Annual Report & Accounts

Year Ending 31 December 2019

Annual General Meeting

Wednesday 18th March 2020

7.00pm

At the Exeter Court Hotel, Kennford, Exeter, EX6 7UX

AGENDA

1. Apologies 2. Minutes of the 2019 Annual General Meeting 3. Matters arising from the Minutes 4. Chairman’s Report 5. Secretary’s Report 6. Treasurer’s Report 7. Election of Officers

Proposed Seconded

Treasurer S Churchley R Little S Edwards

Devon Bird Recorder K Rylands S Edwards M Daniels

Ordinary Member K Sims M Lock M Goss

Taw & Torridge Branch Representative J Towers C Randall L Harris

8. The Trustees of Devon Birds seek approval to change the status of Devon Birds from a Charitable Trust to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation 9. Election of Auditor

Followed by a Special General Meeting .

Following the approval of Item 8 above it is necessary to approve the following:

a. Dissolution of Devon Birds as a Charitable Trust and the re-instatement of Devon Birds as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. b. The transfer of Assets of Devon Birds, currently held by the Official Custodian for Charities, to the newly formed Charitable Incorporated Organisation.

There will be a break for tea/coffee followed by a talk by Barbara, Baroness Young of Old Scone, Chairman of the Woodland Trust, titled: “Twin emergencies – biodiversity and climate change”

Devon Birds (Previously Devon Birdwatching & Preservation Society) Annual Report for the year ending 31st December 2019

The Society is a registered charity, No.228966, and is governed by its Constitution. The address of the Hon. Secretary is 16 Erme Drive, Ivybridge, Devon PL21 9BN. Names marked with * denote charity Trustees during the year. Mr N Baker President Mr S Edwards * Chairman (elected 19.4.2018) Mr J Tallowin * Vice Chairman Mr M T Daniels * Secretary Mr R Little * Treasurer Vacant * Membership Secretary K Rylands * County Recorder Vacant * Publicity/Promotions Officer Dr J M Lock * Publishing Group Representative Ms S Beavan * Fieldwork Officer & BTO Rep Vacant * Conservation Officer Mr C Randall * East Devon Branch Representative Mr M Goss* South Devon Branch Representative Mr J Towers* Taw & Torridge Branch Representative Mrs L Harris * Plymouth Branch Representative Mr N Armstrong* Mid Devon Branch Representative Ms F Freshney * Ordinary Member (elected 27.3.2019) Mr A Colston * Ordinary Member (elected 27.3.2019) Dr C Tyler * Ordinary Member (elected 27.3.2019) Ms K Sims* Ordinary Member (elected 22.3.2017) Bankers CAF (Charities Aid Foundation), 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent ME19 4TA Auditor Mr R J Hubble FCA, Dippers, Shaugh Prior, Plymouth PL7 5HA Solicitors Wollen Michelmore , 15-21 Market St, Newton Abbot, TQ12 2RN The objects of the Society are contained in its Constitution, which is published and a copy available to all Members. A review of activities and achievements during the year is contained in the Society’s Officers’ Reports after the 2019 Annual General Meeting Minutes.

Minutes of the Devon Birds Annual General Meeting held on Wednesday 27th March 2019 at the Exeter Court Hotel at 7.00pm

The Chairman, Shaw Edwards, welcomed the 82 people present.

1. Apologies. Apologies had been received from 8 Members. 2. Minutes of the Previous Annual General Meeting. The Minutes were accepted as a true record. Proposed by V Edwards, Seconded by J Tallowin. 3. Matters Arising from the Minutes. There were no matters arising. 4. Chairman’s Report. The Chairman reported on some changes to Devon Birds Council. A Willcocks stepped down during 2018, and M Langman and N Hewitt both step down following this meeting. The Chairman thanked them for their efforts over recent years. The Chairman added that he hoped that the meeting would support the election of Nick Baker as President, later in the meeting, and give a brief summary of Nick Baker’s background. The Chairman also reported that F Freshney and C Tyler had been nominated to join the Council, and was hopeful that this would be approved. He added that these two people would bring excellent knowledge and expertise to the Council and gave a brief summary of their backgrounds. The Chairman continued by referring to the declines of various bird species noted in the Devon Bird Atlas, and reported that Devon Birds is helping to fund some of the research into the worrying declines being carried out by M Burgess at the RSPB. This includes the fitting of geolocators to Spotted Flycatchers. The recent provision of nest boxes for Spotted Flycatchers in church yards, being supervised by C Randall. The fitting of geolocators to Wood Warblers, and a proposed study in 2019 of the parasitic infection of Pied Flycatchers. The Chairman reported on the work carried out by the various Branches. The developments at South Milton and South Huish Reserves. The work to improve the meadowland at Godborough in North Devon. The work and surveying at Stoke Woods overseen by A Strickland and the Mid Devon Branch. Various projects in East Devon including surveying the new development at Cranbrook and surveys carried out by the Plymouth Branch. The Chairman noted recent concerns about the National Parks reported in the papers, caused by disturbance, development, etc. He felt that increased cooperation and discussion was required with other organisations to try to combat the ongoing problems.

The Chairman reported that M Lock was standing down from his Publications role and thanked him for his efforts over recent years. The Chairman concluded by thanking everyone who had contributed to the recent very successful Photo Exhibition. Special thanks were given to John Deacons and Mark Dyer, who were presented with special enlarged copies of their photos by Nick Baker. 5. Secretary’s Report. The Secretary thanked everyone who had bought tickets in the Annual Draw. The income was higher than normal at £1600, which would be used for various conservation projects including those already mentioned. The Secretary reported that the day trip to Lundy was also very successful in 2018. 140 people enjoyed the day, close to the maximum allowance of 150. He thanked T Bown and J Tallowin for their help on the day. The Secretary reported that tickets for the 2019 trip were now on sale via the website. The trip will take place on Sunday 23rd June, and tickets are already selling well, with a maximum load again of 150 people. The Secretary concluded by saying that volunteers are always welcome to assist with any tasks within the Society, including anyone who would like to help with the Lundy trip. 6. Treasurer’s Report. In the absence of the Treasurer the Secretary read out a prepared report regarding the figures included in the printed Annual Report. 2018 was another good year for Devon Birds, with continued significant investment in conservation projects. Annual spend on the Society’s charitable objectives fell in 2018 mainly due to a reduction in Reserve maintenance costs and the Willow Tit survey not being required. Over the last 3 years the Society has spent in excess of £115k on conservation grants as well as maintaining and improving habitats for birds in Devon. Total income rose by over £20k to over £73k mainly due to an unexpected legacy. Income from members was maintained at over £35k. Core operating costs remained similar to the previous year, except for the costs of publishing and mailing out the 2016 Devon Bird Report which happened in early 2018. Membership has plateaued at just under 1300 at the end of 2018, a 1% reduction. This is in large part due to not having a Membership Secretary focussing on membership and recruitment. The report continued by saying that suitable projects for research and conservation in Devon are becoming more difficult to identify. There is in excess of £100k available to support additional conservation work. This means that Devon Birds finances continue in a healthy state, and leaves the Society in a position to make significant conservation investment in future years.

A question from the floor asked why the Society hasn’t considered using available funds to purchase land for conservation purposes. The Secretary replied that a piece of land on Dartmoor had been offered to the Society recently, but had been declined by Council due to the amount of work needed to maintain parcels of land, the need for committed volunteers and complications with Commoners Rights. M Lock added that the current cost of land would mean that £100k would only buy a small area. The accounts were approved. Proposed by J Tallowin, seconded by M Lock. 7. Amendment to Clause 9(f) of the Constitution. The Chairman reported that Council had debated the change to Clause 9(f) and had agreed to propose that “The President shall hold office for not more than 10 years etc” should be replaced by “The President shall hold office for 3 years from the conclusion of the meeting; with a maximum of two terms, not necessarily consecutive” The amendment was unanimously agreed.

8. Election of Officers. The following proposed appointments had been published. Proposed Seconded

President N Baker S Edwards J Tallowin

Ordinary Member A Colston L Harris R Little

Ordinary Member F Freshney S Beavan S Edwards

Ordinary Member C Tyler S Edwards M Daniels

East Devon Branch Rep C Randall K Sims L Harris

South Devon Branch Rep M Goss M Lock J Tallowin

Plymouth Branch Rep L Harris R Little M Goss

Unanimously agreed on block

9. Election of Auditor. The auditor, R Hubble, was thanked for his work and was unanimously re-elected.

The Chairman closed the official part of the meeting at 7.28pm.

There was a break for tea and coffee, followed by a very interesting talk by the new President, Nick Baker, about Swifts, entitled “A screaming success – Churches as bird boxes, or how to make a church goer out of a non-believer”

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT Devon Birds is primarily dedicated to the study and conservation of birds. Set out below is the report on the activities throughout 2019 to continue to pursue this ongoing objective.

Support for Research

The Council of Devon Birds has continued to allocate funds for ongoing support for conservation and research activities with a further commitment of funds in 2020 to support fieldwork to find & capture birds tagged in 2019.

There is a reduced workload of the Devon based tracking projects, so in 2020 there will be only one fieldworker employed across the projects, rather than two as in previous years. The Senior Research Assistant will begin in April when they will search for and catch Pied flycatchers at East Dartmoor NNR that return with a geolocator. From late April and through May and early June they will additionally check Dartmoor woodlands to locate and identify returning colour ringed Wood warblers, catching any tagged individuals (identifiable from colour rings) to remove the geolocator. Alongside the Wood warbler work, from late May until late August they will cover the role previously performed by the Spotted flycatcher project Research Assistant, visiting all the households across Devon where Spotted flycatchers were tagged in 2019 and catching and retrieving geolocators from those that return. Details of activities relating to the individual species are set out below. Wood Warbler

As in previous years, together with Natural England, Devon Birds has continued to fund the extension of a RSPB Centre for Conservation Science led project investigating UK Wood warbler declines.

In 2019 a total of 22 adult Wood warblers were captured and colour ringed, 11 males and 11 females. 20 individuals were also found that had been colour ringed in previous years, so at the end of the 2019 season there were at least 42 colour ringed adults on Dartmoor. In addition, 88 colour-ringed young fledged, which means that there are at least 120 colour ringed Wood warblers to look out for in 2020. However, there was a lack of the return of any males present in 2018 on Dartmoor in 2019, whether they were tagged or not, means we did not retrieve any tags in 2019. It was a similar situation in the New Forest, where only one male seen in 2018 was found although this one did have a tag which was retrieved. This track shows the same pattern as the previous two - spending August in Italy, two months in the Sahel before moving to Liberia for the rest of the winter then returning through Iberia to complete a loop migration. For 2020 research plans, due to the now very small population size, and low return rates of adults, will be scaled down. The plans are to visit the key woodlands to look for colour marked birds, and any tagged birds from 2018, to add a final year to the survival dataset. The tracking work will be written up as a peer reviewed publication, and it is planned to write a synthesis of the entire RSPB project for an article in British Birds.

Spotted Flycatcher

As described in last year’s report, Spotted Flycatchers are declining in the UK (a 39% decline since 1995 and 87% since the 1970s). Whilst previously stable, populations in south-west England and Wales, including Devon, have also recently started to decline. Causes of decline are unknown, with possible explanations including loss of suitable wooded habitat, reductions in food availability, reduced nesting success and low first year survival. In addition, declines may also be due to problems on migration and/or in their non-breeding areas in Africa.

Results from the tracking project suggest similar migration patterns for all individuals, with a stop-over in southern Spain/Northern Africa in late August, an autumn migration around the western edge of the Sahara arriving in the first of two wintering areas, in Central African Republic, in early October. All birds then move south to winter in an area centred on Angola.

In 2019 28 nests were found and monitored, and 7 geolocators were recovered including a male tagged in 2016 that was seen but evaded capture in 2017 and 2018. In addition, 20 geolocators were also deployed in 2019.

Pied flycatcher

Devon Birds granted funding towards the Pied flycatcher tracking project for work in 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2016. This has been further built on by support from the RSPB and Natural England who have funded further tagging in 2017, 2018 and 2019 which included tracking females for the first time. This project has been highly successful and now has tracks from 34 individuals. These results have been written up in the peer reviewed literature (two papers to date) and a further two analyses are currently being undertaken by a PhD student at the University of Exeter, which will result in at least two further publications - one is close to being submitted that describes the migration patterns and examples of individual flexibility. The project continues because of the unusually detailed demographic and fitness related data associated with the individuals in the East Dartmoor NNR population, and to increase the sample size for females (only 5 tracks) which seem to show a different wintering area. Individuals tagged are now all selected based on their known history.

Council initiatives

In recognition of the overall trend of declining Swift populations, we have been exploring the potential to invest in the erection of nest boxes in church towers. This project has unfolded at a relatively slow pace however, progress is gradually progressing, and the first scheme we have sponsored was completed in 2019 at St Michael’s Church in Ilsington where Nest boxes have been put in place in the louvred sections from two accessible aspects. There have been issues raised by the bell ringers at this church, but we have been working with them to resolve their concerns.

For 2020 we have agreement to put up boxes this Spring prior to the arrival of the swifts in two buildings, the first being at the Church of St Andrew’s in South Tawton, and in the second, St John the Baptist Church in Hatherleigh. Further plans are being developed with a view to another three or four church locations subject to finalising agreement with the local church authorities. We are also exploring developing “swift towers”, along the lines of a scheme at Seaton Wetlands Centre, where a bank of swift

nest boxes was erected on an existing telegraph pole in the reserve in 2017. Whilst to date no swifts have taken up any nesting sites, at the end of this season six swifts were inspecting boxes, so it is highly probable that in 2020 there will be birds breeding on this site. Devon Birds therefore is exploring the possibility of erecting swift towers on some of our own reserves using a model along the lines of a successful installation in Derbyshire.

The other species we are looking to provide “help” to is the House Martin. Devon Birds has received an earmarked donation which will be used to resurrect a project for these birds that was focussed on Dartmoor some time back. The plan is to raise awareness of the fall in the population of this Summer migrant and in 2020 we are planning to hold a series of talks in community locations across the County to take this message out to the local populations and to provide nest boxes to assist in attracting birds to breed in these areas. In addition, a website will be set up to receive reports so as to start to build up a data base of the overall coverage of these birds against which trends can be measured over a period of years.

Branch and Reserves Activity In addition to these projects, the branches have been busy across the piece, and the local management groups have organised a wide range of both indoor and outdoor meetings which have garnered strong support from the local members.

In addition to its indoor meetings, the Plymouth Branch has been very active. Amongst the work carried out, building on the work of earlier surveys, some of those in the Branch have agreed to observe the bird activity around the nest boxes put up last year in the National Trust property, Buckland Abbey. Another full bird survey over the year is planned for this estate from November 2020. The National Trust is keen to put up House Martin nest boxes on the cottages in the grounds. In the South Hams, the Flete Estate is in the process of changing from intensive farming practice, and surveys to assess the impact of these changes are being heavily supported by Plymouth members. Fourteen people from the local branch completed the first of four surveys that they will be continuing to assist in during 2020. The branch has also been giving advice regarding a Community Hide project in Peverell Park Allotments and giving a talk at the latter’s AGM. Advice was also given regarding the improvement of saltmarsh in NT Saltram Estate for winter waders as a roost site or as a possible breeding site at Blaxton Meadow. Finally, the branch has been informing Developers

looking at Drakes Island who were in contact to ask how the island was used by birdlife for breeding and roosting before any work begins.

The outdoor walks organised by the East Devon Branch have continued to be popular. There were nineteen in 2019 the majority of which had good attendance levels. A survey of birds on the National Trust’s Elbury Farm was carried out on four dates during the year. The results of this were passed to the National Trust. Further surveys are planned in 2020 on National Trust properties on the Killerton Estate in conjunction with the Mid-Devon branch. The branch also had a stand at the National Trust bio- blitz in Ashclyst Forest. East Devon is still looking to appoint a Conservation Officer, and applications would be welcomed. Finally in respect of East Devon I would like to record my thanks to Geoff Green who after holding the post of Chairman of the branch for the last four years has stood down and I am sure that everyone who has known him over this period will miss his contribution to this local branch of Devon Birds very much.

In Mid Devon the Cove Down Wildlife Sanctuary and the landowning neighbours at Cove Down Farm, have put together two parcels of land forming an area of almost 100 acres with a view to “wilding it to allow nature to have free rein to do whatever it pleases”. Alongside initial survey work by Devon Wildlife Trust and work by the Barn Owl Trust and Butterfly Conservation, the Mid Devon Branch of Devon Birds put together a team to carry a batch of monthly surveys in 2019 to establish a benchmark data base of the bird species so that as the “wilding” develops it should be possible to measure the impact that is achieved in relation to the bird populations on that site.

In South Devon there has continued to be a very successful programme and well supported number of 2 Field meetings and 10 indoor meetings. In addition, some of the local members have also been helping out with the survey work that has just commenced on the Flete Estate. On the conservation side, with the exceptional levels of rainfall that we have been experiencing over the Autumn and Winter months, there have been severe flooding issues at both the Beesands Ley hide, and South Huish, and discussions will be taking place to try and ensure that the respective landowners will take the necessary remedial actions to prevent future recurrences. Work was carried out on the drystone wall and trees overhanging the public road to the Prawle Reserve to minimize the hazard to the public. Devon Birds engages a number of contractors to

maintain the tracks, hedges and trees around South Milton Reserve. Parts of the reedbed are cut in rotation twice a year by volunteers. An excellent turnout of around 30 volunteers and perfect weather resulted clearing about a hectare in 2019. The benefits of cutting the reeds were explained by Nick Baker during a 10 minute film about Devon Birds work in the Reserve. The film was featured in Inside Out on BBC South West, shown on 10 February 2020. The birds collaborated and with perfect summer weather the film showed the Reserve at its best.

In North Devon the ongoing work at Godborough has been, firstly to preserve part of the Kenwith Valley and to link it with the other sites in the valley to create a continuous wildlife corridor from the Torridge to the cliffs; and secondly to recreate the mosaic of habitats that would have existed in the area before the Second World War with woods, grassland, ponds, scrub and a wide variety of plants. If the habitats are there the birds should follow. To this end a range of initiatives have been carried out locally over the past years since the mid-1990s to great effect.

Peter Reay and Fiona Freshney have prepared and published the Dartmoor Bird Report 2018. As stated in the introduction to this report, like those for 2015 and 2017, it replaces the Dartmoor Bird Report, published from 1996 to 2014 by the Dartmoor Study Group. It relates to the same geographical area covered both by its predecessors and The Birds of Dartmoor (Smaldon 2005). This comprises the area within the Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA) boundary, with the addition of the china clay districts around Lee Moor, Shaugh Moor and Crownhill Down, left out of the National Park designation for political and business reasons.

The bulk of the report comprises species accounts, but it also includes brief reviews of the weather in 2018, the Dartmoor Bird Report of 2008 and current Dartmoor bird projects and surveys. A more detailed description of the latter will appear in a Review of Dartmoor Bird Research 2018-19 to be published in Devon Birds in 2020 (Freshney & Reay, in prep.). The species accounts aim to provide a summary of birds recorded on Dartmoor in 2018. It is hoped that the production of the report will encourage more active submission of records and so help create a more complete picture of

Dartmoor’s birds in 2019 and beyond. I strongly recommend it to those seeking detailed information on the birds of Dartmoor, and access to this report is available via a link on the Devon Birds Website.

Financial position

In relation to the Finances of Devon Birds there is a separate and comprehensive report prepared by the Treasurer where it can be seen that the overall financial position shows a very healthy situation.

Membership of Devon Birds, and Changes to its Council

The overall membership of Devon Birds has flatlined over the past few years and there is very little net change in numbers year on year. The changes to the membership of Council during this period are as follows: After serving six years as Treasurer and member of the Executive Committee, Roger Little is standing down from this position and will be replaced by Simon Churchley. In addition, due to time pressures connected to other charity work, Jerry Tallowin will also be stepping down from the Executive Committee and his position as Vice Chairman. I would like to say a huge thank you to both of them for all of the time and hard work that they have committed to Devon Birds over the years, and in particular for the great support and assistance that they have given to me over the past two years that I have held the position of Chairman. In addition, I am grateful for Jerry continuing to stay on as a member of Council given the great knowledge and experience that he brings to conservation matters.

In Conclusion

As in previous years, the Council is planning to consolidate further support to research studies that will inform and hopefully explain some of the contributing factors in certain species that are showing a significant decline in their populations, and more generally, to further increase our overall understanding of the birds of Devon. To this end we will be exploring the further development of co-operative relationships with our fellow environmental partners such as the Devon Wildlife Trust and the RSPB.

Finally, I would like to record my thanks to all of the membership of Devon Birds for their support and in many cases practical help in making this organisation a strong presence in relation to the study and conservation of Birds.

Shaw Edwards

SECRETARY’S REPORT

Attendance on the Annual Day Trip to Lundy was lower than usual in 2019, probably due to the timing of the trip. It was run in June due to circumstances outside of our control, tide times. The 128 people who did buy tickets for the trip didn’t have the best of weather, but most said that they enjoyed it! My thanks go to Tony Bown for supervising the trip on the day. This year’s trip is booked for Sunday 10th May, leaving from Bideford at 8.00am. Tickets are now on sale via the website, with a maximum of 150 tickets available. Would anyone who would like to volunteer to assist with the trip please let me know as soon as possible. The Annual Draw was well supported again in 2019, with all proceeds being put towards Conservation Projects.

Mike Daniels

CONSERVATION OFFICER (NORTH)

Velator.

Bird news.

I recorded 97 species in over or nearby the reserve in 2019. A few down on previous years. The total list now stands at 133.

Other news.

I was unable to visit the reserve from 24th January until 18th February after having a second hip replacement, so missing a few weeks of potential winter bird ringing.

! have been recording flower species this year and have amassed over 70 species. I have been helped in this recording by Sue Bruce, Andy Lansdell and Nick Hunt who have all visited and given me the benefit of their knowledge.

Once again the summer was relatively dry helping to keep the vegetation growth to a minimum and although the Canada Geese produced 6 young, all were predated at a

relatively young age- even the mother was injured and took some time before being able to fly out. The Geese took possession of the island quite early in the spring but were later ousted by a pair of Swans which decided to build a nest in the reed-bed, probably destroying the nests of both the Little Grebes and the Moorhens. Having done this, they left, allowing the Geese to return and breed. Later in the summer, the Swans (no young) returned and did an excellent job of clearing all the duckweed and algae from the pond surface.

The only additions to the reserve list were three species recorded out on the scrape: Garganey, Wood Sandpiper and Lesser Yellowlegs, which I discovered on 29th October – it was gone the next day.

The autumn and winter have seen prodigious amounts of rain (and wind) leaving areas of the reserve almost under water.

Horsey Island has now been abandoned to it’s fate and been bought (?) by the Devon Wildlife Trust. I haven’t ascertained what they intend to do with it.

There is a large (ex-agricultural) barn close to the reserve, near Wrafton. I was somewhat alarmed to find it had been bought by a private consortium intending to use it as a base for flying kites to generate energy from the wind! There was a lot of local consternation and excitement about this, including people saying that it would be developed as an Industrial Estate! – even encroaching close to the reserve! I was at one point told (by an excitable young lady) that I was the reserve warden and it was my job to stop it all happening! I spoke to the contractors converting the barn and was reassured that this was all hot air. I haven’t as yet met the owner, but am assured that he is very pro-environment and nature. I will endeavour to make contact soon.

Ringing report.

2019 was a mixed year for ringing – some records smashed, other species not doing well at all.

I ringed 1401 birds of 42 species:

1 Merlin- a female on 18th April new to the reserve ringing list and only seen nearby a couple of times so delighted to add this special raptor, which on release flew to a telegraph pole by the entrance for photographs. 4 Sparrowhawk 2 Wood Pigeon

2 Collared Dove – 2 pulli on the nest… Another new species for the reserve ringing list. 17 Kingfisher – Apart from the first one in the spring all were juveniles, Astonishing numbers! 1 Tawny Owl – at alst a juvenile in the nest box I installed. 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker – a poor year. 3 Sand Martin – by-catch when tape luring for Swallows 1 House Martin – in with the Swallows one evening – only the 2nd ringed here 450 Swallow – record numbers, despite not many being seen in the area. 1 Meadow Pipit 2 Grey Wagtail 33 Wren 16 Dunnock 32 Robin 11 Song Thrush 34 Redwing 62 Blackbird 1 Stonechat – another new species, which is seen nearby occasionally 2 Grasshopper Warbler – a welcome return to this highly elusive migrant. 2 Garden Warbler – same as last year 122 Blackcap – a big increase this year 2 Whitethroat – another poor year. 37 Reed Warbler – a return to a poor return 10 Sedge Warbler – very poor spring passage. 62 Willow Warbler - a lot more! 60 Chiffchaff – more. 15 Cettis’ Warbler – even more this year 19 Goldcrest – a much better year 2 Firecrest 32 Great Tit – much reduced numbers 4 Coal Tit - poor 52 Blue Tit – pathetic compared t last year 50 Long-tailed Tit 3 Treecreeper – still not sure if they breed in the reserve, but all were juveniles. 1 House Sparrow – again, did not breed this year. 46 Chaffinch - 54 Goldfinch – 136 Greenfinch – 1 Brambling – another welcome species 19 Bullfinch – quite common in the autumn. 2 Reed Bunting – very poor – not ringing in Jan didn’t help.

1626 birds ringed. Record is 1655 in 2011 10775 ringed since I started in the reserve.

J Turner

CONSERVATION OFFICER (SOUTH)

In addition to the routine maintenance (grass cutting, minor repairs and tree surgery) further work was carried out to improve water retention in the new ditch, created upstream of the public footpath by the sewage works. The vegetation is re- establishing naturally and will be encouraged to screen the ditch from the public footpath. Retaining a higher water level in the ditch is also benefitting the adjacent reed bed as water is over spilling into the area.

Favourable feedback has been received from the public following Council’s decision to allow free access to the Reserve along prescribed tracks (no dogs permitted).

Mike Passman’s daily blog (http://thurlestonebaybirds.co.uk/) provides a comprehensive record of the species seen in the area – 203 in total for 2019, two less than in 2018. The highest monthly total was 137 in September and lowest 104 in June. Unusual records included a Kentish Plover, Barred Warbler, Lesser Yellowlegs and Surf Scoter.

Alan Pomroy has led the ringing efforts supplemented from time to time by Dave Scott.

South Huish Meadowlands The local farmer continued grazing horses, Highland cattle and sheep on the meadows. This grazing regime has again succeeded in keeping the growth in check around the scrapes. The Highland cattle however damaged one of the sluices that are used to control the water levels in the meadowlands. Once this was repaired water level control was restored. It again proved possible to retain water in the scrapes throughout the exceptionally dry summer, probably due to the work carried out on the ditches over the last few years.

The meadowlands were severely flooded in December running into early 2020. The outfall is too small and has been badly damaged in recent storms. The outfall is the National Trust’s (NT’s) responsibility and Devon Birds is pressing the NT to repair/replace the outfall. Until this is done the meadowlands will be prone to prolonged, severe flooding during and after storms.

The NT has made no progress with preparation of their management plan for South Milton Sands including the South Huish meadowlands. Devon Birds is being consulted on the plan and is pressing the NT to expedite provision of a screen/hide overlooking the scrapes.

The scrapes and meadowlands are well watched by birders as well as the public and it in encouraging to see so many visitors taking an interest in the birdlife.

Prawle Point Reserve Following the work carried out in early 2019, there have been no further problems or safety concerns with the trees and dry stone wall running beside the access road to Prawle Point.

Pig Nose Valley Reserve No maintenance was undertaken in 2019 and none is planned for 2020. This reserve is rarely visited but provides an important resting/feeding site for migrants.

Beesands Ley Hide Routine maintenance continued. The hide was inaccessible due to flooding in both the winter periods in 2018/19 and 2019/20. It seems this will become a perennial problem until the outlet to Widdicombe Ley is repaired/replaced by the landowner. The outlet is badly damaged and becomes blocked after major storms. Although the landowner cleared the outlet in winter 2018/19 following a request from Devon Birds, a similar request this winter has yet to be actioned.

West Charleton Bird Hide The local group of enthusiasts continues to raise funds and maintain the hide and adjacent marsh.

Nick Townsend

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with the Trust deed and rules of the charity, applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to: • select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; • observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP; • make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; • state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and • prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.i The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Shaw Edwards (Chairman)

TREASURER’S REPORT

I am pleased to advise that we again ended the year in a strong financial position. The sale of Tawny Wood substantially above the valuation in the accounts added further funds to the reserves.

We continue to be committed to meeting our charitable objectives and managing our finances to support member services and projects to help conserve and enhance birds

and nature in Devon. Investing in projects and reserves is an important part of what Devon Birds do and council make their choices after careful consideration.

• Charitable expenditure on conservation projects and maintenance and improvement of reserves fell by 13% to 32,720. • Devon Birds total assets rose by 4% to £282,654. • Incoming resources were a total of £64,288, a 13% fall. • Total expenditure decreased by 29% to £52,510. • Free reserves, those funds available for conservation in the future, are now a very healthy £102,000.

Income

The decrease in total income is due to no legacies being received but being partially offset by Tawny Wood sale.

Income from the Lundy trip were down, due to the date for the trip being later in the year than usual due to tide times.

Total membership numbers were again slightly down at just less than 1,300.

Income from donations and membership subscriptions were similar to last year.

Bank interest income rose due to higher interest rates.

Expenditure

Expenditure on conservation grants reduced by 15% to £23.936 due to a lack of available projects.

The cost of maintaining and improving reserves fell to £8,784, a reduction of 7%.

The cost of producing Devon Birds regular publications decreased significantly, two journals were produced but no report. This category of expenditure should fall back in line in 2020.

The costs of raising funds in 2019 reduced in line with the lower postage costs associated with fewer publications than usual.

Other expenditure categories being broadly similar.

It is important that we continue to encourage other conservation organisations, individuals and our members to consider projects that can enhance bird protection and conservation in Devon. The amount of free reserves available for this important work is substantial and should be spent wisely.

However Devon Birds has continued to spend significant funds on meeting its charitable objectives and making a positive contribution to the conservation of birds in Devon.

R Little

INDEPENDENT AUDITORʼS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF DEVON BIRDS

Opinion I have audited the financial statements of Devon Birds (the ‘Charity’) for the year ended 31 December 2019 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). In my opinion, the financial statements: •give a true and fair view of the state of the Charity’s affairs as at 31 December 2019 and of its income and expenditure for the year then ended;

•have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice;

•have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.

Basis for opinion I conducted my audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. My responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditorʼs responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of my report. I am independent of the Charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to my audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRCʼs Ethical Standard and I have fulfilled my other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. I believe that the audit evidence I have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for my opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern I have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the ISAs (UK) require me to report to you where: •the trusteesʼ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is not appropriate; or •the trustees have not disclosed in the financial statements any identified material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt about the Charityʼs ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting for a period of at least twelve months from the date when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Other information The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and my auditorʼs report thereon. My opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in my report, I do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. In connection with my audit of the financial statements, my responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or my knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If I identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, I am required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material

misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work I have performed, I conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, I am required to report that fact.

I have nothing to report in this regard.

Matters on which I am required to report by exception In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Charity and environment obtained in the course of the audit, I have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees’ Annual Report. I have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities Act 2011 requires me to report to you if, in my opinion:

•sufficient accounting records have not been kept;

•the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or •I have not obtained all the information and explanations necessary for the purposes of my audit.

Responsibilities of the trustees As explained more fully in the trusteesʼ responsibilities statement set out on page 19, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the Charityʼs ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the Charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

My responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements My objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditorʼs report that includes my opinion. Reasonable assurance

is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. A further description of my responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Councilʼs website at: [www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities]. This description forms part of my auditorʼs report.

Use of my report This report is made solely to the Charityʼs trustees, as a body, in accordance with section 144* of the Charities Act 2011 and the regulations made under section 154 of that Act. My audit work has been undertaken so that I might state to the Charityʼs trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an auditorʼs report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charityʼs trustees as a body, for my audit work, for this report, or for the opinions I have formed. RJ Hubble FCA

Dippers,

Shaugh Prior Plymouth, PL7 5HA

2020

24 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2019 General Restricted Totals 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018

Incoming resources Notes £ £ £ £ £ £ Subscriptions and tax recovered 2 25,386 25,360 0 0 25,386 25,360 Donations, Patrons, Legacies and Tax recovered 2 3,571 35,759 5,000 0 8,571 35,759 Sundry sales and events 4 & 5 10,576 11,805 0 0 10,576 11,805 Other incoming resources 3 & 21 0 0 18,504 0 18,504 0 Investment income 1,243 819 8 17 1,250 836 40,776 73,744 23,512 17 64,288 73,761

Resources expended Publications 6 5,402 15,399 0 0 5,402 15,399 Conservation expenses 7, 8 & 9 32,720 38,553 0 0 32,720 38,553 Depreciation 10 & 21 845 845 89 324 934 1,170 Other Costs 11 & 12 13,454 19,021 0 0 13,454 19,021

52,421 73,817 89 324 52,510 74,141

Net incoming/outgoing resources before transfers -11,645 -73 23,423 -308 11,778 -381 Gross transfers between funds 22,551 0 -22,551 0 0 0 Unrealised gain/losses on investments 13 82 -202 0 0 82 -202

Net incoming/outgoing resources after transfers 10,988 -276 872 -308 11,860 -584 Fund balance b/f 222,177 222,453 48,618 48,925 270,794 271,378

Fund balance c/f 233,164 222,177 49,490 48,618 282,654 270,794

Balance Sheet

Notes 2019 2018 Fixed assets 14 £ £

South Milton Ley 55,890 55,890 Prawle 1,800 1,800 Godborough 48,000 48,000 Tawny Wood 0 2,500 Bradiford 17,000 17,000 Roadford Hide 0 0 Beesands Hide 0 0 Slapton Cabin 0 0 SML Ringing Hut & Boardwalk 11,067 12,001 133,757 137,191 Investments 13 5,288 5,206 Total fixed assets 139,045 142,397

Current assets 16 & 17

Bank current accounts 3,556 2,558 CAF Deposit a/c 8,316 15,104 Virgin Instant Access 57,016 41,479 Skipton Building Society 75,981 75,415 144,869 134,556

Debtors 15 450 425 Creditors 18 -1,710 -6,584 Net current assets 143,609 128,397

Total net assets 282,654 270,794

Funds 20 & 21 General 233,164 222,177 Restricted 49,490 48,618 Total funds 282,654 270,794

These financial statements were approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by the Treasurer.

Notes to accounts for year ended 31 December 2019

1. Accounting Policies

The following accounting policies have been applied consistently in dealing with items which are considered material in relation to Devon Birds’ financial statements.

Basis of Preparation

The financial statements have been prepared under the historic cost convention as amended for the valuation of investments, and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities issued in April 2014 - CHARITIES SORP (FRS102), applicable accounting standards and the Charities Act.

Fixed assets and depreciation

Freehold land is not depreciated. The cost of other fixed assets is written off by equal instalments over their expected useful lives as follows:

Hides 5% p.a.

Equipment 25% p.a.

Investments

Investments are shown at market value. An unrealised gain or loss is dealt with through the Statement of Financial Activities.

Current account Investments

Where General Funds are not expected to be required in the short-term (normally up to one year) they may be placed in appropriate bank or building society accounts with a fixed term of no more than one year.

Publications

The cost of producing Devon Birds’ publications are written off as incurred. Subsequent sales are recorded on a receipts basis.

Incoming Resources

Subscriptions and tax recovered via gift aid are credited to the General Fund in the year in which they are due provided that they have been received by the relevant year end. All other income is credited to the relevant fund on a receipts basis. Resources Expended

Resources expended are included in the Statement of Financial Activities on an accruals basis, inclusive of VAT which cannot be recovered.

Restricted Funds Restricted Funds relate to donations and grants which have been provided on the basis that they are only used to support a particular activity as explained in note 21.

Unrestricted Funds

Unrestricted funds are those in the General Fund and are available to be spent at the discretion of Devon Birds Council.

2019 2018 £ £ 2. Income from donations and legacies Unrestricted funds Subscriptions 21,418 21,429 Subscriptions tax recovered 3,969 3,931 Donations 3,065 8,486 Donations tax recovered 357 1,173 Patrons 150 100 Legacies 0 26,000 28,958 61,120

Restricted funds Donations 5,000 0 Grants 0 0 Legacies 0 0 5,000 0

3. Other Incoming Resources Restricted Funds Tawny Wood Sale 21,004 0

4. Charitable activities Unrestricted funds Devon Bird Atlas Sales 282 440 House Martin Project 0 0 Kenwith/Godborough land income 1,129 847 Photo Sales 228 250 South Milton Ley Income 2,944 3,259 Sundry income 54 54 4,637 4,849

5. Other trading activities Unrestricted funds Devon Bird Atlas Postage 31 38 Fund Raising & Autumn draw 1,531 1,604 Lundy trip 3,918 4,866 Sale of goods & pubs 459 448 5,939 6,956

6.Publications expenditure Unrestricted funds Devon Birds Report & Journals 5,233 14,618 Harrier & Report & Programme 169 781 5,402 15,399

2019 2018 £ £ 7.Conservation expenditure - Reserve and hide management Unrestricted funds Axe Ringing Group 0 0 Beesands 310 315 Bradiford 0 0 Fernworthy 0 0 Godborough 1,151 1,374 Prawle Point 600 2,210 Roadford 0 0 Slapton Ringing Group 734 846 South Huish 200 0 South Milton Ley 5,758 4,621 Velator 31 113 8,784 9,478

8.Conservation expenditure - Conservation Grants Unrestricted funds Holne Moor Study 2,000 0 Moorland Bird Adviser - RSPB 0 2,000 PiedFly.Net 1,250 4,626 Pied Flycatcher infection research 2,000 0 Ring Ouzel - RSPB 0 2,000 Spotted Flycatcher project 7,103 7,103 Swift Nest Box Project 0 526 Wood Warbler 10,983 10,983 ConsEd 100 0 Grants to other bodies 500 1,000 23,936 28,238

9. Conservation expenditure - Photo Exhibition Photo Exhibition 0 836

10.Depreciation Restricted assets 89 324 Unrestricted assets 845 845 934 1,170

2019 2018 11.Raising funds costs £ £ Unrestricted funds Autumn draw 441 490 Bank charges 761 757 Data Management 0 216 Devon Bird Atlas & Birds of Devon Postage 25 13 Equipment 568 287 Lundy Trip 3,331 3,340 Membership Support 930 756 Postage, Telephone & Broadband 1,050 6,387 Purchases for resale 45 37 Stationery & printing 763 695 Website & IT costs 1,077 1,271 8,992 14,249

12. Other costs Unrestricted funds Insurance 2,551 2,481 Meetings & room hire 772 720 Sundry expenses 510 692 Travel 629 878 4,462 4,772

Restricted fund - Tawny Wood Reserve management 0 0

13. Unrealised gains or losses on investments unrestricted funds 4263 M & G Charibond Units Historic Cost £5,000 Market value at beginning of year 5,206 5,409 Market value at end of year 5,288 5,206 Gain/(loss) in year 82 -202

2019 2018 £ £ 14.Tangible fixed assets - an analysis of opening and closing carrying amounts Freeholds Hides Total £ £ £ Cost At beginning of the year 125,190 41,010 166,200 Acquisitions 0 0 0 Revaluations 0 0 0 Disposals 2,500 0 2,500 At end of the year 122,690 41,010 163,700 Depreciation At beginning of the year 29,009 29,009 Disposals 0 0 Depreciation 934 934 At end of the year 29,943 29,943 Net book value at beginning of the year 125,190 12,001 137,191 Net book value at end of the year 122,690 11,067 133,757

15. Current assets - debtors

Trade debtors 450 425 450 425

16. Current assets - investments

Scottish Widows Bank 0 0 Skipton Building Society 75,981 75,415 75,981 75,415

17. Current assets - cash at bank and in hand

HSBC current account 71 1,350 CAF Bank current account 3,485 1,208 CAF Bank gold account 8,316 15,104 Virgin Bank instant access account 57,016 41,479 Total 68,888 59,141

18. Liabilities - creditors

Amounts falling due within one year

Subscription prepayments 1,620 1,226 Outstanding invoices not yet paid 90 5,358 Total 1,710 6,584

19.Trustees remuneration

No remuneration has been paid or is due to be paid to any Trustee or any person known to be connected with them from the funds of the Charity. Travelling and sundry expenses totalling £628.70 have been paid to 3 trustees and 1 non trustee. during the year. (2018: £878.02 paid to 3 trustees and 1 non trustee).

20. The funds of the charity 2019 analysis

Net Fixed Investments current Total assets assets Unrestricted funds £ £ £ £ General 90,389 5,288 137,487 233,164 Total unrestricted funds 233,164 Restricted funds Bradiford 8,156 0 8,156 Slapton 0 0 0 South Milton Ley 35,212 1,122 36,334 Tawny Wood 0 0 0 House Martin Project 0 5,000 5,000 Total restricted fund 49,490 Total assets 133,757 5,288 143,609 282,654

21. Restricted funds

South House Bradiford Slapton Milton Tawny Martin Total Milton Wood Project £ £ £ £ £ Balance b/f 31/12/2018 8,156 0 36,415 4,047 0 48,618 Income 18,504 5,000 18,504 Interest 8 8 Transferred from Conservation 0 8,156 0 36,423 22,551 5,000 72,130 Expenses 0 Grants 0 Depreciation 0 89 89 Liquid assets transferred 1,547 1,547 Disposals transferred 21,004 21,004 Balance c/f 31/12/2019 8,156 0 36,334 0 5,000 49,490

The purposes of these funds are: Bradiford Provision of hide facility Slapton Provision of a Bird Ringing Cabin South Milton Ley Reserve purchase, provision of a Ringing Hut and Boardwalk

Tawny Wood was sold in 2019 for £18,504 net proceeds received on Jan 11th of the same year.

DEVON BIRDS CONSTITUTION (Registered Charity No. 228966)

1 NAME The name of the Society shall be DEVON BIRDS also known as DEVON BIRDWATCHING & PRESERVATION SOCIETY (hereinafter called ‘the Society’). 2 OBJECTS The objects of the Society shall be a) to further the study of birds; and b) to promote their conservation, and in furtherance of these purposes; i) to publish an annual report of bird species within the County of Devon; ii) to promote a wider interest in birds and their habitats, science and conservation; iii) to encourage and promote an interest in birds; for people of all levels of experience iv) to organise a programme of field and indoor meetings to educate and inform members and the wider public; v) to promote a continuing improvement in the submission, collation, publication and access to ornithological records and studies. vi) to manage a network of reserves in the county for the protection and conservation of birds and associated wildlife. 3 ADMINISTRATION Subject to the matters set out below the Society and its property shall be administered and managed in accordance with this constitution by the members of the Council, the majority of whom shall be Trustees, constituted by clause 6 of this constitution (hereinafter called “the Council”). 4 POWERS In furtherance of the objects but not otherwise the Council may exercise the following powers: a) to raise funds and to invite and receive contributions provided that in raising funds the Council shall not undertake any substantial permanent trading activities and shall conform to any relevant requirements of the law; b) to buy, sell, lease, exchange or dispose of, or part thereof any property necessary for the achievement of the objects;

c) to co-operate with other charities, organisations or individuals in furtherance of the objects; d) to appoint and constitute such committees as are deemed necessary; and e) to do all such other lawful things as are necessary for the achievement of the objects. 5 MEMBERSHIP a) Membership of the Society shall be open to any person who subscribes to the conditions of membership. A member whose subscription is three months in arrears shall cease to be a member of the Society. b) The Council may offer a range of incentives, as agreed by them, to attract new members into the Society. c) Any Member who, in the opinion of the Trustees, as determined by a two- thirds majority vote of those present and qualified to vote, has either: i) brought the Society into disrepute, or ii) acted contrary to the Society’s Objects, or iii) acted contrary to the spirit or requirements of any legislation for the time being in force, the object of which is the protection of wild birds or other wildlife or natural habitats, shall be disqualified from Membership d) For services rendered to the Society any person may be nominated an honorary member of the Society by the Council for election at an Annual General Meeting. 6 THE COUNCIL a) The Council shall consist of not less than six and not more than seventeen members elected at the Annual General Meeting and shall include: i) a Chairman and a Vice Chairman who shall hold office for three years from the conclusion of the meeting; with a maximum of two terms, not necessarily consecutive. ii) a Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Secretary, County Recorder, Fieldwork Officer, Conservation Officer and Publication Group Representative who shall hold office for three years from the conclusion of the meeting; and may be re-elected. iii) eight ordinary members of the Society which should include one nominee from each of the properly constituted Branches who will then be ratified at the Annual General Meeting. They shall hold office for three years from the conclusion of the meeting, with a maximum of two terms and must then stand down for at least one year before becoming eligible again for

election. Branches may instead elect to send a representative who is not a Trustee, in a non-voting capacity. b) Nominations for Trustee members or Branch Representatives of the Council may be made by the Council or by any three members by notice in writing to the Secretary at least twenty-eight days before the Annual General Meeting. c) The Council shall have the power between Annual General Meetings to fill any vacancy created from the members referred to in Clause 6 (a) above, such persons to be co-opted with power to vote until the next Annual General Meeting. d) The Council may in addition appoint not more than three co-opted members who shall hold office until the next Annual General Meeting but shall not be eligible to vote, and may include invited representatives of other organisations or charities. e) The proceedings of the Council shall not be invalidated by any vacancy among their number or by any failure to appoint or any defect in the appointment or qualification of a member. f) Nobody shall be appointed as a member of the Council who is aged under 18 or who would if appointed be disqualified under the provisions of the following clause. g) No person shall be entitled to act as a Trustee member of the Council whether on a first or on any subsequent entry into office until after signing a declaration of acceptance and of willingness to act in the trusts of the Society. h) There shall be an Executive Committee comprising the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer, which shall be responsible for the day-to- day conduct of the Society’s affairs on behalf of the Council. The Council shall determine the terms of reference of the Executive Committee and that all acts and proceedings of the Executive Committee shall be reported to the Council. i) Only Council members may speak for the Society on matters of agreed policy. j) Members of Council must not benefit from the Society, excluding reasonable expenses, without approval of the Charity Commission. k) Legally binding documents can only be signed on behalf of the Society by members of the Executive Committee, with prior approval of the Council. 7 DETERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP OF COUNCIL A member of the Council shall cease to hold office if he or she: a) is disqualified from acting as a member of the Council by virtue of section 72 of the Charities Act 1993 (or any statutory re-enactment or modification of that provision);

b) becomes incapable by reason of mental disorder, illness or injury of managing and administering his or her own affairs; c) is absent without the permission of the Council from all their meetings held within a period of nine months and the Council resolve that his or her office be vacated; or d) notifies the Council of a wish to resign.

8 MEETINGS AND PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNCIL a) The Council shall hold at least three ordinary meetings each year. A special meeting may be called at any time by the Chairman or by any six members of the Council upon not less than seven day’s notice being given to the other members of the Council of the matters to be discussed. b) There shall be a quorum when at least one third with a minimum of five Trustees (including two from the Executive Committee) are present at the meeting. c) When required matters shall be determined by a majority of votes of the Trustees present and voting on the question but in the case of equality of votes the Chairman of the meeting shall have a second or casting vote. d) The Council shall keep minutes of the proceedings of its meetings and any of its committees, panels or working groups that are not subject to the provisions of Clause 10 hereof. e) The Council may from time to time make and alter rules for the conduct of their business. 9 GENERAL MEETINGS a) The Annual General Meeting of the Society shall be held during the first half of the year. The business transacted shall include the election of members to the Council in accordance with clause 6 hereof, the presentation and adoption of annual reports by the Secretary and Treasurer and any other officers as required to the end of the preceding calendar year, any amendments to the constitution and the election of an auditor for the ensuing year. b) The Council may at any time, and shall on the requisition of ten per cent of the members in writing to the Secretary, within twenty-eight days of such requisition, convene an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Society for a specific purpose. c) The Secretary shall at least twenty-one days before any General Meeting send to each member a notice of such meeting stating the business that will be brought to it.

d) i) The voting at an Annual General Meeting shall be by a show of hands or (at the insistence of the Chairman or any five members) by ballot. In the event of equality of votes the Chairman of the meeting shall have a second or casting vote. ii) The voting at an Extraordinary General Meeting shall require the resolution to be passed by a two-thirds majority of those present. e) The Secretary shall keep minutes of each general meeting. f) The Annual General Meeting of the Society shall appoint from time to time a suitable person to be President who will not be a Trustee, but entitled to attend meetings of Council, and shall hold office for three years from the conclusion of the meeting; with a maximum of two terms, not necessarily consecutive. He/she shall provide an over-seeing role of the work of the Council and be empowered to step in and resolve serious conflicts at Council level. 10 COMMITTEES a) Each constituted committee shall meet at least twice each year and conduct its affairs in accordance with any terms of reference and standing orders laid down by the Council. b) Any member of the Society shall be eligible to serve on a committee. c) Committees shall maintain accounts of income and expenditure and shall prepare an annual budget and submit to the Council for approval by not later than the end of December of each year and also submit an annual financial report to the Council within one month of the year end. d) Each committee shall act within the purposes of this constitution but not otherwise. e) Each committee shall elect a Chairman and Secretary and shall keep minutes of its proceedings and provide copies to the Secretary of the Council. f) The Council may nominate from its number an individual member to serve on each committee. 11 BRANCHES a) Any group of members may elect to form a branch of the Society subject to approval of the Council and to terms of reference laid down by the Council. b) It shall maintain accounts of finances received as grants, or from such other monies as it may acquire. It shall also prepare an annual budget and submit to the Council for approval by not later than the end of December of each year and also submit an annual financial report to the Council within one month of the year end, duly approved by the Branch Chairman and Treasurer.

c) Each properly constituted branch shall hold an Annual General Meeting and shall elect a Chairman, officers and committees to arrange its own activities provided it acts within the purposes of this constitution, but not otherwise, and provided further that the Council shall have the ultimate discretion over the application of funds. d) Each properly constituted branch shall inform the Secretary of the Council of its nominated representative or Trustee for election to the Council by not later than the end of February in each calendar year. Any nominated Trustee must then be approved at the Annual General Meeting. 12 RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE a) The funds of the Society, shall be paid into accounts in the Society’s name operated by members of the Executive Committee. Two members of the Executive Committee are required to authorise all payments, except cheques up to a value decided by the Council from time to time. b) The funds belonging to the Society shall be applied only in furthering the objects. 13 ACCOUNTS The Council shall comply with its obligations under the Charities Act 1993 (or any statutory re-enactment or modification of that Act) with regard to: a) the keeping of accounting records for the Society; b) the preparation of annual statements of account for the Society; c) the auditing or independent examination of statements of account of the Society; and d) the transmission of the statements of account of the Society to the Charity Commission. 14 ANNUAL REPORT AND RETURN The Council shall comply with its obligations under the Charities Act 1993 (or any statutory re-enactment or modification of that Act) with regard to the preparation of an annual report and return and its transmission to the Charity Commission. 15 NOTICES Any notice required to be served on any member of the Society shall be in writing and shall be served by the Secretary or the Council on any member either personally or sending it through the post in a prepaid envelope addressed to such member at his or her last known address in the United Kingdom, and any letter so sent shall be deemed to have been received within 10 days of posting.

16 ALTERATIONS TO THE CONSTITUTION a) Subject to the following provisions of this clause the constitution may be altered by a resolution passed by not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting at a general meeting. The notice of the general meeting must include notice of the resolution, setting out the terms of the alteration proposed. b) Notice of intention to propose any alteration shall be given in writing to the Secretary not less than twenty-eight days before the meeting and printed on the agenda for that meeting. c) No amendment may be made to clauses 1, 2, or 16 without the prior consent in writing of the Commissioners. d) No amendment may be made which would have the effect of making the Society cease to be a charity at law. e) The Secretary shall promptly send to the Charity Commission a copy of any amendment made under this clause. 17 DISSOLUTION The Society may be dissolved by a resolution passed by two-thirds majority of those present and voting at a special general meeting convened for the purpose of which twenty-one days notice shall have been given to the members. Such resolution may give instructions for the disposal of any assets held by or in the name of the Society, provided that if any property remains after the satisfaction of all debts and liabilities such property shall not be paid to or distributed among members of the Society but shall be given or transferred to such other charitable institution or institutions having objects similar to some of the objects of the Society as the Society may determine and if and in so far as effect cannot be given to this provision then to some other charitable purpose. 18 ADOPTION OF CONSTITUTION This amended constitution was adopted by the Society on the 27th March 2019.

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2013