Charity registration number 1183829 (England and Wales)
Company registration number 11624110
THE ASHDOWN FOREST FOUNDATION
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024
THE ASHDOWN FOREST FOUNDATION
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees
K Aalto
R St Clair Jones
R St Pierre
F Thomas
A Morgan
Charity number (England and Wales)
1183829
Company number
11624110
Registered office
The Ashdown Forest Centre
Wych Cross
Forest Row
East Sussex
RH18 5JP
Independent examiner
Darren Harding ACA FCCA DChA
Richard Place Dobson Services Limited
1-7 Station Road
Crawley
West Sussex
RH10 1HT
THE ASHDOWN FOREST FOUNDATION
CONTENTS
Page
Trustees' report
1 - 2
Independent examiner's report
3
Statement of financial activities
4 - 5
Balance sheet
6
Notes to the financial statements
7 - 15
THE ASHDOWN FOREST FOUNDATION
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024
page 1

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 October 2024.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the trust's memorandum and articles of association , the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)". 

 

Objectives and activities

The trust's objects are:

1) To promote for the benefit of the public the conservation, protection and improvement of the natural and physical environment of Ashdown Forest including as a place of amenity and resort

2) The provision of recreational facilities for the quiet enjoyment of Ashdown Forest in the interests of social welfare for the public benefit with the objects of improving their conditions of life

3) To advance the education of the public in the conservation. protection and improvement of the natural and physical environment of Ashdown Forest in furtherance of the above objects, but not otherwise the company shall have power to raise funds to support work and projects to protect and enhance Ashdown Forest for future generations to enjoy.

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the trust should undertake.

Achievements and performance

The past year has seen significant progress in fund raising activities as the Board of Trustees has further established itself. In particular, the charity has held a number of successful events during the year which have helped raise the charity’s profile, engage with the wider local community and generate donation income.

 

The new board has continued to review and enhance governance activities, formalising financial controls and donation policies in particular whilst also continuing to evolve the organisation’s strategic objectives.

 

Financial review

The overall surplus for the year was £11,744 (2023 - deficit of £2,268) as set out in the Statement of Financial Activities on page 4 of the accounts.

It is the policy of the trust that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a minimum of 3 months of the Foundation's operating costs. In reaching the agreed reserves level, the Trustees have factored in the current minimal monthly expenditure commitments, with no current employment related costs. As a growing charity we will continue to monitor the appropriateness of this reserves level in our Board meetings throughout the year, updating them when needed. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the financial year.

 

The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the trust is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.

Structure, governance and management

The trust is a charitable company limited by guarantee. It is controlled by its governing document, which is its Memorandum and Articles of Association.

THE ASHDOWN FOREST FOUNDATION
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024
page 2

The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

K Aalto
R St Clair Jones
J Mills
(Resigned 22 November 2024)
R St Pierre
F Thomas
A Morgan

Trustees are recruited following a selection process carried out by the Chairman.

 

None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.

The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

R St Clair Jones
Trustee
Dated: 15 July 2025
THE ASHDOWN FOREST FOUNDATION
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE ASHDOWN FOREST FOUNDATION
page 3

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The Ashdown Forest Foundation (the trust) for the year ended 31 October 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

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

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

Independent examiner's statement

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

1

accounting records were not kept in respect of the trust as required by section 386 of the Companies Act 2006.

2

the financial statements do not accord with those records; or

3

the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 other than any requirement that the financial statements give a true and fair view, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

4

the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

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

Darren Harding ACA FCCA DChA
Richard Place Dobson Services Limited
1-7 Station Road
Crawley
West Sussex
RH10 1HT
15 July 2025
THE ASHDOWN FOREST FOUNDATION
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024
page 4
Current financial year
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
funds
funds
funds
general
Designated
2024
2024
2024
2024
2023
As restated
Notes
£
£
£
£
£
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
2
90,287
-
9,768
100,055
29,973
Other trading activities
3
3,181
-
-
3,181
5,992
Other income
4
-
-
-
-
183
Total income
93,468
-
9,768
103,236
36,148
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
5
4,566
-
-
4,566
3,754
Charitable activities
6
63,927
-
22,999
86,926
34,662
Total expenditure
68,493
-
22,999
91,492
38,416
Net income/(expenditure)
24,975
-
(13,231)
11,744
(2,268)
Transfers between funds
21
(21)
-
-
-
Net movement in funds
8
24,996
(21)
(13,231)
11,744
(2,268)
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 November 2023
86,165
49,131
17,456
152,752
155,020
Fund balances at 31 October 2024
111,161
49,110
4,225
164,496
152,752

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

THE ASHDOWN FOREST FOUNDATION
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED)
INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024
page 5
Prior financial year
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
general
Designated
2023
2023
2023
2023
Notes
£
£
£
£
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
2
24,773
-
5,200
29,973
Other trading activities
3
5,992
-
-
5,992
Other income
4
183
-
-
183
Total income
30,948
-
5,200
36,148
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
5
3,754
-
-
3,754
Charitable activities
6
22,418
-
12,244
34,662
Total expenditure
26,172
-
12,244
38,416
Net income/(expenditure) and movement in funds
4,776
-
(7,044)
(2,268)
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 November 2022
81,389
49,131
24,500
155,020
Fund balances at 31 October 2023
86,165
49,131
17,456
152,752
THE ASHDOWN FOREST FOUNDATION
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT
31 OCTOBER 2024
31 October 2024
page 6
2024
2023
as restated
Notes
£
£
£
£
Current assets
Cash at bank and in hand
267,197
269,711
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
12
(102,701)
(116,959)
Net current assets
164,496
152,752
The funds of the trust
Restricted income funds
14
4,225
17,456
Unrestricted funds - general
111,161
86,165
Unrestricted funds - Designated
15
49,110
49,131
164,496
152,752

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 October 2024.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 15 July 2025
R St Clair Jones
Trustee
Company registration number 11624110 (England and Wales)
THE ASHDOWN FOREST FOUNDATION
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024
page 7
1
Accounting policies
Charity information

The Ashdown Forest Foundation is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is The Ashdown Forest Centre, Wych Cross, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JP.

1.1
Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the trust's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)". The trust is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

 

The trust has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

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

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2
Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the trust has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3
Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

1.4
Income
Income is recognised when the trust is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the trust has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the trust has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.
1.5
Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

 

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

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 headings:

THE ASHDOWN FOREST FOUNDATION
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
page 8

Grants payable are payments to third parties in furtherance of the charitable activities, these payments are proposed and reviewed in the trustees meetings and are only paid on agreement of the trustees. The grants are accounted for when the payment has been made to the recipient which is usually within a timely manner of the meeting date.

 

Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities.

 

Governance costs include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity and include the independent examination fees and costs linked to the strategic management of the charity.

 

Staff costs include those who are employed by the Charitable Company or self contract freelance workers (split in the wages note). The costs are recognised in the time that they have worked for the organisation.

1.6
Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

The charitable company only has financial assets and liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.

1.7
Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

 

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the trust is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.8
Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

2
Income from donations and legacies
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
funds
2024
2024
2024
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
£
£
£
Donations and gifts
69,359
9,768
79,127
24,773
5,200
29,973
Grants
14,928
-
14,928
-
-
-
Membership fees
6,000
-
6,000
-
-
-
90,287
9,768
100,055
24,773
5,200
29,973
THE ASHDOWN FOREST FOUNDATION
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024
page 9
3
Other trading activities
Unrestricted
Total
funds
general
2024
2023
£
£
Fundraising events
3,181
5,992
4
Other income
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
£
£
Other income
-
183
5
Expenditure on raising funds
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
£
£
Fundraising and publicity
Other fundraising costs
4,566
3,754
THE ASHDOWN FOREST FOUNDATION
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024
page 10
6
Charitable activities

Grants payable

Other charitable expenditure

Total
2024

Grants payable

Other charitable expenditure

Total
2023
2024
2024
2023
2023
£
£
£
£
£
£
Staff costs
20,065
-
20,065
-
-
-

Grants payable

42,001
-
42,001
28,892
-
28,892

Website Costs

-
1,392
1,392
-
1,734
1,734
62,066
1,392
63,458
28,892
1,734
30,626
Share of support costs (see note 7)
20,893
-
20,893
281
-
281
Share of governance costs (see note 7)
2,575
-
2,575
3,755
-
3,755
85,534
1,392
86,926
32,928
1,734
34,662
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds - general
62,535
1,392
63,927
20,684
1,734
22,418
Restricted funds
22,999
-
22,999
12,244
-
12,244
85,534
1,392
86,926
32,928
1,734
34,662
7
Support costs allocated to activities
Charitable activities
Total
2024
2023
£
£
Travelling
1,104
39
P.R Literature & Brochures
10,490
66
Internet charges
897
119
Computer & Software
3,789
57
Recruitment costs
4,320
-
Telephone charges
293
-
Governance
2,575
3,755
23,468
4,036
THE ASHDOWN FOREST FOUNDATION
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024
7
Support costs allocated to activities
(Continued)
page 11
2024
2023
Governance costs comprise:
£
£
Legal and professional
84
400
Bank charges
115
165
Audit and accountancy
1,727
3,190
Insurance
649
-
2,575
3,755
8
Net movement in funds
2024
2023
£
£
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Fees payable for the independent examination of the charity's financial statements
-
-
9
Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the trust during the year.

 

There was expenditure reimbursed for travel of £683 (2023: nil) to a trustee during the year.

There was expenditure reimbursed for expenditure on behalf of organisation activity of £1,031 (2023: nil) to four trustees during the year.

 

 

10
Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2024
2023
Number
Number
1
-
0
Employment costs
2024
2023
£
£
Wages and salaries
19,754
-
Other pension costs
311
-
20,065
-
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.
THE ASHDOWN FOREST FOUNDATION
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024
page 12
11
Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.

12
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2024
2023
£
£
Other taxation and social security
267
-
Trade creditors
34
-
Other creditors
100,000
100,000
Accruals and deferred income
2,400
16,959
102,701
116,959
13
Retirement benefit schemes
2024
2023
Defined contribution schemes
£
£
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes
311
-

The trust operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the trust in an independently administered fund.

14
Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

At 1 November 2023
Incoming resources
Resources expended
At 31 October 2024
£
£
£
£
Memorials
15,425
-
(11,200)
4,225
RMW Butterfly
2,031
-
(2,031)
-
Carbon Sequestration
-
9,768
(9,768)
-
17,456
9,768
(22,999)
4,225
THE ASHDOWN FOREST FOUNDATION
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024
14
Restricted funds
(Continued)
page 13
Previous year:
At 1 November 2022
Incoming resources
Resources expended
At 31 October 2023
£
£
£
£
Memorials
15,425
5,200
(5,200)
15,425
RMW Butterfly
6,739
-
(4,708)
2,031
Carbon Sequestration
2,336
-
(2,336)
-
24,500
5,200
(12,244)
17,456

Memorials - these are legacy donations for the sponsoring of a memorial on the forest, typically in the form of a bench, gate or bridge.

 

RMW Butterfly - a family donation for butterfly conservation work on the forest and a bench. This will be completed in 2024.

 

Carbon Sequestration - this is to be used to analyse the forest's carbon storage capacity & recommend optimal carbon capture solutions through heathland and mire management.

15
Unrestricted funds - Designated

These are unrestricted funds which are material to the trust's activities.

At 1 November 2023
Transfers
At 31 October 2024
£
£
£
Forest Centre Devlopment
25,657
-
25,657
Pony Grazing
23,474
(21)
23,453
49,131
(21)
49,110
Previous year:
At 1 November 2022
Transfers
At 31 October 2023
£
£
£
Forest Centre Devlopment
25,657
-
25,657
Pony Grazing
23,474
-
23,474
49,131
-
49,131

 

 

Forest Centre Development - this fund pertains to access to the Forest and are designated to improve access for all.

 

Pony Grazing Project - these funds pertain to the liquidation of the Sussex Pony Grazing Conservation Trust and are designated for use in support of Conservation Grazing.

THE ASHDOWN FOREST FOUNDATION
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024
page 14
16
Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
general
Designated
2024
2024
2024
2024
£
£
£
£
At 31 October 2024:
Current assets/(liabilities)
111,161
49,110
4,225
164,496
111,161
49,110
4,225
164,496
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
general
Designated
2023
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
£
At 31 October 2023:
Current assets/(liabilities)
86,165
49,131
17,456
152,752
86,165
49,131
17,456
152,752
17
Financial commitments, guarantees and contingent liabilities

Last year the the charitable company received a legacy of £100,000. This legacy was subject to clarification from HMRC that the intended destination was for The Ashdown Forest Foundation. However it has now been confirmed that the legacy was not intended for The Ashdown Forest Foundation. Therefore, this £100,000 legacy has been removed from the donation income and is sitting as a creditor at the year end. Subsequently after the year end this has now been repaid. The impact on the accounts are shown in note 19.

18
Related party transactions

The Finance Officer for the Conservators of Ashdown Forest (CoAF) provides accounting services to The Ashdown Forest Foundation in preparing monthly management and annual accounts as well as facilitating banking activity and purchase ledger functionality. Other members of staff from the senior management team provide information at monthly TAFF trustee meetings, and provide information on projects and capital funding required by the organisation.

 

Two out of the seven Ashdown Forest Foundation trustees are also Conservators, whilst this does not suggest control it is indicative of influence. Total grants paid to CoAF amounted to £53,755 (2023: £19,676).

 

There is no accrual for funding agreed from the Foundations designated fund for the Pony Project to the Conservators this year, in respect of the Exmoor ponies used for grazing. It amounts to nil (2023: £2,658).

 

The father of one of the trustees donated £10,000 (2023: £10,000) to the foundation during the year.

 

 

THE ASHDOWN FOREST FOUNDATION
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024
page 15
19
Prior period adjustment
Changes to the balance sheet
At 31 October 2023
As previously reported
Adjustment
As restated
£
£
£
Creditors due within one year
Other creditors
(16,959)
(100,000)
(116,959)
Capital funds
Income funds
Restricted funds
17,456
-
17,456

49,131
-
49,131
Unrestricted funds
186,165
(100,000)
86,165
Total equity
252,752
(100,000)
152,752
Changes to the profit and loss account
Period ended 31 October 2023
As previously reported
Adjustment
As restated
£
£
£
Donations and legacies
129,973
(100,000)
29,973
Net movement in funds
97,732
(100,000)
(2,268)
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