Cookie Policy

Last updated: September 4, 2026

Cookies are small files stored on your device when you visit a website. This site uses cookies to keep it functioning correctly, to understand how it is used, and to serve advertising. This policy explains what cookies are set, why, and how to control them.

1. What Are Cookies

A cookie is a small text file that a website places on your device when you visit it. Some cookies are session cookies that are deleted automatically when you close your browser. Others are persistent cookies that remain on your device until they expire or you delete them manually.

Cookies can be first-party (set by this site directly) or third-party (set by external services embedded on this site, such as Google Analytics or an advertising network). Both types are used on this site.

2. Cookies This Site Uses

2.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are required for the site to work. Without them, core functions including the contact form and site security features will not operate correctly. They do not collect personal data for tracking or advertising purposes.

WordPress sets the following strictly necessary cookies:

  • wordpress_*: Stores login authentication data for admin users only. Not set for general visitors.
  • wordpress_logged_in_*: Indicates whether the current user is logged in. Admin users only.
  • wp-settings-*: Stores interface preferences for logged-in admin users.
  • comment_author_*: Remembers comment author details if commenting is enabled.
  • PHPSESSID: A session identifier set by the PHP server. Deleted when the browser is closed.

These cookies cannot be disabled without affecting site functionality.

2.2 Analytics Cookies

This site uses Google Analytics 4 to understand how visitors use it. Analytics cookies collect anonymised, aggregated data including which pages are visited, how long visitors stay, and what device and browser type they use. No personally identifiable information is collected through these cookies.

Google Analytics 4 sets the following cookies:

  • _ga: Distinguishes unique users. Duration: 2 years.
  • _gid: Distinguishes unique users. Duration: 24 hours.
  • _ga_XXXXXXX: Stores session state specific to the GA4 property. Duration: 2 years.

2.3 Advertising Cookies

This site displays advertisements served by Google AdSense and, where applicable, Mediavine. These advertising networks set third-party cookies to deliver ads that may be relevant to your interests based on your browsing activity across websites.

These cookies may be used to build an interest profile over time. This is known as interest-based or behavioural advertising. It is subject to consent requirements under GDPR for visitors in the European Economic Area and United Kingdom.

Google AdSense cookies include those associated with the DoubleClick advertising platform. A full list of Google advertising cookies is available at https://policies.google.com/technologies/cookies.

If and when this site is approved by Mediavine, their full cookie list and IAB Transparency and Consent Framework disclosures will be added to this section. Mediavine participates in the IAB TCF, which governs how consent for advertising cookies is collected and managed.

2.4 Preference Cookies

If a cookie consent plugin is installed on this site, it will set a preference cookie to remember that you have already responded to the consent notice. This prevents the banner from appearing on every page visit. The cookie does not collect personal data. It stores only your consent preference.

3. Third-Party Cookies and Services

3.1 Google (Analytics and Advertising)

Google’s use of cookies on this site is governed by Google’s privacy policy, available at https://policies.google.com/privacy.

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

You can adjust your Google advertising preferences or opt out of personalised ads at https://www.google.com/settings/ads.

3.2 Mediavine (Advertising)

This section applies once this site is approved by and connected to the Mediavine publisher network.

Mediavine participates in the IAB Transparency and Consent Framework (IAB TCF). When active, their consent management tool will appear on this site to allow visitors to set their advertising cookie preferences in line with GDPR requirements.

Mediavine’s full privacy policy is at https://www.mediavine.com/privacy-policy/. Their opt-out page for interest-based advertising is at https://www.mediavine.com/ad-opt-out/.

Until Mediavine is active, this section is a placeholder. This cookie policy will be updated when onboarding is complete.

4. Managing and Refusing Cookies

4.1 Browser Settings

You can control, restrict, or delete cookies through your browser settings. The following links take you to the cookie management pages for common browsers:

  • Google Chrome: https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95647
  • Mozilla Firefox: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/cookies-information-websites-store-on-your-computer

Refusing all cookies may affect how parts of this site function. Strictly necessary cookies cannot be blocked without disrupting the site.

3.2 Mediavine (Advertising)

This section applies once this site is approved by and connected to the Mediavine publisher network.

Mediavine participates in the IAB Transparency and Consent Framework (IAB TCF). When active, their consent management tool will appear on this site to allow visitors to set their advertising cookie preferences in line with GDPR requirements.

Mediavine’s full privacy policy is at https://www.mediavine.com/privacy-policy/. Their opt-out page for interest-based advertising is at https://www.mediavine.com/ad-opt-out/.

Until Mediavine is active, this section is a placeholder. This cookie policy will be updated when onboarding is complete.