Free The Bears UK
Also known as: Free the Bears - UK Branch
Free the Bears works to end the exploitation of threatened bear species and supports the protection of bears in the wild. We work with governments and nongovernmental partners to strengthen wildlife law enforcement, improve environmental awareness and promote sustainable livelihoods for communities that previously relied on the exploitation of bears.
Activities & Mission
Free the Bears works to end the exploitation of threatened bear species and supports the protection of bears in the wild. We work with governments and nongovernmental partners to strengthen wildlife law enforcement, improve environmental awareness and promote sustainable livelihoods for communities that previously relied on the exploitation of bears.
Areas of Operation
Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.
Financial Information
Financial Efficiency
Higher than 63% of UK Environment charities with income £100K to £1M (sample: 219). How is this calculated?
Higher than 61% of UK Environment charities with income £100K to £1M. How is this calculated?
Lower overhead than 90% of UK Environment charities with income £100K to £1M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?
Latest Financial Breakdown
Income Sources
Expenditure Categories
Financial Trend
Annual Returns
As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2024.
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | £567,137 | £545,621 | £542,664 | £148,076 | £126,579 | 0 / 3 |
| 2023 | £543,797 | £497,994 | £495,840 | £126,560 | £50,000 | 0 / 1 |
| 2022 | £326,301 | £516,457 | 0 / 3 | |||
| 2022 | £297,369 | £282,993 | 0 / 1 | |||
| 2021 | £369,305 | £117,116 | 0 / 3 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about Free The Bears UK
What does Free The Bears UK do?
Free the Bears works to end the exploitation of threatened bear species and supports the protection of bears in the wild. We work with governments and nongovernmental partners to strengthen wildlife law enforcement, improve environmental awareness and promote sustainable livelihoods for communities that previously relied on the exploitation of bears.
How much income did Free The Bears UK report in 2024?
Free The Bears UK reported total income of £567k and reported expenditure of £546k for the financial year ending 2024, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
How efficient is Free The Bears UK?
Free The Bears UK has a program ratio of 95.7%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 63% of UK Environment charities with income £100K to £1M (sample of 219 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.
When was Free The Bears UK registered as a charity?
Free The Bears UK was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 27 April 2010 as charity number 1135682. It has been registered for 16 years.
Who runs Free The Bears UK?
Free The Bears UK is governed by a board of 5 trustees. The chair of trustees is Jon Cracknell. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does Free The Bears UK operate?
Free The Bears UK operates across 3 areas: Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.
Is Free The Bears UK a registered charity?
Yes — Free The Bears UK is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 1135682.
Details
South Benfleet
Essex
SS7 5SU
Registry Information
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Major UK charities in the same primary sector, drawn from the curated priority cohort.
Trustees
Also governs 1 other charity
Also governs 1 other charity
Sectors & Classifications
Also Known As
- Free the Bears - UK Branch
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 14 May 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated