ust ccounts 0 - CCGHTccght.org/publications/Reports/Annual_Report_2009-2010.pdf · Sandi Howie NI Environment Agency Christine Butler/ Bryan Irvine DARD Countryside Management Branch

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CCGHT Structures

Chairman’s Comments

List of Achievements 2009/10

Trust Director’s Report

Summary of Work

Annual Accounts

Acknowledgement

CONTENTS:

Company Structure

Antrim Coast & Glens AONB

Management Group

Causeway Coast AONB Management Group

Binevenagh AONB Management

Forum

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COMPANY STRUCTURE

ADVISERS Sean Trainor Ballymena Borough Council Moira Mann/ Coleraine Borough Council Peter Thompson Ainsley McWilliams Larne Borough Council Valerie Richmond Limavady Borough Council /Richard Gillen Kevin McGarry Moyle District Council OBSERVERS Sandi Howie NI Environment Agency Paul Brunton/ Kathleen McBride NI Tourist Board Don Wilmont Causeway Coast & Glens Ltd. Regional Tourism

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Cllr Hubert Nicholl Ballymena Borough Council

Cllr Norman Hillis Coleraine Borough Council

Cllr Roy Craig Larne Borough Council

Cllr Cathal Ó’hOisín Limavady Borough Council

Cllr Cathal Newcombe Moyle District Council

Mr Graham Thompson The National Trust

Dr David Erwin Chairman

Mr Geoff Nuttall World Wide Fund for Nature

NI

Mrs Bernie Delargy North Antrim Community

Network

Mrs Ann McNickle Coleraine Rural & Urban

Network

Mrs Shirley Orr South Antrim Rural

Network

Mrs Heather

Thompson Ulster Wildlife Trust

Mr Patsy McBride Ulster Farmers’ Union

Mr Alan Wilson Regional Tourism Partnership

Ms Lynne Bryce Regional Tourism Partnership

Cllr Oliver McMullan resigned from the Trust in January

2010

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Joe Mc Fadden Chairman Cllr Roy Craig Larne Borough Council

Cllr Price McConaghy Moyle District Council Cllr Hubert Nicholl Ballymena Borough Council

Ian Gregg Ulster Farmers Union Monica Morgan North Antrim Community Network

Max Bryant The National Trust

Andrew Upton Ulster Wildlife Trust Gregory Woulahan RSPB

Ralph Semple Ainsley McWilliams Larne Borough Council

Kevin McGarry Moyle District Council Lindsay Dunlop Ballymena Borough Council

Stuart Freeman DOE Planning Service Jenny Lundy DOE Planning Service

Sandi Howie NI Environment Agency Mervyn Orr DRD Roads Service

Brian Connolly NI Tourist Board Clare Dore DARD Countryside Management Branch

Don Wilmont Causeway Coast & Glens Regional Tourism Partnership

ANTRIM COAST & GLENS AONB

MANAGEMENT GROUP

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Mr Graham Thompson Chairman (National Trust) Cllr Billy Leonard Coleraine Borough Council

Cllr William J. Graham Moyle District Council Cllr David McAlister Moyle District Council

Cllr Norman Hillis Coleraine Borough Council Ann McNickle Coleraine Rural & Urban Network

Cllr George Hartin North Antrim Community Network

Shirley Orr CCGHT Dr David Erwin CCGHT

Robert Cochrane Ulster Farmers’ Union Michael McConaghy Moyle District Council

Kevin McGarry Moyle District Council Stuart Freeman DOE Planning Service

Sandi Howie NI Environment Agency Brian Connolly NI Tourist Board

John Young DRD Roads Service Philip Watson

Clare Dore DARD Countryside Management Branch Peter Thompson Coleraine Borough Council

CAUSEWAY COAST AONB

MANAGEMENT GROUP

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Richard Gillen Chairman (Limavady Borough Council)

Cllr Gerry Mullan Limavady Borough Council Cllr William King Coleraine Borough Council

Mark Strong Coleraine Borough Council Ann McNickle Coleraine Rural & Urban Network Liz Wallace Magilligan Field Centre

Stewart Glass Ulster Wildlife Trust Barry Crawford The National Trust

Jonathan Miller Translink Stuart Freeman DOE Planning Service Sandi Howie NI Environment Agency

Christine Butler/ Bryan Irvine DARD Countryside Management Branch

Garry O’Neill DCAL Adam Quigley DRD Roads Service Lorraine Bourke/

Rhonda Robinson NIEA Built Heritage Cllr Cathal O hOisin CCGHT / Limavady BC

Andrew Sides Loughs Agency Caroline Marshall Lough Neagh & Lwr Bann Adv Committee

Dr Caro-lynne Ferris CAAN Stanley McShane/ Maj R. Hopton Ministry of Defence/ Magilligan Conservation

Board Tracey Rorrison Coleraine Borough Chamber of Commerce

Brian Brown Roe Valley Chamber of Commerce Rachel Cassidy Roe Valley Learning Community Brian Connolly NI Tourist Board

BINEVENAGH AONB

MANAGEMENT FORUM

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CHAIRMAN’S COMMENTS

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – A designation which separates out the very special areas of our countryside from

the ‘Ordinary’ or even the ‘Special’ – These are the ‘Outstanding’ areas which surpass all others. These are

designated above the rest as being the places we should revere and, above everywhere else - look after for our children

and our children’s children. These are the landscapes and seascapes which define our countryside.

The Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust, uniquely, has

three such areas under its care. These are the Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the

Binevenagh Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Causeway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – surely

the true gems in the landscape of Northern Ireland. Between them these AONBs – because of their true value, recognised

far beyond the area, attract more international and local visitors than all of the other such areas in Northern Ireland put

together! If they were anywhere else in the United Kingdom they would,

without doubt, either separately or together, have warranted ‘National Park’ status. This, on its own, would have assured

their protected status and provided funding to enable their sustainable development while at the same time assuring their

conservation and enhancement. Here they are caught

between a total absence of Northern Ireland National Park legislation and what everyone inside and outside of

Government recognises is our miserably inadequate AONB legislation. It exists in a primitive form far short of Great

Britain legislation but in that form does not even start to approach providing adequate protection for these ‘outstanding’

areas. When the Northern Ireland National Park legislation was first being contemplated in primary association with a

Mourne National Park, revised AONB legislation was included within the draft of the Bill. However, within a short time AONB

legislation reform was dropped to prevent it slowing down the National Park legislation. Since we STILL await the Northern

Ireland National Park legislation this as a concept is somewhat contentious - and new AONB legislation remains down the

road – somewhere – sometime!

So what is the protected status of these ‘Outstanding’ areas?

Sadly the answer is almost non–existent. The legislation as is

does little to protect them. They have no statutory planning

status. A planning comment from an AONB management

group or the umbrella Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage

Trust itself has the same status as that from any member of

the public. Management Plans drawn up through the widest

possible consultation, often exemplary in how they reach out

to all interest groups and sections of the community, have no

statutory status – as they would have had in Great Britain.

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Groups which during the consultation have signed up to deliver part of the management programme report a change

of position when it comes to actual delivery. ‘That is not one of our current priorities’ or ‘we do not have a budget for that’

– clearly absolves them of all responsibilities. Local Authorities, somewhat unwillingly go along with the aims

and aspirations of the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust. They were originally involved in setting up the Trust

and drawing up its Aims and, in business terms, it’s Articles of

Association. They therefore have little reason to criticise its raison d’ětre. In my many years of involvement all the

Councils have always been represented by an Elected Member AND a member of staff from an appropriate department.

Partial funding for the Trust has been provided by Councils in most cases on an annual basis, under which the Trust has to

bid alongside local community groups and sports organisations for a segment of the Council’s budget. In the early days when

the Natural Resource Rural Tourism Initiative was operative most of the Councils were relatively happy. They were getting

- through the Trust, more out than they were putting into it. Councils outside the NRRTI area were, of course, unhappy,

regularly lobbying in terms of ‘Where is our cut’? Since the termination of the NRRTI scheme, even the Councils who were

actively benefiting under the scheme have been increasingly

difficult to keep on board. We have in fact lost two Councils from our Management Group because ‘there is nothing in it for

us’. Other Councils have wavered on an annual basis at budget time and some have come and gone. A great deal of

time has been spent in communicating to Councils how what the Trust does brings benefit to the Council areas and how

they are getting extremely good value for money for what they put into the Trust. Returns can often be measured as

hundreds of times the investment. Recognised responsibilities within Local Authorities exist for Bin collection, Burials, Waste

disposal and Sport provision, together with a wide variety of other areas of operation. However, with a few very notable

exceptions, what is very seldom discussed with or within the Councils is the responsibility of a Local Authority for the AONB

or AONBs within its boundary. In short, discussions are not

about the Trust per se, but about our environment and what we, as a community, truly value.

Government is complacent on the majority of these issues. The NI Environment Agency recognises that they have

responsibility for designating AONBs and for sponsoring the drawing up of Management Plans. Sadly, as they see it, their

responsibility stops there - with no acceptance of any


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responsibility for the implementation of these plans or safeguarding the designation to ensure that the landscape is

maintained, conserved and enhanced to the standard that originally merited the AONB designation. They do participate

in ‘observer’ status on Management boards like the CCGHT. However their sponsorship of such bodies is extremely

variable. Some bodies like those responsible for Mourne and Strangford Lough are funded at a much higher level than

CCGHT. We believe that we are delivering on Government

responsibilities and yet we are required to bid on a triennial basis, alongside Non-Governmental Organisations for a

shrinking portion of a diminishing pot. The NI Tourist Board provides funding for project work which fits within their

concept for the Causeway Coast and Glens Signature Project. No revenue support or core management support is offered.

No other Government department or Agency funds the Trust in any way. When the NRRTI scheme was in operation (funded

through DARD) a representative of DARD sat on the Board. When the NRRTI scheme ended this person was withdrawn

and has not returned. Individuals from Roads Division and The Planning Service are happy to give us advice but no

formal connection exists. All of this is very disheartening. Clearly the work of the Trust interacts with the responsibilities

and interests of a wide range of Government Departments and

Agencies. We do our best to participate in any way we can in initiatives of a wider Government. It is sad that they cannot

participate with us. In last year’s report I mentioned that, after a very long time

waiting, we were still in anticipation of the results of a Review initiative which was intended to indicate ways forward in many

of these areas. A year later – we STILL await the final review report. Sight of late drafts of this review does not inspire

confidence that solutions will be found at this time. Rather, it will be up to the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust to

determine its own future. Steps have already been taken by the Board of the Trust in the current year to start to re-define

our position when the Review of Public Administration has been implemented. I have no doubt that when this is achieved

CCGHT will be established as one of a very small number of

lead bodies in Landscape Protection, including seascape protection, Countryside Management and Sustainable

Development, including Sustainable Tourism. I have been Chair of CCGHT since the inception of the

organisation. I now leave its future in the hands of a new Chair and a deeply committed Board – who I have long called

colleagues and now look upon as friends. The staff, under our


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exceptionally dynamic Director, Helen Noble, is extremely capable and totally dedicated to the work of the Trust. I thank

both Board and staff for all their efforts in the past and look forward to the future with confidence.

David G Erwin (Chairman)


Dr David Erwin

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List of Achievements 2009/2010

Antrim Coast & Glens AONB:

AONB Management Group meetings held

Development of a Landscape Partnership Scheme for the ‘Heart of the Glens’.

Value approx. £2m Progress in implementation of year 1 actions of the AONB Management Plan,

looking at year 2 actions Picture This! calendar 2010 produced

Causeway Coast AONB: AONB Management Group meetings held

Funding application to NIEA for a AONB Management Plan Officer to under-

take review of the Management Plan in 2010

State of the AONB report – summer placement student

HLF funding application successful to celebrate 20 years of CCAONB

Picture This! Photographic project – approx. 120 school children from six lo-

cal schools participated in workshops and site visits to celebrate 20 years of

the designation of the Causeway Coast AONB. Value £22,500 Promotional materials to raise awareness of the area, including posters, post-

cards and a book Candidate Charter Park Status awarded – European Sustainable Tourism

Charter for local businesses. Value. £80.000

Events organised to celebrate 20 years of CCAONB – World Ocean Day, etc

Newsletter produced and circulated to every household in AONB and local

businesses in and around the area

Binevenagh AONB:

AONB Management Group meetings held

State of AONB Report produced

Publication of Birds of Binevenagh guidebook

Management Plan: Consultation/engagement progressed: questionnaires

(over 10,000 distributed). One public meeting and drop-in sessions held. Stakeholder consultations/workshops completed. Led by Craggatak Consult-

ing. Value £75,000 Management Plan: Progress on State of the AONB report

Management Plan: Draft Management Plan circulated for consultation

Management Plan: Finalisation of the Management Plan in the beginning of

2010 Picture This! Photographic project – approx. 100 school children from six local

schools participated in workshops and site visits Promotional materials developed to raise awareness of area

Newsletter produced and circulated to every household within the AONB and

to local businesses in and around the area

Small school competition to name the AONB management plan

Other: A Landscape Shaped by Us Industrial Heritage Trail project development and

submitted under RDP – measure 3.6. Value £333,333

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Biodiversity Audit Signposting exercise (summer placement student).

Downloadable and available on website NAAONB conference – hosting and organisation of 7 site visits for 3 AONBs.

Two ministers gave keynote speeches. Profile raised of Northern Ireland’s AONB

GIS development (year-long placement student)

Junior Ranger Programme development (year-long placement student)

Development of Interreg IVA project: One Environment – One Future – appli-

cation submitted. Value €3m (approx £500k into the area)

Development of Interreg IVC project: Booming Business – looking at how the

economic value of ecosystem services can be integrated in the management

of wetlands. Value €6-7m (approx. £500k into area) Interpretation of CCR project – Value £1m. TDS PfG project Interpretation

of CCR project – submission of RDP NE Cluster application under 3.3 tourism measure

CCR Alive project, interpretation on the move through downloadables and

apps for iphones. Innovation Fund Value £150k

RDP NE Cluster application submitted for a sustainable tourism project

Picture This! Photographic exhibition – a tour of the exhibition around the

geographically area of the Trust and Belfast at various events to showcase the area

E-bulletin produced x 3 highlighting the work of the Trust

Website improvements including picture gallery

Action plan 2009/2010 on target

Development of 3 year Strategy and Business plan from 2010/2011

Communications strategy developed

Development of sustainable tourism initiatives – working with local busi-

nesses, councils and other agencies including site visits for businesses

Review of Trust – ongoing

New graphic designers appointed

Series of consultations responded to – including reform of planning, rural de-

velopment strategy, marine bill, enabling legislation for national parks in

Northern Ireland, etc. Involvement – Coastal and Marine Forum, Northern Ireland Protected Area

Network, biodiversity groups Members of Europarc, Europarc Atlantic Isles and National Association of

AONBs Raising awareness/profile of the Trust’s activities through improved commu-

nications with press – press releases and launches and PR opportunities

Training:

2 members of staff engaged on part time management course and career de-

velopment course

1 Staff member completed ECDL Computer training course.

Attendance of one European Conference on protected areas by Vice-Chair

and Director and a number of national and local seminars on protected areas, communities and sustainable tourism by Directors of the Board and officers

Raising awareness via social networking site facebook for CCGHT and each

AONB Management group.

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TRUST DIRECTOR’S REPORT

The Chair comments on the significance of designation, and in particular, our Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and why

there is a need for these designations. It is not just our protected areas that merit a mention. Under the European

Landscape Convention, all environments have a value and perhaps we should take our lead from the Convention and

start of think about how we value our environment in and around the Causeway Coast and Glens’ area. Perhaps, more

importantly, we should start to think in real economic terms

on what value we put on our environment. During the past year, our resources have been severely tested and, in many

cases, in order to achieve a quick fix to save on resources the environment has suffered. However, I do wonder whether this

short term solution will not undermine the efforts and needs in the long term for this precious landscape and for future

generations who, just like us, rely on our environment; after all it is our heart and the one thing that sustains us. A long-

term vision is needed. Perhaps we should start to look after our environment at its true worth – a precious gem.

So what have we been doing during the past year to help?

You will note the summary of work and achievements within the Annual Report. I am constantly amazed at the work we

have achieved on a limited resource. This work has been

achieved through the dedication of the team and our partners

who support us through various means. We have also looked

at how we deliver and have started to work in an innovative and different way. A very good example of this is through our

student programme, managed by the Heritage Manager. Here students have an opportunity to come to the Trust on

placement and gain experience of working within an environmental organisation on specific projects. This work has

resulted in some very valuable projects, which will benefit a great number of partners. These include a biodiversity audit,

work on the state of the AONB report for the Causeway Coast

AONB, a Junior Ranger project and an investigation on the socio-economic benefits of AONBs.

During the year the Board has considered ways that

fundamentally change our working practices towards

landscape and countryside management, including the

relationship with the coast, marine and seascape. We have

Perhaps we should start to look after our environment at its true worth – a precious gem.

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looked at putting the environment at the heart of everything we do. This resulted in a new Strategy and Business Plan

being developed and adopted in April 2010. We have had to completely change our way of working. Our

priority is the environment; it sits at the heart of everything we deliver. The Strategy and Business Plan sets out how we

will achieve our aim and objectives and meet our strategic priorities over the next 3 years.

We have adopted a corporate mission statement to which we will aspire to achieve in our working activities:

The Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust will: Be well know and in touch with local people, visitors

and interested parties Be respected for its innovative research and projects

Have a close working relationship between a team of informed members and a dedicated staff with clear

goals who enjoy working for the Trust Have an effective operation which makes good use of

core funds and project monies Have sufficient resources to make the big impact on

the Causeway Coast and Glens’ area that is required

Demonstrate sustainable practices

We have cross-cutting guiding principles that set the

objectives: Looking after our heritage

Sustainability

Awareness and understanding

Involving others

Secured financial capabilities

An overarching priority for the Trust is to:

Develop a long-term vision for the Causeway Coast and Glens’ area in

conjunction with key partners and stakeholders to respond to a number of

external impacts including climate change

The past year has very much been focussed on

our future and supporting an evolving, dynamic

and developing environment. Real change is

happening. We have agreed a clear principle that

instead of the Trust working to meet the

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requirements and priorities of our key partners, stakeholders and statutory organisations, we should NOW look at what are

the future priorities and needs for the environment and the Trust’s geographical area as a whole. We need to determine

what is needed and our role in achieving it.

In order to achieve this, the Board made a very courageous

decision to engage two new staff members to help deliver this ambitious Strategy and Business Plan through AONB

management and sustainable development. In November 2009, we welcomed Rachel Bain, AONB Officer and in March

2010 Sarah Irwin joined us to replace Gráinne O’Connor (who had commenced in November 2009, but left in March 2010 for

a position as Environment Officer, closer to her home).

We should celebrate our efforts and indeed we did, with the

celebration of the 20 year anniversary of the designation of the Causeway Coast AONB. The Picture This! photographic

project, supported by funds from the Heritage Lottery Fund, engaged young people with their AONB and through their eyes

a wonderful collection of pictures were gathered and collated into a brilliant publication – Finn’s Gallery. Over 100 children

learnt about their environment, how to take a good photo and, more importantly, enthused them to consider their future

through working within the countryside and perhaps become

future leaders and supporters of the environment. A second project was also undertaken in Binevenagh AONB, with over

100 school children enjoying and engaging with their AONB. Raising awareness and promoting enjoyment are key elements

of our work. Our publications and website continues to play a major role in delivering this. We have been able to use the

photographs taken by the children; they have been able to capture the magical essence of the place, which we have used

to promote to a wider audience.

In July 2009, the AONB family from across the UK came

together at the annual conference, hosted by the Trust and

the National Association of AONB at the University of Ulster,

Coleraine, to celebrate AONBs. This was a real opportunity to

show case the best of the North Coast. The team put together

7 site visits to the 3 AONBs – Antrim Coast and Glens,

Binevenagh and the Causeway Coast. At the end of the

conference, delegates were invited to the World Heritage Site,

the Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast, to celebrate 20

years of the Causeway Coast AONB. Positive feedback was

received, and in particular the comments on how spectacularly

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beautiful the area is, makes it very simple to justify the need to look after the area.

Another major achievement has been the development of Binevenagh AONB management plan. This has been

partnership working at its best! There is a genuine commitment to our landscape by so many different

organisations and individual people. This management plan, along with people’s interest, demonstrates this and clearly

shows that people want to look after their area for the benefit of everyone.

So another busy year has passed. We continue to demonstrate our value for monies and cost effectiveness and

we have achieved this in a very uncertain and changing economic climate. There have been, and continue to be a

number of external impacts, such as the Review of Public Administration, the Review of the Trust and organic changes

such as climate change. During the past year, I think we have managed to consolidate our efforts to look towards the future

more confidently. Even though some might say little was achieved in Copenhagen in December 2009 on climate

change; I see real optimism here. It put the environment, our environment, on the map. There has to be a global vision for

our environment and what we do locally does matter globally.

We need to start valuing our environment and noting its worth. It deserves to be cherished.

I should like to thank the Board, and in particular the team –

Maxime Sizaret, Carole O’Kane, Tierna McAllister, Rachel Bain and Sarah Irwin for all their efforts and commitment to the

Trust and to the Causeway Coast and Glens. They are truly

inspirational in their work and I am grateful and honoured to work with them.

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Finally, I should like to pay tribute to David, or to give him his full title Dr David G Erwin OBE,

our Chair. It was on the back of the vision of

many partners and individuals that the Trust

was conceived. However it has been the sheer drive, leadership and commitment of David that

has raised the Trust as the body that has ‘Championed’ the Causeway Coast and Glens’

area. The Trust has been so lucky to have such

a visionary at its helm over the past 9 years. His tireless efforts have certainly given us the

basis to build on and I hope that David has the confidence in us all to continue his efforts in the

same positive spirit. It has been a real privilege and honour to work with you, David.

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19

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Summary of Work

This section summaries our work during the year. It aligns with each of the objectives identified within the Trust’s annual Action Plan 2009/10:

Objective 1: To develop sustainable and effective partnerships

Hosted the annual conference of the National Association of Areas of Out-

standing Beauty (NAAONB) at the University of Ulster, Coleraine. Seven site

visits were organised in the 3 AONBs to showcase the unique and special character of the AONBs on the North Coast – July 09

The Trust Director was appointed as a Director on the NAAONB, represent-

ing AONBs in Northern Ireland. This is a 3 year appointment – July 09

Amendments to the Memorandum and Articles of Association were made

to allow Chairs of the AONB management groups to become Directors of the Trust’s Board, to improve communications and synergy – AGM June 09

Regular meetings were established with our key partners, including local

authorities, NIEA, NITB and DETI to help improve working relationships

A new in-house CCGHT activity report newsletter was produced aimed at

Directors, advisors and key personnel within our partners’ organisations

The Trust Director and Vice-Chairman attended the Europarc conference in

Sweden, celebrating 100 years of national parks in Europe

The Trust continues to play an active role in a number of forums and net-works regionally, nationally and further afield, including the Coastal and Ma-

rine Forum, Northern Ireland Protected Area Network and the World Heritage Site management group

Objective 2: To raise awareness of the unique and special qualities/

character of the 3 AONBs and their surrounding area Further website improvements have taken place throughout the year in-

cluding new social networks being set up on Facebook for each of the AONBs

and a picture gallery

E-bulletins have been established and electronically circulated to a wide

audience informing them of the activities of the Trust and the AONBs. A minimum of 4 e-bulletins were produced during the year

The Trust successfully undertook two Picture This! photographic projects

during the year – one in the Binevenagh AONB and the other to celebrate 20

years of the designation of the Causeway Coast AONB (this project was part funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund). Over 300 school children participated

in workshops and site visits and helped raised the profile of both AONBs through their pictures. An exhibition of the images toured in and around the

AONBs and included schools, libraries, civic centres, tourism information cen-tres and council offices. The exhibition even promoted the AONBs at an event

hosted by HLF in Belfast. Promotional materials have been produced, used and distributed

Three AONB newsletters were produced during the year – one for each

AONB. A special edition of the Causeway Coast AONB newsletter was pro-

duced to celebrate the Picture This! project and the 20 year anniversary

20

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Summary of Work

A number of events were held during the year to celebrate 20 years of the

designation of the Causeway Coast AONB

A Picture This! calendar was produced for the Antrim Coast & Glens AONB

for 2010

The Birds of Binevenagh guidebook was published and launch

A small school competition to name the Binevenagh AONB management

plan was held

An application for an industrial heritage trail project was submitted to the

NE RDP under measure 3.6

The profile of the Trust and its activities have been raised during the year

with improved communications with the press through press releases, launches and PR opportunities

Objective 3: To deliver an excellent protected area management pro-vision for the CCGHT geographic area

A biodiversity audit was undertaken, which helped to identify key indica-

tors to measure biodiversity, create good working relationships with partners,

signposted available data through a web based publication and allowed the data to be used as a tool for biodiversity assessment under Article 6 of the

European Habitats Directive – June 09

The profile of the AONBs was considered by investigating different con-

cepts to help aid their management. This included looking at developing a Biosphere Reserve Management concept into a project to work across the 3

AONBs. An INTEREG IVA project application – One Environment One Future was submitted in July 09. This partnership project involved the Loughs

Agency, RoI and South Ayrshire Planning Unit, Scotland

The three AONB management groups continue to flourish. This year there

was a real change in direction with all three AONBs now having a manage-ment plan in situ. The management groups met on a regular basis through-

out the year

Funding applications have been made to a number of funding sources to

look at supporting an officer to undertaken a review of both the Causeway

Coast AONB and the Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast World Heritage Site management plans

An AONB officer was engaged by the Trust to carry out AONB management

for all 3 AONBs. The officer took up her duties in November 09

A series of consultations have been responded to during the year, these in-clude the reform of planning, rural development strategy, marine bill, ena-

bling legislation for national park in Northern Ireland and the Tourism Master-plan review

Antrim Coast & Glens AONB

Implementation of Year 2 of the management plan was co-ordinated and

delivered. Progress reports were received throughout the year

As part of the management plan an application was made to HLF for the

development of a 5 year project under the Landscape Partnership Scheme

that looked at conserving and enhancing the heritage and landscape value of

21

.

Summary of Work

the Antrim Coast & Glens. The Heart of the Glens project was submitted to HLF in November 09

Binevenagh AONB

The significant part of the year was taken up with developing and producing

a management plan for the AONB. This involved extensive community en-

gagement and consultation. A consultant – Craggatak was engaged to carry out this important piece of work and with the Trust ensured real ownership of

the process. The finish product was delivered on time and made available on

the Trust’s website in March 09

A State of the AONB Report was produced

Causeway Coast AONB

An application for funding was made to NIEA for the review of the manage-

ment plan and to engage an AONB officer. Upon further discussions, it was

agreed that the potential AONB officer post should amalgamated with the work on the World Heritage Site and a joint application was made to various funding

sources

A State of the AONB Report was drafted by a student that looked at the cur-

rent baseline information available and developing indicators for monitoring. This work was undertaken by a student during the summer 09

Objective 4: To ensure best practice in sustainable development prin-

ciples throughout CCGHT geographical area

The Trust has been working closely with its partners, including the councils,

RSPB, CAAN and the National Trust to submit and TDS Programme for Govern-

ment application to NITB to develop an enhance visitor experience along the Causeway Coastal Route. The project looks at an integrated and innovative

approach to interpretation on a number of key sites to achieve the aim of the Tourism Masterplan to offer the visitor a ‘world class’ experience. The applica-

tion was submitted in February 09 and further applications being submitted to the North East RDP in September 09. The project is progressing

The Trust was awarded Candidate Park Status for the European Sustainable

Tourism Charter in Protected Areas in June 09. A pilot scheme is being devel-

oped that looks at working with local businesses and communities to support the socio-economic well being of the area through promoting local produce

and products and supporting the sustainable development of the AONBs.

A Sustainable Development Officer (Tourism) was engaged in November

2009 to support the Trust in its activities in sustainable development practices

An application for funding for an innovative, interactive downloadable interpre-

tation project – CCR Alive, was submitted to the Innovation Fund, adminis-tered by NITB, in November 09. This project looked at developing download-

able interpretation materials to Apps and website that would match the quality

and experience for visitors to the Causeway Coastal Route

22

.

Summary of Work

Objective 5: To deliver a sustainable, efficient and effective core activ-ity/management for CCGHT

The Trust engaged two new members of staff during the year – an AONB

Officer and a Sustainable Development Officer (Tourism) to help support the

activities of the Trust would the implementation of the Strategy and Business Plan

Following the amendment to the Memorandum and Articles of Association

at the AGM in June 09 to allow for the engagement of an independent Chair, a

steering group was set up involving three Directors of the Trust and the Trust

Director in September 09 to progress the matter

Core funding was secured from the councils and NIEA with Year 2 of the

Service Level Agreement with NITB being implemented during the year

The Trust met bi-monthly throughout the year

The Trust commenced work on developing a three-year Strategy and Busi-

ness Plan, including a three-year communications strategy. A framework and

core issues were identified and objectives set alongside a number of external factors including the Review of the Trust and the Review of Public Administra-

tion

New graphic designers were appointed to undertaken the design work of

the Trust

Two members of staff have been engaged on part time

management and career development courses

A number of national and local seminars on protected ar-

eas, communities and sustainable tourism have been at-tended by Board Directors and officers

A student programme was developed to

work with the universities to support a number

of students on placement. The work under-taken by the students during the year in-

cluded:

Biodiversity audit of the AONBs

State of the AONB Report for the Causeway Coast AONB

Junior Ranger project

Socio-economic value of AONBs

23

A C C O U N T S

2 0 0 9 - 2 0 1 0

COMPANY NUMBER NI 43293

CAUSEWAY COAST & GLENS HERITAGE TRUST LTDCOMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE AND NOT HAVING A SHARE

DIRECTORS' REPORT AND FINANCIALSTATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2010

IRWIN DONAGHEY STOCKMAN LLPCHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

23 - 25 QUEEN STREETCOLERAINE

CO LONDONDERRYBT52 1BG

CAUSEWAY COAST & GLENS HERITAGE TRUST LTD

Contents

Pages

Company Information 1

Directors' report 2 - 3

Auditors' report 4 - 5

Profit and loss account 6

Balance sheet 7

Notes to the financial statements 8 - 10

The following pages do not form part of the statutory financial statements

Detailed Trading Profit and Loss Account 12 - 13


Page 1

COMPANY INFORMATIONAS AT 31 MARCH 2010

DIRECTORS David ErwinPatrick McBrideNorman HillisRoy CraigGraham ThompsonHubert NichollAnn McNickleBernadette DelargyShirley OrrGeoffrey NuttallHeather ThompsonCathal O'HoisinAlan Wilson - Appointed May 2009Oliver McMullan - Resigned January 2010Cathal Newcombe - Appointed February 2010

SECRETARY Helen Noble

AUDITORS Irwin Donaghey Stockman LLP23 - 25 Queen StreetColeraineCo LondonderryBT52 1BG

BANKERS Northern Bank6 High StreetBallymoneyCo AntrimBT53 6AD

CAUSEWAY COAST & GLENS HERITAGE TRUST LTDDIRECTORS' REPORTFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2010

Page 2

The directors present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2010.

Principal activityThe principal activities of the company are co-ordination of tourism development andenvironmental management within the Causeway Coast and Antrim Glens areas.

DirectorsThe directors who served during the year are as stated below:

David Erwin Hubert Nicholl Heather ThompsonPatrick McBride Ann McNickle Cathal O'HoisinNorman Hillis Bernadette Delargy Alan Wilson - Appointed May 2009Roy Craig Shirley Orr Oliver McMullan - Resigned January 2010Graham Thompson Geoffrey Nuttall Cathal Newcombe - Appointed February 2010

Directors' responsibilitiesThe directors are responsible for preparing the financial statements in accordance with applicablelaw and regulations.

Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Underthat law the directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with UnitedKingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards andapplicable law). The financial statements are required by law to give a true and fair view of thestate of the affairs of the company and of the profit or loss of the company for that year. Inpreparing these financial statements the directors are required to:

- select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to

presume that the company will continue in business.

The directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose withreasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and to enable them toensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are alsoresponsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps forthe prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The directors of a company must, in determining how amounts are presented within items in theprofit and loss account and balance sheet, have regard to the substance of the reportedtransaction or arrangement, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles andpractice.

In so far as the directors are aware:- there is no relevant audit information (information needed by the company's auditors in

connection with preparing their report) of which the company's auditors are unaware, and

- the directors have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves awareof any relevant audit information and to establish that the company's auditors are aware ofthat information.

CAUSEWAY COAST & GLENS HERITAGE TRUST LTDDIRECTORS' REPORTFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2010

Page 3

AuditorsIrwin Donaghey Stockman LLP are deemed to be reappointed in accordance with Section 487(2)of the Companies Act 2006.

This report is prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act2006 relating to small companies.

This report was approved by the Board on 29 June 2010 and signed on its behalf by

Helen NobleSecretary


Page 4

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS

We have audited the financial statements of CAUSEWAY COAST & GLENS HERITAGE TRUST LTDfor the year ended 31 March 2010 which comprise the profit and loss account, the balancesheet and the related notes. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in theirpreparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Standards.

This report is made solely to the company's members, as a body, in accordance with Section495 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state tothe company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors' reportand for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assumeresponsibility to anyone other than the company and the company's members as a body, forour audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Respective responsibilities of directors and the auditorsThe directors' responsibilities for preparing the financial statements in accordance withapplicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally AcceptedAccounting Practice) are set out in the statement of directors' responsibilities.

Our responsibility is to audit the financial statements in accordance with relevant legal andregulatory requirements and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Thosestandards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board's Ethical Standards forAuditors.

We read the directors' report and consider the implications for our report if we become aware ofany apparent misstatement within it.

Scope of the auditAn audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financialstatements sufficient to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free frommaterial misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. This includes an assessment ofwhether the accounting policies are appropriate to the company's circumstances and have beenconsistently applied and adequately disclosed; the reasonableness of the significant accountingestimates made by the director; and the overall presentation of the financial statements.


Page 5

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS (CONTINUED)

OpinionIn our opinion the financial statements:

- give a true and fair view of the state of the company's affairs as at 31 March 2010 andof its profit for the year then ended;

- have been properly prepared in accordance with the requirements of the CompaniesAct 2006; and

- have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally AcceptedAccounting Practice.

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion the information given in the Directors' Report for the financial year for which thefinancial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matter where the Companies Act 2006requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

- adequate accounting records have not been kept, or that returns adequate for ouraudit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or

- the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records andreturns; or

- certain disclosures of directors remuneration specified by law are not made: or- we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

Ian Donaghey (Senior Statutory Auditor)For and on behalf of Irwin Donaghey Stockman LLP, Statutory Auditor


The notes on pages 8 to 10 form an integral part of these financial statements.

Page 6

PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNTFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2010

2010 2009

Notes £ £

Turnover 2 248,844 239,447

Distribution costs )(58,657 )(74,886Administrative expenses )(194,199 )(162,678

Operating profit 3 )(4,012 1,883

Other interest receivable and similar income 1,036 5,587

(Loss)/Profit on ordinary activities before taxation )(2,976 7,470

Tax on profit on ordinary activities 5 )(217 )(1,173

(Loss)/Profit on ordinary activities after taxation )(3,193 6,297

(Loss)/Profit for the year )(3,193 6,297

There are no recognised gains or losses other than the profit or loss for the above two financialyears.


The notes on pages 8 to 10 form an integral part of these financial statements.

Page 7

BALANCE SHEETAS AT 31 MARCH 2010

2010 2009Notes £ £

FIXED ASSETSTangible assets 6 20,926 16,476

CURRENT ASSETSDebtors 7 151 20,066Cash at bank and in hand 181,702 168,753

181,853 188,819

CREDITORS: amounts falling due within one year 8 )(9,882 )(9,205

NET CURRENT ASSETS 171,971 179,614

TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 192,897 196,090

CAPITAL AND RESERVESProfit and loss account 192,897 196,090

FUNDS 9 192,897 196,090

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

The financial statements were approved by the Board on 29 June 2010 and signed on its behalfby

Roy Craig Bernadette Delargy


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2010

Page 8

1. Accounting policies

1.1. Accounting conventionThe financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention and complywith financial reporting standards of the Accounting Standards Board.

1.2. Turnover Turnover represents the income receivable during the year.

1.3. Tangible fixed assets and depreciationDepreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost lessresidual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:

Fixtures, fittings & equipment - 20% Reducing Balance

2. TurnoverThe total turnover of the company for the year has been derived from its principalactivity wholly undertaken in the UK.

3. Operating profit 2010 2009£ £

Operating profit is stated after charging:Depreciation and other amounts written off tangible assets 5,231 4,119Auditors' remuneration (Note 4) 1,725 1,763

4. Auditors' remuneration2010 2009

£ £

Auditors' remuneration - audit of the financial statements 1,725 1,763

5. Tax on profit on ordinary activities

Analysis of charge in period 2010 2009£ £

Current taxUK corporation tax )(6 378UK income tax 223 795

Total current tax charge 217 1,173



Page 9

Fixtures,6. Tangible fixed assets fittings &

equipment Total£ £

CostAt 1 April 2009 51,516 51,516Additions 9,681 9,681

At 31 March 2010 61,197 61,197

DepreciationAt 1 April 2009 35,040 35,040Charge for the year 5,231 5,231

At 31 March 2010 40,271 40,271

Net book valuesAt 31 March 2010 20,926 20,926

At 31 March 2009 16,476 16,476

7. Debtors 2010 2009£ £

Other debtors 6 -Prepayments and accrued income 145 20,066

151 20,066

8. Creditors: amounts falling due 2010 2009within one year £ £

Bank overdraft 5 40Corporation tax - 378Other creditors 368 -Accruals and deferred income 9,509 8,787

9,882 9,205



Page 10

9. Reconciliation of movements in funds 2010 2009£ £

(Loss)/Profit for the year )(3,193 6,297Opening funds 196,090 189,793

Closing funds 192,897 196,090


Page 11

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The additional information has been prepared from the accounting records of the company. While it does not form part of the statutory financial statements, it should be read inconjunction with them and the auditors' report thereon.

CAUSEWAY COAST & GLENS HERITAGETRUST LTD

DETAILED TRADING PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNTFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2010

2010 2009£ £

Page 12

INCOMEBallymoney Borough Council - 6,129Coleraine Borough Council 11,200 11,273Moyle District Council 11,622 11,284Larne Borough Council 11,622 11,284Limavady Borough Council 11,285 11,284Ballymena Borough Council 11,000 11,284NIEA 111,074 67,566South Ayrshire Council 180 -Other income 759 -

168,742 130,104

PROJECT INCOMENIEA 24,442 69,343NITB 40,000 40,000HLF - Picture This 15,660 -

64,442 109,343

TOTAL INCOME 233,184 239,447

PROJECT EXPENSES

EHS - Raising Awareness - 42,009AC - Management Plan - 3,691Binevenagh Management Plan 18,696 18,058CCAONB - 9,368AC & G - Picture This - 1,760ENE Project 2,651 -Heart of the Glens Project 4,109 -HLF - Picture This 17,132 -Student Placements 3,450 -NIEA 12,619 -

58,657 74,886

CAUSEWAY COAST & GLENS HERITAGETRUST LTD

DETAILED TRADING PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNTFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2010

2010 2009£ £

Page 13

ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSESWages and salaries 138,280 117,761Training and conferences 2,006 1,387Recruitment 5,770 934Rent payable 4,129 4,250Rates 1,018 901Catering and hospitality 3,976 2,493Insurance 1,025 522Light and heat 1,887 1,986Cleaning 361 347Repairs and maintenance 3,422 3,686Printing, postage and stationery 4,135 4,049Distribution 2,520 3,834PR/Marketing 786 670Telephone, fax and internet 4,287 3,808Hire of equipment 1,720 1,540Motor running expenses 8,147 7,094Travelling and subsistence 907 -Payroll Bureau 610 576Audit 1,725 1,763Bank charges 529 89Sundry expenses 1,728 869Depreciation on tangible assets 5,231 4,119

194,199 162,678

OPERATING (LOSS)/PROFIT )(4,012 1,883

INTEREST RECEIVABLEBank deposit interest 1,036 5,562Other interest - 25

1,036 5,587

NET (LOSS)/PROFIT FOR THE YEAR )(2,976 7,470

24

is grateful for support from the following organisations:

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Cllr Oliver McMullan resigned from the Cause-

way Coast & Glens Heritage Trust in January 2010. Oliver had served as a Director on the

Trust since its inauguration in May 2002. The Staff and Board of Directors of the Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust would like to take this oppor-

tunity to thank Moyle District Councillor Oliver McMullan for his support and loyalty over the last

8 years and we hope that he will continue to serve as an ambassador for the area and for the work of the Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust.

25

“to promote

environmental

management and

sustainable

tourism which aims to

protect and

enhance the unique

heritage of the Cause-

way Coast and Glens

area”

Photographic credits:

Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust

Picture This! Schools photography projects

Documents

ust ccounts 0 - CCGHTccght.org/publications/Reports/Annual_Report_2009-2010.pdf · Sandi Howie NI Environment Agency Christine Butler/ Bryan Irvine DARD Countryside Management Branch