Privacy Policy

Last Updated: January 2026

1. Introduction

Wild Manchester ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

By using our website (wildmanchester.co.uk), you consent to the collection and use of information as described in this policy.

2. Who We Are

Website: wildmanchester.co.uk
Contact: Via our contact page

Wild Manchester is a non-commercial educational website focused on foraging, nature connection, wild camping, and self-sufficiency in the Manchester area.

3. Information We Collect

3.1 Information You Provide Directly

We may collect personal information when you:

• Contact us via our contact form: Name, email address, and message content
• Subscribe to our newsletter (if applicable): Name and email address
• Make a donation: Information processed by third-party payment providers (see Section 5)

3.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

• Technical information: IP address, browser type and version, operating system, time zone setting
• Usage information: Pages visited, time spent on pages, links clicked, referring website
• Device information: Device type, screen resolution, unique device identifiers

This information is collected through cookies and similar tracking technologies (see Section 6).

3.3 Information We Do NOT Collect

We do not:

• Collect sensitive personal data (e.g., health information, political opinions, religious beliefs)
• Knowingly collect information from children under 13
• Sell or rent your personal information to third parties

4. How We Use Your Information

4.1 Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data under the following lawful bases:

• Consent: You have given clear consent for us to process your data for specific purposes
• Legitimate interests: Processing is necessary for our legitimate interests (e.g., improving our website, preventing fraud)

4.2 Purposes of Processing

We use your information to:

• Respond to your enquiries and contact form submissions
• Send newsletters or updates (only if you have opted in)
• Improve our website content and user experience
• Monitor and analyse website usage and trends
• Detect and prevent technical problems or fraudulent activity
• Comply with legal obligations

5. Third-Party Services

5.1 Website Hosting

Our website is hosted by Unlimited Hosting. They may have access to server logs containing IP addresses and basic usage data. Their privacy policy can be found at https://www.unlimitedwebhosting.co.uk/terms/privacy-policy.

5.2 Contact Forms

Contact form submissions are processed through [e.g., WordPress Contact Form 7 / your email provider]. Messages are sent to our email address and stored securely.

5.3 Donation Processing

Donations are processed through Buy Me a Coffee (buymeacoffee.com). We do not receive or store your payment card details. Buy Me a Coffee's privacy policy can be found at: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/privacy

5.4 Analytics (If Applicable)

We may use analytics services such as Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our website. These services use cookies and collect anonymized data. You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

5.5 Social Media

We may include links to our social media pages (Instagram, Facebook). If you interact with these platforms, your data will be governed by their respective privacy policies.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

6.1 What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help websites remember your preferences and improve functionality.

6.2 Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for the website to function properly (e.g., maintaining your session)
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our website (if analytics are enabled)
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings

6.3 Managing Cookies

You can control and delete cookies through your browser settings. Please note that disabling cookies may affect website functionality. For guidance, visit:

• Google Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox
• Safari
• Microsoft Edge

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this policy:

• Contact form submissions: Retained for up to 2 years, then deleted unless ongoing correspondence requires longer retention
• Newsletter subscriptions: Retained until you unsubscribe
• Website logs and analytics: Typically retained for 12-26 months depending on the service provider

8. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data, including:

• Secure HTTPS encryption for data transmission
• Regular security updates and patches
• Access controls limiting who can view personal data
• Secure email communications

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your data, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

9. Your Rights Under UK GDPR

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

9.1 Right of Access

You have the right to request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.

9.2 Right to Rectification

You can request that we correct any inaccurate or incomplete personal data.

9.3 Right to Erasure ("Right to be Forgotten")

You can request that we delete your personal data in certain circumstances.

9.4 Right to Restrict Processing

You can request that we limit how we use your personal data.

9.5 Right to Data Portability

You can request a copy of your data in a structured, machine-readable format.

9.6 Right to Object

You can object to our processing of your personal data in certain circumstances.

9.7 Right to Withdraw Consent

Where processing is based on consent, you can withdraw consent at any time.

9.8 How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us via our contact page. We will respond within one month of receiving your request.

10. International Data Transfers

Your data may be transferred to and stored on servers located outside the UK/EEA (e.g., if our hosting provider uses international servers). When this occurs, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with UK GDPR requirements.

11. Children's Privacy

Our website is not directed at children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child, please contact us immediately so we can delete it.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The "Last Updated" date at the top of this page indicates when the policy was last revised. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

13. Your Right to Complain

If you are unhappy with how we have handled your personal data, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):

Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF

Website: https://ico.org.uk
Helpline: 0303 123 1113

14. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or how we handle your personal data, please contact us through our contact page.