Public Website Cookie Policy
The Gardeners Guild ("we", "us") uses cookies and similar storage technologies on www.thegardenersguild.co.uk to improve your browsing experience, analyze our website traffic, and understand where our visitors come from.
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your computer, tablet, or mobile phone by websites that you visit. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, remember your preferences, or provide web analytics to the site owners.
How We Use Cookies
We categorize the cookies on our website into two distinct types:Strictly Necessary Cookies: These are required for the basic operation of our website. They manage your logged-in session for the Member Portal, maintain site security, and remember your cookie consent preferences. The website cannot function correctly without them, so they do not require your prior consent.
Performance & Analytics Cookies:
We use Google Analytics to collect information about how visitors interact with our website (e.g., page views, time spent on site, and popular content). This helps us improve our services and layout. These cookies are only set if you explicitly grant permission.
Managing Your Preferences
We respect your privacy. Optional analytics cookies will not be set on your device unless you actively choose to accept them.You can change your mind or adjust your preferences at any time by clicking the "Manage Cookie Settings" link below. This will re-open our cookie banner, allowing you to switch between "Accept All" or "Necessary Only."
Cookies Used on Our Website
| Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Type | Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHPSESSID | Website | Keeps track of your current browsing session and secure login state in the member area. | Necessary | Session |
| cookie_consent | Website | Stores your chosen consent preferences so the banner does not reappear on every page visit. | Necessary | 1 Year |
| _ga | Google Analytics | Distinguishes unique website visitors for traffic and statistical reports. | Analytics | 2 Years |
| _ga_* | Google Analytics | Maintains anonymous user session state during your visit. | Analytics | 2 Years |
Third-Party Opt-Outs
While you should manage your preferences directly through our website's cookie banner, you can also opt out of Google Analytics tracking across all websites globally by installing a browser add-on provided by Google:
Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout
