BASC Wildlife Fund Charity
The main object of the charity is to establish, support and maintain special protection areas for the conservation and control of wildlife and their habitat. It is also concerned with wildlife educational studies, the promotion of conservation and associated research both in the UK and abroad.
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that free/unrestricted reserves stood at £400,739, an increase from the previous year's £206,462. The Trustees report a careful approach to reserves to cover management costs and emergency grants, noting that total funds at year-end were £701,762. The charity is run by staff employed by BASC, for whom no charges are made, and the independent examiner confirmed no matters gave cause to believe the accounts were materially non-compliant.
What the accounts disclose
“The Trustees are adopting a careful approach to the retention of reserves since they recognise that the planned expansion of the Charity will initially require the application of reserves. They are concerned that during this time the Charity holds sufficient funds to cover management, administration and support costs and to respond to emergency applications for grants that may arise from time to time.” — page 5
“Two Trustees were also directors of BASC in the year. A £50,000 grant and a £495 donation grant from BASC were accounted for as income in the year, the £50,000 grant is included in debtors at the year end.” — page 20
“B Johnson is a Trustee of Preston and District Wildfowlers Association, who received a grant of £4,529 during the year (2024: £Nil). This was fully paid in the year.” — page 20
“Two Trustees were also directors of BASC in the year. A £50,000 grant and a £495 donation grant from BASC were accounted for as income in the year, the £50,000 grant is included in debtors at the year end.” — page 20
“B Johnson is a Trustee of Preston and District Wildfowlers Association, who received a grant of £4,529 during the year (2024: £Nil). This was fully paid in the year.” — page 20
Trustees
- Brian Johnson
- David George Hovenden Stewart
- David Mansel Thomas Rees
- Dr Colin Buchanan Shedden
- Dr Matthew Bradley Ellis
- John Andrew Harlow
- John Michael Furbisher
- John Richard Bishop
- Tim Richard Furbank
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/12/2025 | £268k | £61k |
| 31/12/2024 | £8k | £92k |
| 31/12/2023 | £117k | £63k |
| 31/12/2022 | £160k | £66k |
| 31/12/2021 | £110k | £224k |
Common questions
Is BASC Wildlife Fund Charity financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that free/unrestricted reserves stood at £400,739, an increase from the previous year's £206,462. The Trustees report a careful approach to reserves to cover management costs and emergency grants, noting that total funds at year-end were £701,762. The charity is run by staff employed by BASC, for whom no charges are made, and the independent examiner confirmed no matters gave cause to believe the accounts were materially non-compliant. Its FY2025 accounts were independently examined.