Cookies are small files that allow a website to recognise and track users. The ICO groups them into three overlapping groups:

Session cookies – These are files that allow a site to link the actions of a visitor during a single browser session. These might be used by an internet bank or webmail service. They are not stored long term and are considered “less privacy intrusive” than persistent cookies.

Persistent cookies – These remain on the user’s device between sessions and allow one or several sites to remember details about the visitor. They may be used by marketers to target advertising or to avoid the user having to provide a password each visit.

First and third-party cookies – A cookie is classed as being first-party if it is set by the site being visited. It might be used to study how people navigate a site and to improve the visitors’ experience. It is classed as third-party if it is issued by a different server to that of the domain being visited. It could be used to trigger a banner advert based on the
visitor’s viewing habits.

We only use cookies to enhance your visit to the website or to retain information for future visits. No third party cookies are used on the website. You can set your browser to refuse all cookies or to indicate when a cookie is being sent, however some website features or services may not function properly without cookies.

We use a cookie consent management platform provided by Cookie Script to manage user consent for cookies on this website.

Cookie Script allows visitors to accept or reject non-essential cookies, such as analytics and functionality cookies, and to change their preferences at any time. The tool itself may place a strictly necessary cookie to remember your consent choices.

Essential cookies are technical cookies that are required for the operation of this website. Without essential cookies our sites can’t operate properly. Essential cookies include, for example, cookies that enable you to log into secure areas.

Performance and analytics cookies allow us to recognise and count the number of visitors to our website and to see how visitors move around it. This information helps us improve the way our website works by ensuring content is easy to find and relevant to users.

We use services provided by Google, including Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager, to collect this information. Analytics cookies are only placed after you have given your consent via our cookie banner.

The data collected through these cookies is aggregated and anonymised where possible and does not directly identify individual users.

You can find out how Google uses data from sites that use its services here:
https://policies.google.com/technologies/partner-sites

You can opt out of Google Analytics tracking by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout

We use embedded mapping services to display location-based information on our website.

Interactive maps are provided by Google (Google Maps) and OpenStreetMap.

Google Maps may set cookies or use similar technologies when a map is loaded, which may collect information about your interaction with the map. These cookies are only activated after you have given your consent via our cookie banner.

OpenStreetMap is an open-source mapping service that does not typically set tracking cookies. However, map tiles may be loaded from third-party servers in order to display the map correctly.

You can manage your cookie preferences at any time through the cookie settings available on our website.

You can also control cookies through your browser settings. For more information about cookies, including how to manage or delete them, please visit: https://www.aboutcookies.org

For guidance on cookie compliance and user consent requirements, please visit the Information Commissioner’s Office website: https://ico.org.uk

This Cookies Policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy, which explains how we handle personal data more generally.