Company registration number 06927124 (England and Wales)
Charity registration number 1132403 (England and Wales)
THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees
Alison Voyle
Stephen Wilson
Paul Smith
Jane Guinn
Mary Murphy
Andrew Leggate
Claire Brown
Susan Wade
Secretary
Paul Smith
Managing Director
Victoria Broscomb (to 30 April 2025)
Chief Executive Officer
Ricky Kaplan (from 20 May 2025)
Charity number
1132403
Company number
06927124
Registered office
1 Priory Wharf
Hertford
Hertfordshire
SG14 1RJ
Independent examiner
Gary Howard FCA
Howard Wilson Chartered Accountants
36 Crown Rise
Watford
Hertfordshire
WD25 0NE
THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
CONTENTS
Page
Trustees' report
1 - 6
Independent examiner's report
7
Statement of financial activities
8 - 9
Balance sheet
10
Statement of cash flows
11
Notes to the accounts
12 - 23
THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 1 -

The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2026.

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 charitable company'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 charitable company's objects are to relieve the needs of adults with learning difficulties and mental health concerns in the Hertfordshire area. The objects are delivered through the provision of a community garden facility providing education, training, therapy and social development; 2 community gardening teams; a café in the heart of the town providing training and employment for adults with learning disabilities; a woodland centre at Panshanger Park, and two polytunnels providing skills training in larger scale food production.
Aims of the charity
The aims of Mudlarks are:
1
To promote health and wellbeing through offering social and therapeutic horticulture, training and work opportunities to young people and adults with learning disabilities and mental health concerns, enabling people of all abilities to learn and work together.
2
To provide facilities in Hertfordshire including, but not limited to, horticultural sites and a working café for use by vulnerable young people and adults who have need of such facilities with the object of building confidence and increasing self-worth, reducing isolation and loneliness.
3
To develop the social and work related skills of people with learning disabilities and mental health concerns through the provision of therapy, training, meaningful work experience and employment opportunities to help integrate people into their community.
4
To provide opportunities for volunteers and those seeking work experience at, but not limited to, a café and a horticultural environment.
5
To raise awareness of learning disabilities and mental health concerns, and help integrate people with learning disabilities into their community through our community-based projects, as well as providing opportunities for local organisations, schools and colleges to access and utilise our facilities.
6
To raise the awareness of the need to protect and conserve our environment.
Objectives for the year
1
To get to know our new CEO and allow him to become fully involved in everything Mudlarks does and is.
2
To maintain stability through his first year and the transition to a new CEO.
3
To continue our horticulture provision at 5 days a week and fill all vacancies in order to be able to provide places for more learning-disabled gardeners.
4
To increase training spaces at our community cafe by introducing a short-term placement scheme designed to provide valuable skills and experience over a 6–12-week period.
5
To increase the woodland centre provision to more schools, and adults with learning disabilities.
6
To continue to plant and maintain the public gardens in Hertford through our Larking About team's work, for the pleasure and benefit of the whole community.
7
To support the elderly and vulnerable in our community through the work of the Special Branch team of gardeners.
8
To continue developing our two commercial poly tunnels by increasing plant and produce production to support our community cafe and sell to the local community.
THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 2 -
Strategies for achieving objectives
The charity addresses its aims by:
1
Being aware of the needs of our community and responding directly to these needs.
2
Providing training and horticultural therapy in a community allotment for adults with learning disabilities or mental health concerns.
3
Providing training and employment for adults with learning disabilities and mental health concerns in the café.
4
Involving volunteers on and off site.
5
Offering work experience to students and volunteers through our gardening service and café.
6
Involving local organisations in projects.
7
Providing opportunities for schools and colleges to access our provision.
Public benefit statement
The trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in Section 4 of the Charities Act 2006 to have regard to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit. Mudlarks is a thriving community allotment and café, based on principles of equal opportunities and environmental awareness. We are open to people of all abilities, encourage the participation of volunteers, and provide opportunities for a marginalised group of people with learning disabilities, mental health issues, and physical disabilities.
Introduction to activities

Our horticultural activities have continued to develop, and the café is delivering training and work experience to an increasing number of people.

Our target for the year was to benefit a larger group of people in our community. We have achieved this through:

- filling all our allotment site vacancies with learning disabled people;

- adding gardening spaces by taking individuals to work at our polytunnels

- involving our gardening teams in public open spaces though our Larking About work;

- providing a service for the elderly and vulnerable who can no longer manage and maintain their own gardens through our Special Branch team;

- providing more training places for new learning-disabled staff at our café.

Significant activities

- The café staff have developed menus, based on produce available from the allotments and poly tunnels, with the monthly salads a great hit. The amount of Mudlarks grown produce being used has increased.

- We have held several special events at the café, in the evenings and at weekends using a prebooking system, for Christmas, mothers and fathers’ days, and introduced some ‘special offers’. This is encouraging a strong customer base to support the training and work of our staff who have learning difficulties.

- Our community art gallery at the café has continued, this brings artists to the café and creates a wonderful back drop to our eating area.

- The café was the venue for our popular Wreath making workshop at Christmas and has hosted craft fayres before Christmas and Easter.

- We opened the Mudlarks community shop in the café to showcase our crafts and to work in partnership with other local makers.

- The Rumble Awards, recognise and celebrate the qualities and accomplishments of learning-disabled people. This year again, several of our gardeners and café assistants were honoured to receive awards.

- We organised Hertford in Bloom for the Hertford community, and the judging was carried out by two of our gardeners.

THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 3 -
Significant activities (continued)

- The castle gardens continue to look amazing thanks to the hard work of the Larking About gardeners and are much admired and enjoyed by the general public, as are the planters in the town centre and at Hertford East Station.

- The gardeners at our Cromwell Road allotments worked hard on their own beds, and the communal ones, to produce the best ever crop of vegetables and flowers. Our dye garden has continued to thrive and we are all learning about natural dyeing.

- Over the course of the year productivity from our now fully functioning poly tunnels has been amazing.

- We hosted a willow workshop and seed swap.

- Our open allotment was held in July for our gardeners and their families. It was a huge success and very well attended and enjoyed by everyone. A real opportunity for our gardeners to showcase their work and relax in a garden party like atmosphere.

- We held an allotments vs café rounders match and BBQ which as always was enjoyed by Gardeners, café assistants, Staff and volunteers.

- We took a minibus of gardeners and volunteers to the London Harvest Show at Mudshute Farm. Our gardeners came home with lots of prizes including third in the tug of war! An all-time best.

- Special Branch continued working with the elderly and vulnerable in the community, taking on more customers, and providing a gardening service and companionship for isolated people. They undertook some allotment clearing jobs during the winter months which kept them very busy when the domestic gardens needed less attention.

- Special Branches’ project lead gave a talk on composting at the library and as a result got them a new contract.

- The gardening teams delivered over 100 Christmas trees over a two-week period to homes and businesses in the community.

- We have continued to develop relationships with various businesses and organisations. We have welcomed several groups for volunteering days and have made strong links with the Hertford Mens Shed.

- The students from the school where our poly tunnels are sited have been active volunteers looking after our plants when we are not there and raising money through a Rugby 7s tournament.

- We were honoured to attend the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire annual awards ceremony and to receive an award, Staff and beneficiaries enjoyed the evening.

Use of volunteers
Volunteers have assisted within all our projects and as trustees. Local tradesmen, voluntary groups, students, and businesses have all been active providing their time and skills to assist within our projects and in raising funds.
THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 4 -
Achievements and performance
Charitable achievements

- The number of gardeners continues to increase with increased staff and the development of new projects. We are fully open on site 5 days per week.

- Many elderly people and housing associations have been helped through Special Branch, providing comfort and company.

- Larking About continues to provide horticultural training and work experience at the Town Council gardens, creating beautiful outdoor spaces for the community to enjoy.

- Due to increased café sales, we have been able to increase the places in the café and now employ more people with learning disabilities.

- We have provided volunteer placements in both the café and the allotments for unfunded adults with mental health concerns.

- The Rumble Awards were received by café staff and gardeners.

- We received an award from the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire.

Fundraising achievements
We received a substantial number of grants and donations, details of which can be found further in this document.
Investment performance
The Trustees have placed some reserve funds into an interest bearing account at the Triodos bank.
Financial review
During the year the charitable company's income increased from £923,399 in 2025 to £927,425 in 2026, an increase of £4,026. Expenditure increased from £812,694 in 2025 to £869,644 in 2026, an increase of £56,950. Overall Mudlarks recorded a surplus of £57,781 which included a deficit on restricted funds of £8,410 and a surplus on unrestricted funds of £66,191.
At the year-end Mudlarks had unrestricted funds to carry forward of £542,150 (2025: £475,959) of which £4,345 was held as fixed assets and £516,735 was held in cash and bank balances. The balance was represented by debtors less creditors. Restricted funds at the year end totalled £20,238 (2025: £28,648) and were represented by cash and bank balances.
We have diversified our charitable incomes with a third coming through the café, a third from local government and the rest from events, donations and fundraising.
Reserves policy
The Trustees have agreed a policy whereby funds not committed or invested in tangible fixed assets held by the company should be maintained at a level sufficient to pay rent and staff costs for 6 months. This policy allows for a reduction of income or lack of fundraising success during any particular year whilst allowing the charity to continue its activities at the current level for some months.
As at the year end the target level of reserves were calculated to be £331,000. The actual reserves are in line with this amount. The excess will be used as working capital and contingency funds in the event of needing to replace equipment.
THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 5 -
Principal sources of income and how expenditure meets objects
Our principal sources of income are from grants and contracts with Hertfordshire County Council, direct funding, schools, café sales, fundraising, contracts and donations.
Investment policy
All monies are reinvested into the charity.
Risk Review
The Trustees have considered the risks to which the charity is exposed and have established systems for mitigating those risks.
The external risk is funding. The charity's reserves policy has been developed to address any sudden withdrawal of funding and there is a policy to secure funds from a wide range of sources.
Internal risks are minimised by implementing procedures for authorisation for all transactions and projects to ensure continued quality of service for all operational aspects of the charity.
Plans for future periods

- To build on our commercial poly tunnels initiative by developing further infrastructure to grow plants and produce for commercial purposes.

- Widen the community garden client base.

- Utilise the café for sales of plants, produce and crafting products made by Mudlarks gardeners.

- Expand volunteer network to support project delivery by actively recruiting volunteers to specific roles, providing training and support and improving our communication with them.

- Seek funding to build better pathways and opportunities into employment for our client base.

Structure, governance and management
The Mudlarks Community is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity governed by its memorandum and articles of association.
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:
Alison Voyle
Stuart Ross
(Resigned 17 September 2025)
Stephen Wilson
Paul Smith
Nicola Halligan
(Resigned 17 September 2025)
Jane Guinn
Roger Harding
(Resigned 17 September 2025)
Mary Murphy
Andrew Leggate
(Appointed 8 June 2026)
Claire Brown
(Appointed 8 June 2026)
Susan Wade
(Appointed 8 June 2026)
THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 6 -
Recruitment and appointment of trustees

Individuals who have either volunteered or shown commitment to Mudlarks over many years or who have a specific skill set are invited to join the Board of Trustees.

The Trustees of the charity live or work in the local area. They are selected due to the skills and level of expertise they can bring to the organisation to help improve its efficiency and effectiveness.

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.

Induction and training of trustees

New trustees complete online safeguarding Training and any other relevant to their role and responsibility.

They are invited to other training events that take place within our community such as basic first aid, manual handling, Makaton, autism awareness. Trustees use the same e learning platform as staff to complete appropriate modules, and a training log is maintained.

Organisational structure

Mudlarks has a clearly defined structure allowing users and the local community to participate through the Board of Trustees. This governing body has responsibility for policy and overall management.

The day-to-day running, fundraising and development of the organisation are the responsibilities of the Mudlarks CEO.

Relationship with wider network

We are members of the Social Farms and Gardens network, Thrive, and Herts Social Therapeutic Horticulture Group.

We have a close relationship with the Adult Health and Social Care team in East Herts, the 0-25 SEND team, and all the local schools and colleges.

Relationship with related parties

Mudlarks managing staff attend annual reviews, and day care co-ordination meetings. The CEO gives regular talks to local groups e.g. WI, Rotary Clubs etc.

The trustees' r eport was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Alison Voyle
Trustee
Dated: 17 August 2026
THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
- 7 -

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The Mudlarks Community (the charitable company) for the year ended 31 March 2026.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charitable company (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 charitable company 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 charitable company’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

Since the charitable company’s gross income exceeded £250,000, the independent examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

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 charitable company 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.

Gary Howard FCA
Howard Wilson Chartered Accountants
36 Crown Rise
Watford
Hertfordshire
WD25 0NE
17 August 2026
THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
(INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 8 -
Current financial year
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
funds
funds
2026
2026
2026
2025
Notes
£
£
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
64,023
-
64,023
55,756
Supporting adults with learning disabilities and mental health issues
4
771,074
71,410
842,484
849,038
Other fundraising activities
5
14,089
-
14,089
13,994
Investment income
6
6,829
-
6,829
4,611
Total income
856,015
71,410
927,425
923,399
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
7
8,355
-
8,355
8,699
Supporting adults with learning disabilities and mental health issues
8
781,469
79,820
861,289
803,995
Total expenditure
789,824
79,820
869,644
812,694
Net income/(expenditure) and movement in funds
66,191
(8,410)
57,781
110,705
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 April 2025
475,959
28,648
504,607
393,902
Fund balances at 31 March 2026
542,150
20,238
562,388
504,607

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

THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED)
(INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 9 -
Prior financial year
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
2025
2025
2025
Notes
£
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
55,756
-
55,756
Supporting adults with learning disabilities and mental health issues
4
705,667
143,371
849,038
Other fundraising activities
5
13,994
-
13,994
Investment income
6
4,611
-
4,611
Total income
780,028
143,371
923,399
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
7
8,699
-
8,699
Supporting adults with learning disabilities and mental health issues
8
646,791
157,204
803,995
Total expenditure
655,490
157,204
812,694
Net income/(expenditure) and movement in funds
124,538
(13,833)
110,705
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 April 2024
351,421
42,481
393,902
Fund balances at 31 March 2025
475,959
28,648
504,607
THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT
31 MARCH 2026
31 March 2026
- 10 -
2026
2025
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
13
4,345
14,489
Current assets
Debtors
15
48,700
28,994
Investments
16
289,648
282,597
Cash at bank and in hand
227,087
184,716
565,435
496,307
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
17
(7,392)
(6,189)
Net current assets
558,043
490,118
Total assets less current liabilities
562,388
504,607
The funds of the charitable company
Restricted income funds
19
20,238
28,648
Unrestricted funds
20
542,150
475,959
562,388
504,607

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 March 2026.

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 17 August 2026
Alison Voyle
Paul Smith
Trustee
Trustee
THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 11 -
2026
2025
Notes
£
£
£
£
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
24
42,593
140,940
Investing activities
Proceeds from disposal of investments
(7,051)
(282,597)
Investment income received
6,829
4,611
Net cash used in investing activities
(222)
(277,986)
Net cash generated from financing activities
-
-
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
42,371
(137,046)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
184,716
321,762
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
227,087
184,716
THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 12 -
1
Accounting policies
Charity information

The Mudlarks Community is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 1 Priory Wharf, Hertford, Hertfordshire, SG14 1RJ.

1.1
Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charitable company'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 charitable company is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

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

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, [modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value]. 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 charitable company 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.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

1.4
Income
Income is recognised when the charitable company 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 charitable company 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.

1.5
Expenditure

L iabilit ies and related expenditure are recognised when an obligation exists at the Balance Sheet date as a result of a past event, it is more likely than not that a transfer of economic benefits exists and the amount of the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably.

THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 13 -
1.6
Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Plant and equipment
over five years
Fixtures and fittings
over three years
Motor vehicles
over three years

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7
Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charitable company reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.8
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.

1.9
Financial instruments

The charitable company has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charitable company's balance sheet when the charitable company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 14 -
Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future p aymen ts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charitable company’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.10
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 charitable company is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.11
Retirement benefits

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

2
Critical accounting estimates and judgements

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

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

3
Income from donations and legacies
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2026
2025
£
£
Donations and gifts
64,023
55,756
THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 15 -
4
Income from charitable activities
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
funds
2026
2026
2026
2025
2025
2025
£
£
£
£
£
£
Supporting adults with learning disabilities and mental health issues
Services provided under contract
400,646
-
400,646
365,654
-
365,654
Income from services undertaken by beneficiaries
355,553
-
355,553
340,013
-
340,013
Grants for charitable activities
14,875
71,410
86,285
-
143,371
143,371
771,074
71,410
842,484
705,667
143,371
849,038
Performance related grants analysis
2026
2025
£
£
Garfield Weston Foundation
-
35,000
National Lottery Community Fund
-
20,000
Masonic Charitable Foundation
19,096
18,540
Sir Jules Thorn Trust
3,000
-
Clarion Futures
5,000
-
Baily Thomas Charitable Foundation
-
12,000
The Morrisons Foundation
7,630
-
Childwick Trust
10,000
-
Hertford Town Council
-
9,588
Hertfordshire Community Foundation
34,084
33,450
Other
7,475
14,793
86,285
143,371
5
Income from other fundraising activities
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2026
2025
£
£
Fundraising events
14,089
13,994
THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 16 -
6
Income from investment income
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2026
2025
£
£
Interest receivable
6,829
4,611
7

R aising funds

Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2026
2025
£
£
Fundraising and publicity
Staging fundraising events
6,554
6,660
Marketing
1,801
2,039
Fundraising and publicity
8,355
8,699
THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 17 -
8
Charitable expenditure
2026
2025
£
£
Supporting adults with learning disabilities and mental health issues
Direct costs
Staff costs
616,491
550,995
Depreciation and impairment
10,145
15,933
Other staff costs
8,332
3,108
Project costs
174,073
184,826
Premises costs
18,238
20,346
Insurance costs
10,193
5,753
Repairs and maintenance costs
-
770
Office costs
6,891
5,653
Computer costs
4,049
2,395
Motor expenses
8,318
9,282
General expenses
813
643
Legal and professional costs
1,161
1,178
Bank charges and other finance costs
365
713
Governance costs
2,220
2,400
861,289
803,995
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
781,469
646,791
Restricted funds
79,820
157,204
861,289
803,995
9
Net movement in funds
2026
2025
£
£
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Fees payable to the charity's independent examiner:
- for the independent examination of the charity's financial statements
2,220
2,400
- for other financial services
775
750
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets
10,145
15,933
10
Trustees
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charitable company during the year.
THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 18 -
11
Employees
Number of employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2026
2025
Number
Number
Charitable activities
34
33
Administration
1
1
35
34
Employment costs
2026
2025
£
£
Wages and salaries
557,501
509,514
Social security costs
49,810
32,846
Other pension costs
9,180
8,635
616,491
550,995
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was £60,000 or more.
12
Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax ation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

13
Tangible fixed assets
Plant and equipment
Fixtures and fittings
Motor vehicles
Total
£
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 April 2025
19,587
4,921
37,285
61,793
At 31 March 2026
19,587
4,921
37,285
61,793
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 April 2025
14,074
2,444
30,785
47,303
Depreciation charged in the year
2,005
1,640
6,500
10,145
At 31 March 2026
16,079
4,084
37,285
57,448
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2026
3,508
837
-
4,345
At 31 March 2025
5,512
2,477
6,500
14,489
THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 19 -
14
Financial instruments
2026
2025
£
£
Carrying amount of financial assets
Instruments measured at fair value through profit or loss
289,648
282,597
15
Debtors
2026
2025
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Trade debtors
10,570
5,860
Other debtors
28,484
13,875
Prepayments and accrued income
9,646
9,259
48,700
28,994
16
Current asset investments
2026
2025
£
£
Short term deposits
289,648
282,597
17
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2026
2025
£
£
Other creditors
-
1,635
Accruals and deferred income
7,392
4,554
7,392
6,189
18
Retirement benefit schemes
2026
2025
Defined contribution schemes
£
£
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes
9,180
8,635

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

THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 20 -
19
Restricted funds

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

Movement in funds
Movement in funds
Balance at
1 April 2024
Incoming resources
Resources expended
Balance at
1 April 2025
Incoming resources
Resources expended
Balance at
31 March 2026
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
Big Lottery Fund/Awards for All - Site
15,282
-
(15,282)
-
-
-
-
Big Lottery Fund/Awards for All - Café
-
20,000
-
20,000
-
(20,000)
-
Hertfordshire Community Foundation (Café Mentor)
-
-
-
-
24,084
(24,084)
-
Hertfordshire Community Foundation (Polytunnels)
-
-
-
-
10,000
(10,000)
-
Hertfordshire Community Foundation (HAPpy)
-
10,730
(10,730)
-
-
-
-
Hertfordshire Community Foundation (CODA)
-
22,720
(22,720)
-
-
-
-
The Morrisons Foundation
-
-
-
-
7,630
(7,630)
-
Childwick Trust
-
-
-
-
10,000
(497)
9,503
Baily Thomas Charitable Foundation
-
12,000
(12,000)
-
-
-
-
ICAP
20,000
-
(20,000)
-
-
-
-
Masonic Charitable Foundation
7,199
18,540
(18,540)
7,199
19,096
(15,560)
10,735
Garfield Weston
-
35,000
(35,000)
-
-
-
-
East Herts Council - Allotment
-
1,449
-
1,449
-
(1,449)
-
Hertford Town Council
-
9,588
(9,588)
-
-
-
-
Other funds
-
13,344
(13,344)
-
600
(600)
-
42,481
143,371
(157,204)
28,648
71,410
(79,820)
20,238
THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
19
Restricted funds
(Continued)
- 21 -

Big Lottery Fund/Awards for All - Site was funding towards the salary costs of a member of the site staff.

Big Lottery Fund/Awards for All - Café is funding towards the salary costs of the café mentor and staff.

Hertfordshire Community Foundation (Polytunnels) is funding the salaries of polytunnels staff.

Hertfordshire Community Foundation (HAPpy) i s funding for Forest Easter and S ummer school s.

Hertfordshire Community Foundation (CODA): Community Opportunities & Day Activities Grant is towards the salary of the Café Mentor.

The Morrisons Foundation is for Hertford Castle regeneration.

Childwick Trust is to cover costs for volunteer gardeners or to allow gardeners who have lost funding to still attend Mudlarks.

Baily Thomas Charitable Foundation is a grant towards Special Branch salary costs.

ICAP is funding for the polytunnel project.

The Masonic Charitable Foundation grant is funding for Forest School project manager's salary.

Garfield Weston Foundation is towards café salary costs.

East Herts Council - is a grant for work at our allotments.

Hertford Town Council is a grant towards polytunnel costs.

Other funds are smaller grants for restricted purposes including grants towards site worker salaries from CLA Charitable Trust, towards the Woodland Centre holiday activities from Groundwork, towards the café from Boshier-Hinton Foundation, towards polytunnels from David Solomon Charitable Trust, towards the café from East Hertfordshire District Council and a training grant from Hertfordshire Community Foundation.

THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 22 -
20
Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity compri se the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be use d. The se include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1 April 2025
Incoming resources
Resources expended
At 31 March 2026
£
£
£
£
General funds
475,959
856,015
(789,824)
542,150
Previous year:
At 1 April 2024
Incoming resources
Resources expended
At 31 March 2025
£
£
£
£
General funds
351,421
780,028
(655,490)
475,959
21
Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
2026
2026
2026
£
£
£
At 31 March 2026:
Tangible assets
4,345
-
4,345
Current assets/(liabilities)
537,805
20,238
558,043
542,150
20,238
562,388
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
2025
2025
2025
£
£
£
At 31 March 2025:
Tangible assets
14,489
-
14,489
Current assets/(liabilities)
461,470
28,648
490,118
475,959
28,648
504,607
THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 23 -
22
Operating lease commitments
Lessee

The operating leases represent leases for the café and the office to third parties.

At the reporting end date the charitable company had outstanding total commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:

2026
2025
£
£
Within one year
46,500
46,500
Between two and five years
155,993
186,000
In over five years
2,915
13,578
205,408
246,078
23
Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2025 - none).

24
Cash generated from operations
2026
2025
£
£
Surplus for the year
57,781
110,705
Adjustments for:
Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities
(6,829)
(4,611)
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets
10,145
15,933
Movements in working capital:
(Increase)/decrease in debtors
(19,707)
20,365
Increase/(decrease) in creditors
1,203
(1,452)
Cash generated from operations
42,593
140,940
25
Analysis of changes in net funds

The charitable company had no material debt during the year.

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