of staff ran the Royal Parks Half Marathon raising over £3,000.
It’s hugely satisfying to be outdoors for the day. I think we all take parks for granted despite how important they are, so it’s great to see how much work goes into maintaining them and to play a part in that.
Kristy, Octopus Group
36
Thank you also to our other partners who have continued to support us in 2025:
ROYAL CHARITY POLO CUP
Trusts and Foundations
We were delighted that many trusts and foundations continued to support us, some increasing their donations as we celebrated our centenary year. We were also very grateful to create relationships with several new trusts and foundations who have generously supported our work in 2025. Building these new relationships demonstrates that our new strategy and approach is being positively received and inspiring new funders to support our clear ambitions.
Betty Wold Johnson Foundation Blenheim Palace Foundation Cecil Pilkington Charitable Trust Cruden Foundation Limited D G Albright Charitable Trust Davis-Rubens Charitable Trust Edinburgh Trust No.2 Account Gilbert and Eileen Edgar Foundation Graham Kirkham Foundation James Wise Charitable Trust John Armitage Charitable Trust Lord Leverhulme’s Charitable Trust
Marsh Charitable Trust
Peter Dubens Family Foundation Ronald Miller Foundation Sandra Charitable Trust Sir John Eastwood Foundation Spirax-Sarco Charitable Trust The Armstrong Family Trust The Christopher Laing Foundation The General Charity Fund The J R Asprey Family Charitable Foundation The John Cowan Foundation
The Lennox Hannay Charitable Trust The Linder Foundation The Mackintosh Foundation The Mushroom Trust The Orrin Charitable Trust The Peacock Charitable Trust The Privy Purse Charitable Trust The Rothermere Foundation The Schuster Charitable Trust The Simon Gibson Charitable Trust The Weinstock Fund Wimbledon Foundation
Fields in Trust is registered with the UK Fundraising Regulator, and we fully abide by their code of best practice. We did not receive any fundraising complaints in 2025. During 2025 we implemented a new CRM system to help us manage the ongoing stewardship of our donors and to help process donations and gift aid in the UK.
37
Future Plans
As we look ahead, our focus is firmly on building a stronger, more sustainable future that expands our impact for generations to come. We will increase our awareness and campaigning activity, with our President Jill Scott leading the charge as an advocate for children’s access to safe, inclusive places to play. Alongside this, we will continue to strengthen our protection work by growing our pipeline and increasing the number of sites safeguarded for community use.
A key priority will be developing new products and partnerships that allow us to better utilise and monetise the charity’s assets, creating reliable and sustainable income streams. To support this ambition, we will grow and develop our team, enhancing skills and capacity across the organisation, while also improving our impact reporting to clearly demonstrate the difference our work makes.
Delivering this next phase of our strategy will require us to raise £8 million, alongside a longer-term ambition to grow our reserves and establish a £15 million endowment fund. As we close our centenary activity, we do so with a clear sense of purpose and momentum – ready to build on our legacy and create even greater opportunities for children and communities in the years ahead.
We will deepen our engagement with strategic funders to secure longer-term investment and maximise impact. At the same time, we will invest in systems improvements and integrations to ensure we are efficient, connected and ready to scale.
39
Financial Review
Overall financial performance in 2025 was a positive step in the right direction as the charity delivered a small operating surplus for the first time in several years. This surplus was further supplemented by the in-year office sale. The performance marks a significant milestone following the comprehensive review undertaken in 2024 and the disciplined implementation of a turnaround plan.
Trustees are reassured from the clear strategic direction now in place, which is supporting improved income generation and fundraising alongside careful cost management in a challenging economic environment. Early progress under the first year of the strategy indicates that these measures are beginning to take effect.
Maintaining this positive momentum will be critical to strengthening long-term financial resilience and sustainability. While there remains more to do, the initial results provide confidence that the organisation is on a more stable path towards sustainability.
Total Income and Expenditure
The charity was pleased to see continued improved year-on-year performance. In 2025 income was £1.79m (2024: £0.76m) – including the property sale – and expenditure was £1.35m (2024: £1.33m).
----- Start of picture text -----
£1.79m
£1.33m £1.35m
£1.26m
£0.76m
£0.53m
2023 2024 2025
----- End of picture text -----
----- Start of picture text -----
Income Expenditure
----- End of picture text -----
Expenditure in 2025 includes £0.13m of donated services. In 2024, expenditure included costs for the completion of the strategic review, with no similar costs incurred in 2025.
Trustees set a clear objective for 2025 to deliver an operating surplus after several years of drawing on reserves. This was successfully achieved, with a business-as-usual surplus of £0.4m in 2025 (including £0.35m of proceeds from the property sale), following a deficit of £0.56m in 2024.
41
Funding Sources
Income
----- Start of picture text -----
1,800
1,600
1,400
1,200
1,000
800
600
400
200
0
2024 2025
£000
----- End of picture text -----
Trust & Foundations Major Donors Corporate Partners Charitable Activities Other Income Donated Services Property Sale
Voluntary Income
Voluntary income, comprising income from Trusts and Foundations, Major Donors, Corporate Partners and Donated Services, more than doubled in year from £0.43m in 2024 to £1.15m in 2025, demonstrating the success of efforts to strengthen and diversify our fundraising base.
This was largely driven by success with major donors, reflecting our growing focus on philanthropic giving, leveraging the centenary as a platform for meaningful engagement. We also saw a positive outcome from the same focus with trusts and foundations. Looking forward, we will be further developing these networks and ensuring the ongoing cultivation of relationships to enable us to continue to increase these income streams in line with our plan.
42
Charitable Activities
Income from charitable activities remained stable year on year and is derived from consultancy and advisory work.
This income remains a vital component of the charity’s mixed funding model, as outlined in our five-year business plan, and represents an area of planned strategic growth. As part of our new strategy, we are developing new marketable products and services that draw on our insight, expertise, and data - aimed at building sustainable, long-term income streams to further our charitable mission.
At present, we continue to enter each financial year with a relatively low level of committed income, which constrains forward planning and limits our ability to deliver our programme of work with confidence. Strengthening the security and duration of our funding will be essential to enable more effective planning and sustained delivery in our new strategy.
Overall income performance in 2025 was significantly stronger than in recent years. However, there remains a clear need to transition towards multi-year funding agreements and longer-term partnerships to provide a more stable and predictable income base.
How the Funding was Spent
Total expenditure in 2025 was £1.35m (2024: £1.33m). During 2025, £1.14m (2024: £1.16m) was spent on our charitable activities enabling Fields in Trust to deliver impact in communities that will last for generations. This was broken down into;
Protect Parks and Green Spaces £0.46m (2024: £0.51m) Support Parks and Green Spaces £0.10m (2024: £0.02m) Champion Parks and Green Spaces £0.58m (2024: £0.63m)
Charitable activities included overhead costs of £0.50m (2024: £0.58m) and Governance costs of £0.01m (2024: £0.05m). The cost of raising funds in year was £0.20m (2024: £0.17m), equivalent to 15% of income (excluding the property sale) (2024: 25%).
43
Reserves Policy
The Trustees review the charity’s anticipated income and expenditure actuals against budget on a regular basis.
In 2024, Trustees identified the need to reduce reliance on reserves and set a clear objective of returning to a surplus position in 2025. This objective has remained a central focus, reflecting the importance of strengthening the organisation’s financial sustainability. The Trustees are pleased to report that the reserves balance increased in 2025 to £2.10m from £1.67m in 2024.
Reserves
----- Start of picture text -----
Free Restricted
reserves reserves
£0.74m £0.18m
Designated Designated
reserves - reserve -
Fixed Assets Fields Legacy
----- End of picture text -----
Further details on the reserves balance are set out in Note 21a.
The free reserves represent those unrestricted funds not invested in tangible fixed assets or otherwise committed. Trustees consider it prudent to retain these reserves at a level representing around six months forward expenditure and wind up or transfer costs. Six months forward expenditure is currently budgeted at £0.74m.
The Fields Legacy Fund of £1.18m has been designated to ensure the charity is able to steward the long-term protection of the portfolio of spaces it protects in perpetuity. The Trustees are mindful of the need to safeguard the existing legacy in addition to supporting the delivery of the new 5 year strategic plan. The Trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern given the level of reserves held and following a positive financial performance in 2025 which gives a strong foundation for 2026.
The Group holds a sufficient level of investments in liquidity funds to meet all known liabilities for the foreseeable future and provide for:
-
Six months forward expenditure to enable the delivery of planned activity
-
Longer-term obligations to the portfolio of protected spaces
Alongside this, there is a clear ambition to increase reserves in a planned and structured way, enabling the organisation to scale its impact in line with the new 5 year strategy.
A key element of this approach is a strategic plan to grow the investment portfolio, supported by the creation of a £15 million endowment fund. This will provide a more secure financial foundation, ensuring both the ongoing stewardship of protected spaces for generations to come and the capacity to expand the charity’s reach over time.
44
Investment Policy and Performance
In accordance with the charity’s Royal Charter the Trustees have the power to invest as they deem appropriate.
During 2025 the Finance Audit and Risk Committee undertook a review of investment managers and elected to move the management of the portfolio (£1.55m) to Sarasin and Partners.
Following advice from Sarasin and Partners the Committee updated the investment performance benchmark to CPI+4%. The performance of the investment portfolio is reviewed by the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee and regular guidance is provided by the expert team at Sarasin and Partners.
Management and Staffing
The Trustees appoint a Chief Executive who has delegated authority to implement the Council’s decisions and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the charity and of the highly committed and professional team.
Risk Management
The Trustees have a risk management strategy which comprises:
-
A regular review of the principal risks and uncertainties that the charity faces.
-
The establishment of policies, systems and procedures to mitigate those risks identified
-
in the review.
-
The implementation of procedures designed to minimise or manage any potential impact on the charity should those risks materialise.
This has identified that future funding and the prevailing financial climate are the major risks to the future sustainability of the organisation.
A key element in the management of this financial risk has been the implementation of a strategy to:
-
Focus fundraising on diversifying income streams
-
Review income against targets on a regular basis
The Chief Executive is supported by the Senior Leadership Team.
- Monitor expenditure against budgets and reduce commitments accordingly
Remuneration Policy
The pay of all staff is reviewed annually by Trustees.
- Assess the effectiveness of the investment policy and the performance of the charity’s investments
In 2025, a 2.3% uplift in salary was approved in line with CPI. The Chief Executive elected not to receive a salary increase in year.
45
Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the report of the Trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England & Wales and Scotland requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and the group and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the group for that period.
In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
- Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) and the provisions of the charity’s constitution.
They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity 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 charity and financial information included on the charity’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. Auditor Sayer Vincent LLP was re-appointed as the group and charity’s auditor during the year and has expressed its willingness to continue in that capacity.
- Observe the methods and principles in the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice;
Approved by the Council of Trustees on 23 April 2026 and signed on its behalf by
-
Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
-
Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
Jo Barnett Chair of Trustees
46
Independent Auditor’s Report
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Fields in Trust (the ‘parent charity’) for the year ended 31 December 2025 which comprise the consolidated statement of financial activities, the group and parent charity balance sheets, the consolidated statement of cash flows and the 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 FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion, the financial statements:
-
Give a true and fair view of the state of the group and parent charity’s affairs as at 31 December 2025 and of the group’s and parent charity’s incoming resources and application of resources, for the year then ended
-
Have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice
-
Have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 and of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and regulations 6 and 8 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended)
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 Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the group 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 Fields in Trust’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.
Other Information
The other information comprises the information included in the Trustees’ annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. 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.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
47
Matters on Which We Are Required to Report by Exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) require us to report to you if, in our opinion:
-
The information given in the Trustees’ annual report is inconsistent in any material respect with the financial statements;
-
Sufficient and proper accounting records have not been kept; or
-
The financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
-
We have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit
Responsibilities of Trustees
As explained more fully in the statement of Trustees’ responsibilities set out in the Trustees’ annual report, the Trustees 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 charity’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
We have been appointed as auditor under section 144/145 of the Charities Act 2011 and section 44(1)(c) of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and report in accordance with regulations made under that Act.
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 an auditor’s report 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 noncompliance 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 are set out below.
Capability of the Audit in Detecting Irregularities
In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, our procedures included the following:
-
We enquired of management, which included obtaining and reviewing supporting documentation, concerning the group’s policies and procedures relating to:
-
Identifying, evaluating, and complying with laws and regulations and whether they were aware of any instances of non-compliance;
-
Detecting and responding to the risks of fraud and whether they have knowledge of any actual, suspected, or alleged fraud;
48
-
The internal controls established to mitigate risks related to fraud or noncompliance with laws and regulations.
-
We inspected the minutes of meetings of those charged with governance.
-
We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework that the group operates in, focusing on those laws and regulations that had a material effect on the financial statements or that had a fundamental effect on the operations of the group from our professional and sector experience.
-
We communicated applicable laws and regulations throughout the audit team and remained alert to any indications of non-compliance throughout the audit.
-
We reviewed any reports made to regulators.
-
We reviewed the financial statement disclosures and tested these to supporting documentation to assess compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
-
We performed analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships that may indicate risks of material misstatement due to fraud.
Use of Our Report
This report is made solely to the parent charity’s Trustees as a body, in accordance with section 44(1) (c) of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and regulations made under section 154 of that Act. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the parent charity’s Trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s 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 parent charity and the parent charity’s Trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
23 April 2026
Sayer Vincent LLP, Statutory Auditor 110 Golden Lane, LONDON, EC1Y 0TG
Sayer Vincent LLP is eligible to act as auditor in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006
- In addressing the risk of fraud through management override of controls, we tested the appropriateness of journal entries and other adjustments, assessed whether the judgements made in making accounting estimates are indicative of a potential bias and tested significant transactions that are unusual or those outside the normal course of business.
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 is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.
49
Fields in Trust
Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities
For the year ended 31 December 2025
| For theyear ended 31 December 2025 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note Income from: 3 4 5 6 21 Reconciliation of funds Profit on Sale of Fixed Asset Donations and legacies Charitable activities Investments Total income Expenditure on: Protect Parks and Green Spaces Raising funds Charitable activities Protect Parks and Green Spaces Support Parks and Green Spaces Champion Parks and Green Spaces Total expenditure Net income / (expenditure) before net (losses) / gains on investments Other Income Net income / (expenditure) for the year Net (losses) / gains on investments Transfers between funds Net movement in funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
General fund Designated Funds £'000 £'000 1,117 - 190 - 42 69 - 345 Unrestricted Funds |
Income Funds Permanent Endowments £'000 £'000 30 - - - - - - - Restricted Funds |
2025 Total £'000 1,147 190 111 345 |
2024 Total £'000 500 181 83 - |
||
| 1,349 | 414 | 30 | - | 1,793 | 764 | |
| 205 453 93 571 |
- - - - |
3 6 4 10 |
- - - - |
208 459 97 581 |
169 446 96 618 |
|
| 1,322 | - | 23 | - | 1,345 | 1,328 | |
| 2 27 |
(21) 414 |
- 7 |
- - |
(19) 448 |
31 (564) |
|
| 29 190 |
393 (190) |
7 - |
- - |
429 - |
(533) - |
|
| 219 522 |
203 980 |
7 82 |
- 86 |
429 1,670 |
(533) 2,203 |
|
| 741 | 1,183 | 89 | 86 | 2,099 | 1,670 |
All of the above results are derived from continuing activities. There were no other recognised gains or losses other than those stated above. Movements in funds are disclosed in Note 21 to the financial statements.
50
Fields in Trust
Balance sheets
As at 31 December 2025
| As at 31 December 2025 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note 13 14 17 18 20 Income Funds Permanent Endowment Funds Designated funds General funds 21 Current asset investments Total unrestricted funds Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Total net assets Liabilities Total charity funds Unrestricted funds Funds Total Restricted Funds Fixed assets Current assets Cash at bank and in hand Tangible assets Investments Debtors Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Restricted income funds |
2025 2024 £'000 £'000 11 462 219 236 230 698 46 103 1,528 931 806 341 2,380 1,375 511 403 1,869 972 2,099 1,670 2,099 1,670 89 82 86 86 175 168 1,183 980 741 522 1,924 1,502 2,099 1,670 The group |
2025 2024 £'000 £'000 11 462 39 38 50 500 67 152 1,528 931 806 341 2,401 1,424 594 447 1,807 978 1,857 1,477 1,857 1,477 89 82 86 46 175 128 941 831 741 518 1,682 1,350 1,857 1,477 The charity |
||
| 230 | 698 | 50 | 500 | |
| 46 1,528 806 |
103 931 341 |
67 1,528 806 |
152 931 341 |
|
| 2,380 511 1,869 |
1,375 403 972 |
2,401 594 1,807 |
1,424 447 978 |
|
| 2,099 | 1,670 | 1,857 | 1,477 | |
| 2,099 | 1,670 | 1,857 | 1,477 | |
| 89 86 |
82 86 |
89 86 |
82 46 |
|
| 175 | 168 | 175 | 128 | |
| 1,183 741 |
980 522 |
941 741 |
831 518 |
|
| 1,924 | 1,502 | 1,682 | 1,350 | |
| 2,099 | 1,670 | 1,857 | 1,477 |
Approved by the Trustees on 23 April 2026 and signed on their behalf by
Jo Barnett Chair
Jeremy Hammond Treasurer
51
Fields in Trust
Consolidated statement of cash flows
For the year ended 31 December 2025
Reconciliation of net income / (expenditure) to net cash flow from operating activities
| Net income/(expenditure) for the reporting period (as per the statement of financial activities) Depreciation charges Losses/(gains) on investments Dividends, interest and rent from investments Decrease in debtors Increase in creditors Net cash provided by / (used in) operating activities Cash at bank and in hand Total cash and cash equivalents Cash flows from operating activities Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities Net cash provided by / (used in) operating activities Cash flows from investing activities Dividends, interest and rents from investments Purchase of fixed assets Proceeds from sale of investments Purchase of investments (Increase in)/drawdown of current asset investments Proceeds from sale of fixed assets Analysis of cash and cash equivalents and of net debt Net cash provided by financing activities Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year Net movement in cash held for investment portfolio Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year Cash flows from financing activities: Repayments of borrowing |
£'000 £'000 518 111 - 434 - (597) - - (52) - - 465 341 806 At 1 January 2025 Cash flows £ £ 341 465 2025 |
£'000 £'000 518 111 - 434 - (597) - - (52) - - 465 341 806 At 1 January 2025 Cash flows £ £ 341 465 2025 |
2025 £'000 429 16 19 (111) 57 108 |
2024 £'000 (533) 25 (31) (83) 38 26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 518 | (558) | |||
| £'000 £'000 (558) 83 (4) - 992 (351) - 16 735 - - 176 165 341 Other non- cash changes At 31 December 2025 £ £ - 806 2024 |
||||
| - | - | |||
| - | - | |||
| At 1 January 2025 £ 341 |
Other non- cash changes £ - |
|||
| 465 | 176 | |||
| 341 | 165 | |||
| 806 | 341 | |||
Cash flows £ 465 |
At 31 December 2025 £ 806 |
|||
| 341 | 465 | - | 806 |
52
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 December 2025
1 Accounting policies
a) Statutory information
Fields in Trust is incorporated by Royal Charter and is a registered charity in England and Wales, and in Scotland.
The registered office address is 27-31 Clerkenwell Close, London, EC1R OAT.
b) Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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) - (Charities SORP FRS 102), The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (March 2018) and the Charities Act 2011.
Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy or note.
In applying the financial reporting framework, the trustees have made a number of subjective judgements, for example in respect of significant accounting estimates. Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The nature of the estimation means the actual outcomes could differ from those estimates. Any significant estimates and judgements affecting these financial statements are detailed within the relevant accounting policy below.
Basis of preparation - group accounts
These financial statements consolidate the results of the charity and its wholly-owned subsidiaries NPFA Services Limited and King George's Field Foundation on a line by line basis. Transactions and balances between the charity and its subsidiary have been eliminated from the consolidated financial statements. Balances between the two entities are disclosed in the notes of the charity's balance sheet.
The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared to give a ‘true and fair’ view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a ‘true and fair view’. This departure has involved following 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) rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.
c) Public benefit entity
The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102.
d) Going concern
The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern. The Group holds a sufficient leveI of managed investments in equities, bonds and liquidity funds to meet all known liabilities for the foreseeable future and provide for:
-
six months forward expenditure to enable the delivery of the organisation’s planned operational activity; and
-
longer term obligations to sites protected in perpetuity.
The trustees do not consider that there are any sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next reporting period.
e) Income
Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and that the amount can be measured reliably.
Income from grants, whether capital grants or revenue grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds; any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met; it is probable that the income will be received; and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred.
For legacies, entitlement is taken as the earlier of the date on which either: the charity is aware that probate has been granted, the estate has been finalised and notification has been made by the executor(s) to the charity that a distribution will be made, or when a distribution is received from the estate. Receipt of a legacy, in whole or in part, is only considered probable when the amount can be measured reliably and the charity has been notified of the executor’s intention to make a distribution. Where legacies have been notified to the charity, or the charity is aware of the granting of probate, and the criteria for income recognition have not been met, then the legacy is a treated as a contingent asset and disclosed if material.
Income received in advance of the provision of a specified service is deferred until the criteria for income recognition are met
53
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 December 2025
- 1 Accounting policies (continued)
f) Donations of gifts, services and facilities
Donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised as income when the charity has control over the item or received the service, any conditions associated with the donation have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the charity of the item is probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliably.
On receipt, donated gifts, professional services and donated facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.
g) Interest receivable
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.
h) Fund accounting
Restricted funds are to be used for specific purposes as laid down by the donor. Expenditure which meets these criteria is charged to the fund.
Unrestricted funds are donations and other incoming resources received or generated for the charitable purposes.
Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees to ensure that Fields in Trust is able to fulfil its ongoing obligations to the stewardship of parks and green spaces protected in perpetuity.
i) Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT
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 classified under the following activity headings:
-
Costs of raising funds relate to the costs incurred by the charity in inducing third parties to make voluntary contributions to it, as well as the cost of any activities with a fundraising purpose, and the costs of managing investments.
-
Expenditure on charitable activities includes the costs of delivering services, advice, technical support and other related activities undertaken to further the purposes of the charity and their associated support costs.
-
Other expenditure represents those items not falling into any other heading.
Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.
j) Grant making
Grants payable are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the year in which the offer is conveyed to the recipient except in those cases where the offer is conditional, such grants being recognised as expenditure when the conditions attaching are fulfilled.
k) Allocation of overhead costs
Resources expended are allocated to the particular activity where the cost relates directly to that activity. However, the cost of overall direction and administration of each activity, comprising the salary and overhead costs of the central function, is apportioned on the following bases which are an estimate, based on staff time, of the amount attributable to each activity.
▪ Protect Parks and Green Spaces 44% (2024 - 44%) ▪ Support Parks and Green Spaces 2% (2024 - 2%) ▪ Champion Parks and Green Spaces 54% (2024 - 54%)
Where information about the aims, objectives and projects of the charity is provided to potential beneficiaries, the costs associated with this publicity are allocated to charitable expenditure.
Where such information about the aims, objectives and projects of the charity is also provided to potential donors, activity costs are apportioned between fundraising and charitable activities on the basis of area of literature occupied by each activity.
Overhead and governance costs are re-allocated to each of the activities on a similar basis which is an estimate, based on staff time, of the amount attributable to each activity.
l) Operating leases
Rental charges are charged on a straight line basis over the term of the lease.
54
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 December 2025
- 1 Accounting policies (continued)
m) Tangible fixed assets
Items of equipment are capitalised where the purchase price exceeds £1,000. Depreciation costs are allocated to activities on the basis of the use of the related assets in those activities. Assets are reviewed for the impairment if circumstances indicate their carrying value may exceed their net realisable value and value in use. Major components are treated as a separate asset where they have significantly different patterns of consumption of economic benefits and are depreciated separately over its useful life.
Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write down the cost of each asset to its estimated residual value over its expected useful life. The depreciation rates in use are as follows:
-
Long leasehold properties 50 years
-
▪ Office Furniture 10 years ▪ Office and IT Equipment and Database 4 years
n) Fixed asset investments
Investments are a form of basic financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction value and subsequently measured at their fair value as at the balance sheet date using the closing quoted market price. Any change in fair value will be recognised in the statement of financial activities. Investment gains and losses, whether realised or unrealised, are combined and shown in the heading “Net gains/(losses) on investments” in the statement of financial activities.
Investments in subsidiaries
Investments in subsidiaries are at cost.
o) 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.
p) 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. Funds held exclude bank balances for accounts held in Scottish branches.
q) Creditors and provisions
Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
r) Funds held as custodian
The charity, acting as custodian trustee, holds permanent endowment investments not included in the balance sheet. However, income arising from the investments is received into the Fields in Trust's bank account and correspondingly shown as a creditor on the balance sheet.
More information on these funds and the balances held is provided in note 24.
s) Financial instruments
The charity and group have both basic and non-basic financial assets and financial liabilities. 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. Non-basic financial instruments are measured at fair value with any gain or loss going to the statement of financial activities. Full details are given in the financial instruments note.
t) Pensions
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable under the scheme by the charity to the fund. The charity has no liability under the scheme other than for the payment of those contributions.
55
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 December 2025
2 Detailed comparatives for SOFA (prior year)
| Detailed comparatives for SOFA (prior year) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General fund Designated fund £'000 £'000 453 - - - 181 - 82 - 716 - 168 - Protect Parks and Green Spaces 463 - Support Parks and Green Spaces 25 - Champion Parks and Green Spaces 602 - 1,258 - (542) - 30 - (512) - 260 (260) (252) (260) 774 1,240 522 980 Unrestricted £'000 986 131 1,117 Gifts in Kind included in the above voluntary income are as follows: Stamp - Film Production Octopus, HR support along with the provision of meeting rooms Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP - Legal Services Unrestricted Funds Protect Parks and Green Spaces Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme grants Net income / (expenditure) Donations and legacies Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward Net movement in funds Investments Total income Reconciliation of funds Charitable activities Clyde & Co LLP and Play Scotland (provision of meeting rooms) Transfers between funds Income from donations and legacies (current year) Total expenditure Expenditure on: Charitable activities Raising funds Net income / (expenditure) before net gains / (losses) on investments Net gains/ (losses) on investments Income from: Donated services Gifts |
General fund Designated fund £'000 £'000 453 - - - 181 - 82 - Unrestricted Funds |
Income funds Permanent Endowment £'000 £'000 47 - - - - - - 1 Restricted Funds |
2024 Total £'000 500 - 181 83 |
||
| 716 | - | 47 | 1 | 764 | |
| 168 463 25 602 |
- - - - |
- 43 1 26 |
- - - - |
168 506 26 628 |
|
| 1,258 | - | 70 | - | 1,328 | |
| (542) 30 |
- - |
(23) - |
1 1 |
(564) 31 |
|
| (512) 260 |
- (260) |
(23) - |
2 - |
(533) - |
|
| (252) 774 |
(260) 1,240 |
(23) 105 |
2 84 |
(533) 2,203 |
|
| 522 | 980 | 82 | 86 | 1,670 | |
| Unrestricted £'000 986 131 |
Restricted £'000 30 - |
2025 Total £'000 1,016 131 |
2024 Total £'000 499 1 |
||
| 1,117 | 30 | 1,147 | 500 | ||
| 22 19 90 - |
- - - 1 |
||||
| 131 | 1 |
3a Income from donations and legacies (current year)
56
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 December 2025
- 3b Income from donations and legacies (prior year)
| 3b Income from donations and legacies (prior year) |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| 4. 5a 5b Income from investments (current year) Gifts Field income and rents Sub-total for Protect Parks and Green Spaces Interest on cash deposits and loans Investment income Income from investments (prior year) Investment income Interest on cash deposits and loans Technical consultancy Total income from charitable activities (unrestricted in both years) Donated services Income from charitable activities (current year) |
Unrestricted £'000 452 1 |
Restricted £'000 47 - |
2024 Total £'000 499 1 |
| 453 | 47 | 500 | |
| Unrestricted £'000 104 7 |
2025 Total £'000 54 136 |
2024 Total £'000 46 135 |
|
| 190 | 181 | ||
| 190 | 181 | ||
| Restricted £'000 - - |
2025 Total £'000 104 7 |
||
| 111 | - | 111 | |
| Unrestricted £'000 77 5 |
Restricted £'000 1 - |
2024 Total £'000 78 5 |
|
| 82 | 1 | 83 |
57
Fields in Trust
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 December 2025
6a Analysis of expenditure (current year)
| Staff costs (note 9 and 10) Temp/Contract Staff Costs HR costs Accommodation costs Office costs and charges IT costs Finance charges Governance and committee costs Consultancy and research costs Travel and subsistence Communications costs Event costs Field costs and charges Donated Services Grants expenditure (note 7) Overheads Governance Costs Total expenditure 2025 Total expenditure 2024 |
Charitable activitie | Charitable activitie | s | Governance Costs £'000 27 9 - - - - - 23 - - - - - 7 - |
Raising funds £'000 65 21 - - - - - - 1 - 72 33 - 16 - |
Overheads £'000 151 48 35 68 46 56 63 - 4 4 21 - - 37 - |
2025 Total £'000 539 172 35 68 46 56 63 23 7 4 103 33 64 132 - |
2024 Total £'000 633 192 13 44 9 82 34 22 146 2 73 3 51 1 23 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Protect Parks and Green Spaces £'000 86 27 - - - - - - - - - - 64 21 - |
Support Parks and Green Spaces £'000 54 17 - - - - - - - - - - - 13 - |
Champion Parks and Green Spaces £'000 156 50 - - - - - - 2 - 10 - - 38 - |
||||||
| 198 233 28 |
84 12 1 |
256 288 36 |
65 - (65) |
208 - - |
533 (533) - |
1,345 - - |
1,328 - - |
|
| 459 | 97 | 581 | - | 208 | - | 1,345 | 1,328 | |
| 506 | 26 | 628 | - | 168 | - | 1,328 |
6b Analysis of expenditure (prior year)
| Analysis of expenditure (prior year) | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Staff costs (note 9 and 10) HR costs Accommodation costs Office costs and charges IT costs Finance charges Governance and committee costs Consultancy and research costs Travel and subsistence Communications costs Event costs Field costs and charges Donated Services Grants expenditure (note 7) Overheads Governance Costs Total expenditure 2024 |
Charitable activities | Governance Costs £'000 32 10 - - - - - 22 - - - - - - |
Raising funds £'000 76 23 - - - - - - 16 - 51 3 - - |
Overheads £'000 177 54 13 44 9 82 34 - 85 2 15 - 1 23 |
2024 Total £'000 633 192 13 44 9 82 34 22 146 2 73 54 1 23 |
||
| Protect Parks and Green Spaces £'000 101 31 - - - - - - - - - 51 - - |
Support Parks and Green Spaces £'000 63 19 - - - - - - - - - - - - |
Champion Parks and Green Spaces £'000 184 56 - - - - - - 45 - 7 - - - |
|||||
| 183 236 27 |
83 12 1 |
292 291 35 |
63 - (63) |
169 - - |
539 (539) - |
1,328 - - |
|
| 446 | 96 | 618 | - | 169 | - | 1,328 |
58
Fields in Trust
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 December 2025
7 Grant making
| Grant making | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost At the end of the year London Marathon Trust Fund |
Grants to institutions £'000 - |
2025 £'000 - |
2024 £'000 23 |
| - | - | 23 |
Where resources allow, Fields in Trust may award grants for the improvement and maintenance of playing fields, play areas and recreational schemes and related purposes on condition the field is under the charity's protection. In 2024, two grants were made from a fund provided by The London Marathon Trust towards the delivery of protection and activation programmes across the UK.
8 Net expenditure for the year
This is stated after charging / crediting:
| This is stated after charging / crediting: | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £'000 | £'000 | |
| Depreciation | 16 | 25 |
| Trustee indemnity insurance | 4 | 6 |
| Trustees' reimbursed travel expenses: | ||
| Nil (2024: 1) | - | 1 |
| Operating lease rentals | - | 1 |
| Auditor's remuneration (excluding VAT): | ||
| Audit | 14 | 14 |
| Other services | 5 | - |
- 9 Analysis of staff costs, trustee remuneration and expenses, and the cost of key management personnel
Staff costs were as follows:
| Staff costs were as follows: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Temporary staff costs Salaries and wages Employer’s contribution to defined contribution pension schemes Social security costs Redundancy payment Staff Insurance |
2025 £'000 452 66 20 - - 1 |
2024 £'000 551 38 30 9 12 2 |
| 539 | 642 |
The following number of employees received employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) during the year between:
| The following number of employees received employee benefits during the year between: |
(excluding employer pension costs) | |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £'000 | £'000 | |
| £110,001 - £120,000 | 1 | 1 |
| £90,001 - £100,000 | - | - |
| £70,001 - £80,000 | 1 | 1 |
| £60,001 -£70,000 | - | 1 |
The key management personnel of the charity in 2024 comprised the trustees, the Chief Executive Officer and the Senior Management team. The total employee benefits including pension contributions of the key management personnel were £252,005 (2024: £354,313).
The charity trustees were not paid nor received any other benefits from employment with the charity in the year (2024: £nil). No charity trustee received payment for professional or other services supplied to the charity (2024: £nil).
Trustees' expenses represents the payment or reimbursement of travel and subsistence costs totalling £nil (2024: £1,210) relating to attendance at meetings of the trustees.
59
Fields in Trust
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 December 2025
10 Staff numbers
The average number of employees (head count based on number of staff employed) during the year was as follows:
| Protect Parks and Green Spaces Raising funds Support Parks and Green Spaces Champion Parks and Green Spaces |
2025 No. 2 4 1 2 |
2024 No. 2 5 1 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 11 |
11 Related party transactions
During the year, FIT purchased furniture at a cost of £3,000 from a company whose director is the spouse of the CEO.
Aggregate donations from related parties in 2025 totalled £nil (2024: £nil)
12 Taxation
The charitable company is exempt from corporation tax as all its income is charitable and is applied for charitable purposes.
13 Tangible fixed assets
| Tangible fixed assets | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At the start of the year At the end of the year Cost Depreciation Net book value At the start of the year Additions in year Disposals in the year At the end of the year Charge for the year At the start of the year On disposal At the end of the year |
Long Leasehold property £'000 680 - (680) |
Office/IT Equipment £'000 49 - (37) |
Website and Database £'000 62 - - |
Office Furniture £'000 11 - (11) |
Total £'000 802 - (728) |
| - | 12 | 62 | - | 74 | |
| 242 7 (249) |
45 3 (36) |
45 6 - |
8 - (8) |
340 16 (293) |
|
| - | 12 | 51 | - | 63 | |
| - | - | 11 | - | 11 | |
| 438 | 4 | 17 | 3 | 462 |
All of the above assets are used for charitable purposes.
60
Fields in Trust
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 December 2025
- 14a Listed investments
| Listed investments | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fair value at the start of the year Cash held by investment broker pending reinvestment Shares held in subsidiary Fair value at the end of the year UK Common Investment Funds Investment in UK subsidiary undertakings Total value of investments Disposal proceeds Net gain / (loss) on change in fair value Investments fund portfolio |
2025 £'000 236 - (17) The |
2024 £'000 1,195 (992) 33 group |
2025 2024 £'000 £'000 24 984 - (992) 1 32 The charity |
|
| 219 | 236 | 25 | 24 | |
| - - |
- - |
- 14 |
- 14 |
|
| 219 | 236 | 39 | 38 | |
| 219 - |
236 - |
25 14 |
24 14 |
|
| 219 | 236 | 39 | 38 |
Investments representing over 5% by value of the portfolio comprise:
| The group | The charity | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | |
| £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | |
| CCLA Investment Management Ltd: Global Equity Income Fund | - | - | - | - |
| M&G Investments: Charibond Charities Fixed Interest CIF | 193 | - | - | - |
| M&G Investments: Equities Investment Fund for Charities | - | 165 | - | - |
14b In 2020, the JP Morgan Asset Management Liquidity Fund was re-classified as a current asset investment on the basis that the charity intends to use these funds within the next 12 months. In early 2024, the CCLA Investment Ltd Global Equity Income Fund was sold and all the proceeds added to our Short Term liquidity holdings, under Current asset investments (2024 £931k)
61
Fields in Trust
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 December 2025
15 Subsidiary undertakings
a) The charity owns the whole of the issued ordinary share capital of NPFA Services limited, a company registered in England. The subsidiary is used for non-primary purpose trading activities. During the year there were no transactions. Available profits are gift aided to the charitable company. A summary of the results of the subsidiary is shown below:
gift aided to the charitable company. A summary of the results of the subsidiary is shown below: |
||
|---|---|---|
| The aggregate of the assets, liabilities and funds was: Assets Liabilities Funds |
2025 £'000 14 - |
2024 £'000 14 - |
| 14 | 14 |
- b) In 2018, the charity took over the assets and liabilities of The King George's Field Foundation (charity number 220766) as a charitable subsidiary for nil consideration. All activities have been consolidated on a line for line basis in the statement of financial activities. The charity is the sole trustee of the subsidiary.
A summary of the results of the subsidiary are shown below:
| A summary of the results of the subsidiary are shown below: financial activities. The charity is the sole trustee of the subsidiary. |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | ||
| Funds | Funds | ||
| Permanent | |||
| General Fund | Endowment | 2025 | |
| £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | |
| Investment income | 69 | - | 69 |
| Total income | 69 | - | 69 |
| Total expenditure | - | - | - |
| Net income / expenditure before net gains / (losses) on investments | 69 | - | 69 |
| Net (losses) / gains on investments | (22) | - | (22) |
| Net income / (expenditure) | 47 | - | 47 |
| The aggregate of the assets, liabilities and funds was: Funds Liabilities Assets |
2025 £'000 262 (21) |
|---|---|
| 242 |
The prior year figures were:
| The prior year figures were: | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Total income Total expenditure Net income / expenditure before net gains / (losses) on Net (losses) / gains on investments Net income / (expenditure) Investment income |
Unrestricted Funds General Fund £'000 12 |
Restricted Funds Permanent Endowment £'000 - |
2024 £'000 12 |
| 12 11 1 |
- - - |
12 11 1 |
|
| 2 | - | 2 | |
| 3 | - | 3 |
62
Fields in Trust
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 December 2025
Subsidiary undertakings (continued)
| Subsidiary undertakings (continued) | |
|---|---|
| Liabilities Assets Funds The aggregate of the assets, liabilities and funds was: |
2024 £'000 244 (49) |
| 195 |
16 Parent charity
The parent charity's gross income and the results for the year are disclosed as follows:
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £'000 | £'000 | |
| Gross income | 1,724 | 751 |
| Result for the year | 385 | (537) |
- 17 Debtors
| Debtors | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepayments and accrued income Losses incurred on behalf of subsidiary (King George's Fields Foundation) Taxation and other social security Trade debtors Other debtors |
2025 £'000 27 4 15 - - The |
2024 £'000 9 13 78 3 - group |
2025 2024 £'000 £'000 27 9 4 13 15 78 - 3 21 49 The charity |
|
| 46 | 103 | 67 | 152 |
18 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trade creditors Investment held in subsidiary (NPFA Services Ltd) Income held on behalf of subsidiary (King George's Fields Foundation) Income held as Custodian Trustee Taxation and other social security a) Amounts falling due within one year Accruals and deferred income |
2025 £'000 27 33 26 425 - - The |
2024 £'000 54 - 76 273 - - group |
2025 2024 £'000 £'000 27 54 33 26 76 425 273 14 14 69 30 The charity |
|
| 511 | 403 | 594 | 447 |
63
Fields in Trust
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 December 2025
19 Financial instruments
| Financial instruments | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £'000 | £'000 | |
| Fixed asset investments | 219 | 236 |
| Current asset investments | 1,528 | 931 |
20a Analysis of group net assets between funds (current year)
| Analysis of group net assets between funds (current year) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net assets at the end of the year Investments Net current assets / (liabilities) Tangible fixed assets |
General unrestricted £'000 - - 741 |
Designated funds Restricted funds Total funds £'000 £'000 £'000 11 - 11 193 25 219 979 150 1,869 |
||
| 741 | 1,183 | 175 | 2,099 |
20b Analysis of group net assets between funds (prior year)
| Analysis of group net assets between funds (prior year) | Analysis of group net assets between funds (prior year) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General unrestricted £'000 - 112 410 522 Tangible fixed assets Investments Net current assets / (liabilities) Net assets at the end of the year |
Designated funds £'000 462 - 518 |
Restricted funds £'000 - 124 44 |
Total funds £'000 462 236 972 |
|
| 522 | 980 | 168 | 1,670 |
64
Fields in Trust
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 December 2025
- 21a Movements in funds (current year)
| Movements in funds (current year) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restricted funds: Total restricted income funds Total designated funds General funds Designated funds: King George's Fields Foundation Fields development: London Marathon Trust Total funds The London Marathon Charitable Trust Core Areas Grant The London Marathon Charitable Trust National Grant Total unrestricted funds Fixed Assets County Donations, QEII Challenge Geographically restricted funds: Future Proof Parks, National Heritage Lottery Fund Total restricted funds Championing and Advocacy Research & Insight - Data Visualisation toolkit Other income funds Centenary Fields restricted funds Filwood Playing Field, Bristol Protection of playing fields and play space: The Linder Foundation Permanent endowment funds Kendal Playing Field Other field endowments Total permanent endowments Recreational development: Inclusion fund (Disabled Play Project) Unrestricted funds: Fields Legacy Fund |
At 1 January 2025 £'000 27 - 10 1 - 6 |
Income & gains £'000 - - - - 30 - |
Expenditure & losses £'000 - - - - (23) - |
Transfers £'000 - - - - - - |
At 31 December 2025 £'000 27 - 10 1 7 6 |
| 44 - 7 15 |
30 - - - |
(23) - - - |
- - - - |
51 - 7 15 |
|
| 22 16 |
- - - - |
- - |
22 16 |
||
| 16 - - |
- - - |
- - - |
- - - |
16 - - |
|
| 82 | 30 | (23) | - | 89 | |
| 44 1 41 |
- - - - - - |
- - - |
44 1 41 |
||
| 86 | - | - | - | 86 | |
| 168 | 30 | (23) | - | 175 | |
| 477 503 |
69 345 |
(21) - |
647 (837) |
1,172 11 |
|
| 980 | 414 | (21) | (190) | 1,183 | |
| 522 | 1,351 | (1,322) | 190 | 741 | |
| 1,502 | 1,765 | (1,343) | - | 1,924 | |
| 1,670 | 1,794 (1,366) |
- | 2,099 |
65
Fields in Trust
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 December 2025
Movements in funds (continued)
Purposes of restricted funds
Protection of playing fields and play space
These funds are for the protection of new sites (including the promotion of such programmes) and for improvements to those already protected by the charity.
Fields development
These funds provide for the development of protected sites and contribute to, for example, new pavilions, site drainage and resurfacing etc.
Recreational development
The Inclusion Fund is for the creation and improvement on protected sites of recreational facilities designed for children with disabilities.
Championing and Advocacy
The Research and Insight Fund is for the development of a Data Visualisation Research toolkit.
Geographically restricted donations
This fund reflects the requirements of certain donors who have specified a location or country in which their donations should be utilised.
Purposes of Endowment funds
These permanent endowment funds provide for the cost of maintaining and improving recreational facilities at four owned Fields in Trust sites (Bluebell Hill Cricket Ground, and Kendal Playing Field).
Purposes of designated funds
Fields legacy fund
The trustees have chosen to set aside this fund for the future of the significantly increased number of fields that the charity now safeguards. The fund covers activities within both the parent charity and the charitable subsidiary. During the year, transfers were made between this fund and the general fund to recognise the staff time spent on these safeguarded fields.
Fixed assets
This fund reflects the trustees' decision to designate the value of the charity's fixed assets, comprising in the main the longleasehold building occupied by the charity.
66
Fields in Trust
22
Notes to the financial statements
| Notes to the financial statements | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For the year ended 31 December 2025 | |||||
| Restricted funds: Total restricted income funds Total designated funds General funds County Donations, QEII Challenge Future Proof Parks, National Heritage Lottery Fund Protection of playing fields and play space: Unrestricted funds: Designated funds: Fixed Assets Permanent endowment funds Kendal Playing Field Other field endowments King George's Fields Foundation Total permanent endowments Total restricted funds Fields Legacy Fund Centenary Fields restricted funds The London Marathon Charitable Trust Core Areas Grant The London Marathon Charitable Trust National Grant Filwood Playing Field, Bristol Other income funds Research & Insight - Data Visualisation toolkit Fields development: London Marathon Trust Total unrestricted funds Total funds Geographically restricted funds: Recreational development: Inclusion fund (Disabled Play Project) Championing and Advocacy 21b Movements in funds (prior year) |
27 - 33 1 6 At 1 January 2024 £'000 |
- - - - - Income & gains £'000 |
- - (23) - - Expenditure & losses £'000 |
- - - - - Transfers £'000 |
27 - 10 1 6 At 31 December 2024 £'000 |
| 67 - 7 15 |
- - - - |
(23) - - - |
- - - - |
44 - 7 15 |
|
| 23 16 |
- - |
- - |
- - |
22 16 |
|
| 16 - - |
- - 47 |
- - (47) |
- - - |
16 - - |
|
| 105 | 47 | (70) | - | 83 | |
| 42 1 41 |
2 - - |
- - - |
- - - |
44 1 41 |
|
| 84 | 2 | - | - | 86 | |
| 189 | 49 | (70) | - | 168 | |
| 757 483 |
- - |
- - |
(280) 20 |
477 503 |
|
| 1,240 | - | - | (260) | 980 | |
| 774 | 746 | (1,258) | 260 | 522 | |
| 2,014 | 746 | (1,258) | - | 1,502 | |
| 2,203 | 795 | (1,328) | - | 1,670 |
Operating lease commitments
The charity's total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases is as follows for each of the following periods:
| The charity's total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases is as follows for each of the followin eriods: |
The charity's total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases is as follows for each of the followin eriods: |
The charity's total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases is as follows for each of the followin eriods: |
|---|---|---|
| - 4 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 1 - 2 years 2 - 3 years Less than 1 year 3 - 4 years h g p 2025 2024 £'000 £'000 Other |
||
| - | 4 |
FiT entered into an office licence arrangement during 2025 for 2 years. FiT can exit the arrangement, giving a months notice.
67
Fields in Trust
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 December 2025
23 Legal status of the charity
The charity is incorporated by Royal Charter and has no share capital.
24 Other funds held
a) The charity holds the sole trusteeship for two other charities registered with the Charity Commission as follows:
King George’s Fields Stepney (charity number 1001827).
Playing Field and Recreation Ground Holt (charity number 1091667).
The charity, acting as custodian trustee , holds permanent endowment investment funds for the charities separately from its own assets as a parent. The charity has not consolidated these funds into the charity's accounts as subsidiaries as limitations in the original schemes present severe long term restrictions as to how the funds can be used. The charity has determined that it will seek to address and resolve these restrictions through discussions with the Charity Commission.
However, income arising from these investments is received into the charity's bank account and shown correspondingly as a creditor on the balance sheet. The value of these funds were as follows:
creditor on the balance sheet. The value of these funds were as follows: |
||
|---|---|---|
| Book value Market value Book value Market value Playing Field and Recreation Ground Holt King George's Fields Stepney |
2025 2024 £'000 £'000 53 53 |
|
| 202 92 |
166 92 |
|
| 218 | 179 |
b) In addition, the charity, acting as custodian trustee, holds permanent endowment investments for the following playing fields for which it is not the sole trustee.
Dolwyddelan Playing Field, Gwynedd Haling Grove, Croydon (Eleanor Shorter Fund) Lightwater Playing Field, Surrey Firgrove Playing Field, Rochdale, Manchester Pen Park, Bristol Watersfield Playing Field, Sussex
The custodian permanent investments are held separately from the charity's own assets and are not included in the charity's balance sheet. However the income arising from the investments is received into the charity's bank account and shown correspondingly as a creditor on the balance sheet. The combined value of these investments were:
| Book value Market value |
2025 £'000 195 |
2024 £'000 195 |
|---|---|---|
| 424 | 318 |
c) The objects of all the above trusts are similar to those of the charity and concerned with the protection and improvement of recreational space.
68