The Lynchmere Society - Charities report

REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 04913460 (England and Wales)

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1103123

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND

UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

FOR

THE LYNCHMERE SOCIETY

Page

Report of the Trustees

1

to

5

Independent Examiner's Report

6

Statement of Financial Activities

7

Balance Sheet

8

to

9

Notes to the Financial Statements

10

to

16

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

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Objectives and aims

The Charity's objects and principal activities are to:-

1) Promote high standards of planning and architecture in or affecting the area of benefit, which is the Lynchmere Civic Parish and some neighbouring areas.

2) Educate the public in the geography, history, natural history and architecture of the area of benefit.

3) Secure the preservation, protection, development and improvement of features of historic, environmental and public interest in the area of benefit.

The main activities for the year continued to be educating the public in the geography, history, natural history and architecture of the area of benefit, and securing the preservation, protection, development and improvement of features of historic or public interest and through the restoration of the heathland of Lynchmere, Stanley and part of Marley Common (this being part of a much wider project across several counties supported and encouraged by Natural England and The South Downs National Park).

Public benefit

The Trustees of The Lynchmere Society review the aims, objectives and activities of the charity every year. The review process looks at what has been achieved and the outcomes of their work over the previous 12 months. The review considers the success of each key activity and the benefits they have brought to those groups of people which the charity was formed to help. The review also helps the Trustees to ensure that the aims, objectives and activities of the charity remain focused on the stated purposes. The Trustees have referred to guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the aims and objectives, and in planning future activities. In particular, the Trustees have considered how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives they have set.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Educating the Public

Local schools, societies and youth organisations benefit from the Commons with their network of footpaths and bridleways, as well as the circular "easy access" path, which is heavily used, and due to be renovated with financial help from the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA). We usually have two formal talks each year on subjects of local interest, or from wildlife and environmental specialists relevant to our conservation and heathland restoration work.

Securing Features of Interest

Lowland Heath is one of the most endangered habitats in Europe, and the Commons owned and managed by the Society is the 5th largest area of such habitat in Sussex, and an important part of a much wider project across several counties supported and encouraged by Natural England and The SNDPA. The commons are an element of the Serpent Trail, which is 65 mile long route passing through lowland heath areas of the South Downs National Park.

Each year our restored areas are enlarged, with work being done on scrub clearance in winter and bracken control in late summer - done by cutting and pulling, and scything where possible. Our meadows are also of special interest, never having been ploughed, fertilised or sprayed within living memory, and so of special importance to butterflies, bees, and other insects.

The Commons, Meadows and Barn

The Society normally has about fourteen volunteer days for scrub clearance between early September and the end of February, when work stops for the nesting season, in addition to the work of the Winter Work team.

The Belted Galloway cattle (a rare breed) do valuable conservation work under the very careful watch of our grazier and his supporting team. The construction of a pole barn was completed in spring 2025 and will be used to store hay and machinery, thereby freeing up Mare Barn to be used for other purposes.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Principal funding sources

The principal Funding sources of the Charity are:-

1) Natural England and The Rural Payments Agency, through the Higher Level Stewardship and Basic Payments Scheme.

2) Subscriptions, donations and bequests.

3) SSE through wayleaves.

4) Sales of hay bales to cover harvesting costs.

The 2024-25 year and recent developments

The Society recorded a deficit of £847 on a total income of £49,511 for the year to 30th April 2025, compared to a deficit of £20,261 and income of £41,317 in the previous year. The grants from the Rural Payments Agency under the Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) and Basic Payment Schemes (BPS) were again the main source of the Society's funding, amounting to £32,138 or 65% of the total income for the 2024-25 year. These grants are for our heathland restoration and maintenance work, to support grazing on the Commons and for other environmental work. The funding from the BPS in the year was £10,202 however the scheme is being phased out and the income will decrease again in the 2025/26 financial year to an expected £4,897. The HLS is also being phased out with a fixed income of £21,935pa until its closure in 2028. This will put considerable constraint on the Society's net income whilst alternative grants are being explored. Both schemes are being replaced by ELMS (Environmental Land Management Scheme) but there have been delays in its roll-out and details of this new grant structure have yet to be finalised.

Costs for the year amounted to £50,358 (£61,578 prior year). There were reduced costs primarily due to less spend on repairs and renewals and the halting of bracken spraying. The primary costs were as follows:

1. Winter Work scrub clearance programme and work on the commons totalled £17,893k (£17,000 in previous year)

2. Tree felling costs of £2,940k

3. Grazing fee of £12k (consistent with prior year). Conservation grazing is an important aspect of commons management and it enables the Society to meet its HLS obligations. The grazing fee is set at a level that allows Lynchmere Community Grazing to operate on a sustainable basis.

4. The remaining spend was for operational costs such as insurance, , utilities, repairs & renewals and depreciation of the Society's fencing, machinery and buildings.

Capital expenditure

The main capital expenditure project in the year was the construction of the Pole Barn at a cost of £18,550. There was £4,993 spent on renewing fencing in the year.

Balance sheet

The balance sheet shows net assets of £655,723 as at the 30th April 2025 but approximately 70% of the fixed assets net book value (total of £484k) is represented by the value of the Society's land and buildings held in trust for future generations. The cash balance as at 30th April 2025 was £169k.

Investment policy and objectives

The trustees invest funds which are in excess of its immediate needs in deposit accounts.

Reserves Policy

The trustees monitor the Society's requirements for reserves to ensure sufficient funds are available to provide continuation of its aims, for any sudden emergencies and to meet longer term capital investments. This gives the trustees confidence that the Society's work can continue unimpeded.

FUTURE PLANS

The Charity plans to continue the activities outlined above in forthcoming years.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The Lynchmere Society is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 26th September 2003 and registered as a charity on 7th April 2004. The company was established under a Memorandum and Articles of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up, members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £10.

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

The directors of the company are also charity trustees for the purpose of charity law. One third of the trustees are elected each year and serve for a term of three years, and can be re-elected on the end of this term.

Organisational structure

The Lynchmere Society has a Trustees / Management committee which normally meets four to six times during the year and is responsible for the strategic direction and operational activities of the Charity. The Committee has members from a variety of backgrounds and experience.

Induction and training of new trustees

All trustees are already familiar with the practical work of the charity having been members. New trustees are given guidance regarding their responsibilities. The guidance is based on Charity Commission publications.

Trustee Succession Planning

One member of the board retired during the year and one did not seek re-appointment. There remain 8 Trustees on the board. The Land Management Committee continues to meet regularly in order to enable coordination between local contractors and the work of volunteers, as well as generating a wealth of educational material to engage a younger generation interested in the environment.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Registered Company number

04913460 (England and Wales)

Registered Charity number

1103123

Registered office

St Michael's Hall

Linchmere Road

Haslemere

Surrey

GU27 3QW

Trustees

P R Searight

Mrs L A Searight

The Hon Lady Rous

I M A Russell (resigned 9.10.24)

B Middleton

D R W Knapp (resigned 9.10.24)

Dr C Tibbs

M McCart

Mrs M Bancroft

Mrs A Martin

Independent Examiner

N Roberts

Traviss & Co Ltd

Chartered Certified Accountants

Newtown House

38 Newtown Road

Liphook

Hampshire

GU30 7DX

This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 24 June 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

M McCart - Trustee

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of The Lynchmere Society ('the Company')

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 30 April 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity's trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.

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:

1.	accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by Section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

2.	the accounts do not accord with those records; or

3.	the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of Section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

4.

the accounts 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 accounts 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 accounts to be reached.

N Roberts

Traviss & Co Ltd

Chartered Certified Accountants

Newtown House

38 Newtown Road

Liphook

Hampshire

GU30 7DX

22 September 2025

2025

2024

Unrestricted

Restricted

Total

funds

Notes

£

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM

Donations, legacies and grants

2

39,166

-

39,166

35,396

Other trading activities

3

6,505

-

6,505

3,013

Investment income

4

3,840

-

3,840

2,908

Total

49,511

-

49,511

41,317

EXPENDITURE ON

Charitable activities

5

Restoration and maintenance of commons, fields and hay meadows

50,358

-

50,358

61,578

NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

(847

)

-

(847

)

(20,261

)

RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS

Total funds brought forward

647,997

8,573

656,570

676,831

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD

647,150

8,573

655,723

656,570

2025

2024

Unrestricted

Restricted

Total

funds

Notes

£

FIXED ASSETS

Tangible assets

9

484,108

-

484,108

467,550

CURRENT ASSETS

Debtors

10

5,960

-

5,960

5,923

Cash at bank

160,172

8,573

168,745

191,218

166,132

8,573

174,705

197,141

CREDITORS

Amounts falling due within one year

11

(3,090

)

-

(3,090

)

(8,121

)

NET CURRENT ASSETS

163,042

8,573

171,615

189,020

TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT

LIABILITIES

647,150

8,573

655,723

656,570

NET ASSETS

647,150

8,573

655,723

656,570

FUNDS

12

Unrestricted funds

647,150

647,997

Restricted funds

8,573

TOTAL FUNDS

655,723

656,570

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 30 April 2025.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 30 April 2025 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for

(a)	ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and

(b)

preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company.

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

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 24 June 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:

M McCart - Trustee

1.	ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

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

Income

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

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Charitable activities

Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.

Governance costs

Governance costs include costs of the preparation and examination of the statutory accounts and the cost of any legal advice to trustees on governance or constitutional matters.

Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

Land & Buildings

-

not provided

Mare barn restoration

-

10% on cost

Plant and machinery

-

20% on cost and 10% on cost

Fencing

-

at varying rates on cost

The trustees have adopted a policy of not depreciating the freehold land and buildings. These are stated at historical cost rather than regular revaluations.

The trustees have opted to capitalise the fencing renewal works and the cost is being depreciated over 7 years.

Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting

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

Designated funds are unrestricted funds set aside at the discretion of the Trustees for specific purposes.

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

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

2.	DONATIONS, LEGACIES AND GRANTS

2025

2024

£

Donations and subscriptions

7,028

4,639

Grants

32,138

30,757

39,166

35,396

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

2025

2024

£

Rural Payments Agency

32,138

30,757

3.	OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES

2025

2024

£

Fundraising events

123

-

Hay and wood sales

6,382

3,013

6,505

3,013

4.	INVESTMENT INCOME

2025

2024

£

Rents received

774

746

Deposit account interest

3,066

2,162

3,840

2,908

5.	CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS

Direct

Support

Costs

costs

Totals

£

Restoration and maintenance of

commons, fields and hay meadows

49,436

922

50,358

6.	NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

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

2025

2024

£

Independent examiner's fee

922

1,003

Depreciation - owned assets

6,985

3,509

7.	TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

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

Trustees' expenses

From time to time, the trustees incur costs on behalf of the Charity and these are reimbursed on presentation of the relevant supporting invoices.

8.	COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

Unrestricted

Restricted

Total

funds

£

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM

Donations, legacies and grants

35,396

-

35,396

Other trading activities

3,013

-

3,013

Investment income

2,908

-

2,908

Total

41,317

-

41,317

EXPENDITURE ON

Charitable activities

Restoration and maintenance of commons, fields and hay meadows

61,578

-

61,578

NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

(20,261

)

-

(20,261

)

Transfers between funds

500

(500

)

-

Net movement in funds

(19,761

)

(500

)

(20,261

)

RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS

Total funds brought forward

667,758

9,073

676,831

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD

647,997

8,573

656,570

9.	TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Land &

Mare barn

Plant and

Buildings

restoration

machinery

Fencing

Totals

£

COST

At 1 May 2024

431,000

11,628

129,471

24,387

596,486

Additions

-

18,550

-

4,993

23,543

At 30 April 2025

431,000

30,178

129,471

29,380

620,029

DEPRECIATION

At 1 May 2024

-

575

126,293

2,068

128,936

Charge for year

-

1,665

1,301

4,019

6,985

At 30 April 2025

-

2,240

127,594

6,087

135,921

NET BOOK VALUE

At 30 April 2025

431,000

27,938

1,877

23,293

484,108

At 30 April 2024

431,000

11,053

3,178

22,319

467,550

10.	DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

2025

2024

£

Trade debtors

524

2,012

Accrued income

1,341

-

Prepayments

4,095

3,911

5,960

5,923

11.	CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

2025

2024

£

Accrued expenses

3,090

8,121

12.	MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Net

Transfers

movement

between

At

At 1.5.24

in funds

funds

30.4.25

£

Unrestricted funds

General fund

180,447

6,138

(23,543

)

163,042

Commons fund

431,000

-

431,000

Equipment and capital works fund

36,550

(6,985

)

23,543

53,108

647,997

(847

)

-

647,150

Restricted funds

Reptile Habitat Fund

8,573

-

8,573

TOTAL FUNDS

656,570

(847

)

-

655,723

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

Incoming

Resources

Movement

resources

expended

in funds

£

Unrestricted funds

General fund

49,511

(43,373

)

6,138

Equipment and capital works fund

-

(6,985

)

(6,985

)

49,511

(50,358

)

(847

)

TOTAL FUNDS

49,511

(50,358

)

(847

)

Comparatives for movement in funds

Net

Transfers

movement

between

At

At 1.5.23

in funds

funds

30.4.24

£

Unrestricted funds

General fund

234,318

(16,752

)

(37,119

)

180,447

Commons fund

431,000

-

431,000

Equipment and capital works fund

2,440

(3,509

)

37,619

36,550

667,758

(20,261

)

500

647,997

Restricted funds

Reptile Habitat Fund

9,073

-

(500

)

8,573

TOTAL FUNDS

676,831

(20,261

)

-

656,570

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

Incoming

Resources

Movement

resources

expended

in funds

£

Unrestricted funds

General fund

41,316

(58,068

)

(16,752

)

Equipment and capital works fund

1

(3,510

)

(3,509

)

41,317

(61,578

)

(20,261

)

TOTAL FUNDS

41,317

(61,578

)

(20,261

)

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

Net

Transfers

movement

between

At

At 1.5.23

in funds

funds

30.4.25

£

Unrestricted funds

General fund

234,318

(10,614

)

(60,662

)

163,042

Commons fund

431,000

-

431,000

Equipment and capital works fund

2,440

(10,494

)

61,162

53,108

667,758

(21,108

)

500

647,150

Restricted funds

Reptile Habitat Fund

9,073

-

(500

)

8,573

TOTAL FUNDS

676,831

(21,108

)

-

655,723

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

Incoming

Resources

Movement

resources

expended

in funds

£

Unrestricted funds

General fund

90,827

(101,441

)

(10,614

)

Equipment and capital works fund

1

(10,495

)

(10,494

)

90,828

(111,936

)

(21,108

)

TOTAL FUNDS

90,828

(111,936

)

(21,108

)

Unrestricted Funds

Commons Fund

The Commons Fund represents the original cost of land under the Charity's management.

Equipment and capital works fund

This represents the cost and depreciation of capital equipment and works of a capital nature.

Restricted Funds

Reptile Habitat Fund

This represents £10,000 given by Taylor Wimpey UK Limited for the future maintenance of the Lynchmere Land and the welfare of reptiles relocated from one of their building sites.

It also includes an additional payment of £10,000 to be used by the Lynchmere Society for the purpose of improving visitor education at the common and associated habitat management.

13.	RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 30 April 2025.