What cookies and local storage are
Cookies are small text records placed on a device by a website or related service. Local storage is a browser feature that allows a site to retain information on the device without sending it automatically with every web request. Both can support essential functions or remember choices. Similar technologies are covered by the term “storage” in this policy unless a distinction is needed.
Storage categories
| Category | Purpose | Typical control |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | Records the cookie choice, supports security and preserves functions necessary to deliver requested pages. | Used where required for operation; browser deletion remains available. |
| Analytics | Would measure broad use patterns such as page requests, device categories and navigation performance if introduced with the required consent and notice. | Disabled when optional storage is rejected. |
| Functional | Remembers optional interface preferences selected by the visitor. | Enabled only when selected through the preference controls. |
The site’s consent interface writes a value named cookieChoice to local storage. It records whether the visitor accepted all categories, rejected non-essential storage or saved a functional preference. The record remains until it is replaced or cleared through browser controls. Essential server-side security technologies may also be used by hosting infrastructure where necessary to deliver and protect the service.
Consent and preferences
On a first visit, the banner offers three options: Accept All, Reject Non-Essential and Preferences. Accept All authorises optional categories described at that time. Reject Non-Essential limits storage to essential purposes. Preferences opens a panel where functional storage can be selected independently. The site should continue to provide its editorial content when optional storage is rejected.
Consent can be withdrawn by deleting the site’s stored data in the browser and making a new choice when the banner appears again. Clearing storage may also remove remembered interface settings. Withdrawal does not make earlier consent-based processing unlawful.
Analytics
Analytics storage is treated as optional. If an analytics service is added, information presented in the consent interface and this policy will identify its purpose and provide an appropriate choice before non-essential identifiers are placed. Aggregated operational records generated without optional browser identifiers may still be processed for security, capacity and fault diagnosis.
Browser controls
Most browsers allow users to view, block and delete cookies or site data. Controls are commonly found under privacy, security or site-data settings. Browsers may also support blocking third-party cookies, clearing data when closed or creating exceptions for particular websites. Exact menu names differ, so users should consult help information supplied by their browser provider.
Blocking all storage may prevent a consent choice from being remembered, causing the banner to reappear. It may also affect security or accessibility preferences on some services. Blocking optional categories should not prevent access to the main articles on this website.
Third-party content
Ordinary links to external websites do not place their cookies merely because they appear on a page. If a visitor follows a link, the destination may use storage under its own policy. Embedded media or services, if introduced, may communicate with a third party when loaded. We will assess consent requirements before using such features and will provide controls where required by UK law.
Legal basis
In the United Kingdom, rules concerning storage and access to information on a device arise principally from the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations, alongside the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 where personal data is involved. Essential storage may be used when strictly necessary for a service requested by the user. Optional analytics and functional storage require an appropriate consent mechanism.
Contact and updates
Questions about this policy may be sent to [email protected] or posted to Fern & Fen Editorial Ltd, 14 Brackenfold Street, Willowbank, Bristol BS4 7QJ, United Kingdom. This policy may be updated when storage practices, providers or legal requirements change. Any material change will be described on this page and reflected in the preference interface where consent is relevant.