Cookie Policy (WordPress & Google Analytics)
How we use cookies
We use strictly necessary cookies to make the site work, functional cookies for preferences (e.g., remembering a commenter’s details), and analytics cookies (Google Analytics 4) only with your consent.
You can change your settings any time via Manage cookies (bottom left).
Note: Browsers may shorten cookie lifetimes; actual durations can vary by browser.
Cookies set by WordPress (first-party)
These may appear depending on whether logins, comments, or password-protected posts are enabled.
| Name | Purpose | Category | Default duration |
|---|---|---|---|
wordpress_test_cookie |
Checks if the browser accepts cookies | Strictly necessary | Session |
wordpress_[hash] |
Stores authentication details (admin area) | Strictly necessary (when logged in) | Session |
wordpress_logged_in_[hash] |
Indicates you’re logged in (front end) | Strictly necessary (when logged in) | Session |
wp-settings-{time}-[UID], wp-settings-[user_id] |
Persists user/admin interface preferences | Functional | 1 year |
wp-settings-time-{user} |
Time wp-settings was set |
Functional | 1 year |
wp_lang |
Stores selected login screen language | Functional | Session |
wp-postpass_{hash} |
Access to password-protected content | Functional | ~10 days |
comment_author_{hash}, comment_author_email_{hash}, comment_author_url_{hash} |
Remembers commenter details if “Save my details” is ticked | Functional (optional) | ~347 days |
Google Analytics 4 (GA4) cookies (first-party; set only after consent)
| Name | Purpose | Category | Default duration |
|---|---|---|---|
_ga |
Distinguishes users | Analytics | 2 years |
_ga_<container-id> |
Persists session state | Analytics | 2 years |
Note: If Google Ads is linked, additional advertising/measurement cookies may be set. Advertising features are disabled by default.
How we obtain and record consent
- We use a cookie banner that blocks all non-essential tags (including GA4) until you opt in, offers granular choices, and records your decision.
- We implement Google Consent Mode v2 so GA4 respects your choices and adjusts tag behaviour until consent is granted (Consent Mode doesn’t provide the banner itself).
- You can withdraw consent any time via Manage cookies or from your browser settings.
Google Analytics privacy controls (our configuration)
- We configure GA4 not to log or store IP addresses and to collect EU/UK traffic via EU domains/servers.
- Region-based controls can disable Google Signals and granular device/location data for the EEA/UK. We keep these off by default unless there’s a clear need.
Your choices
- Decline analytics: the site will still work.
- Revoke consent: use Manage cookies to change settings.
- Browser add-on: Google provides an opt-out add-on that disables Analytics measurement across sites.