1. What cookies are
A cookie is a small text file that a website places on your device so it can recognise your browser on later requests. Local storage is a related browser feature that stores small pieces of data without sending them to the server with every request. Both are covered by the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 in the United Kingdom, which require us to obtain your consent before using any cookie or storage that is not strictly necessary for the site to work. This policy uses "cookie" to cover both.
2. How consent works on this site
When you first visit, a banner at the bottom of the page offers three choices. "Accept All" allows every category below. "Reject Non-Essential" allows only the essential category. "Preferences" opens a panel where you can allow analytics and functional cookies separately and save your selection. Your choice is stored under the essential key described in the table so that the banner does not reappear on every page. To change your choice later, clear the site's data in your browser and the banner will show again on your next visit.
3. The cookies we use
| Category | Name or type | Purpose | Duration | Set when |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | bzz-cookie-choice (local storage) | Remembers whether you accepted, rejected or customised cookie categories so the banner is not shown on every page. | Until you clear your browser storage | When you make a choice in the banner |
| Essential | Hosting and security cookies | Set by our hosting provider to route requests, balance load and protect the site from abuse. | Session, or up to twelve months | On first request, as strictly necessary |
| Analytics | Page-view measurement cookies | Record which guides are read, how visitors arrive and how long pages are viewed, in aggregated form, so we can see which topics are useful. Identifiers are pseudonymous and are not combined with contact-form data. | Up to twenty-six months | Only after you accept analytics cookies |
| Functional | Preference cookies | Remember display preferences you set while using the site so they persist between pages. | Up to twelve months | Only after you accept functional cookies |
Analytics data, where collected, is used only to understand readership in aggregate and is not used for advertising or profiling. We do not use advertising or tracking cookies of any kind, and we do not allow third parties to set cookies for their own purposes.
4. Controlling cookies in your browser
All modern browsers let you view, block and delete cookies and site data. Blocking essential storage may mean the cookie banner appears on every page. The controls are found here:
- Chrome: Settings, then Privacy and security, then Third-party cookies and Site settings; individual sites can be cleared under "See all site data and permissions".
- Firefox: Settings, then Privacy & Security, under Cookies and Site Data; "Manage Data" lists sites individually.
- Safari (Mac): Settings, then Privacy, then Manage Website Data. On iPhone and iPad, Settings, then Safari, then Advanced, then Website Data.
- Edge: Settings, then Cookies and site permissions, then Manage and delete cookies and site data.
Most browsers also offer a private or incognito mode that discards cookies when the window closes, and many support a "Do Not Track" or Global Privacy Control signal. Where our analytics provider honours such signals we pass them on.
5. Changes to this policy
If we add or remove a cookie, change a provider or change a retention period, we will update the table above. Material changes will be noted on the home page for a reasonable period, and where a new non-essential category is introduced we will ask for your consent again.
6. Contact
Questions about cookies or this policy can be sent to [email protected] or by post to Kestrel Row Publishing Ltd, Third Floor, Tallow Yard, 27 Fennick Street, Ancoats, Manchester M4 6HR, United Kingdom. Our privacy policy explains how we handle personal data more generally.