Menu

Cookie Policy

Information about our use of cookies

Cookies are small text files that a website stores in your browser. We use a small number of cookies to keep this website secure and working, and to remember your cookie choices. Other cookies, such as Google Analytics, are only used if you agree to them.

When you first visit, we ask which optional cookies you are happy for us to use. You can change your mind at any time with “Cookie settings” at the bottom of every page, or here: Cookie settings.

You can also block or delete cookies in your browser settings. Each browser is different, so check its ‘Help’ menu to find out how. If you block all cookies, including strictly necessary ones, parts of this website may not work.

The cookies we use

Strictly necessary

These keep the site secure and working and remember your cookie choices. They don’t track you and can’t be switched off.

CookieSet byPurposeHow long
cookie_consentthe-esp.org.ukRemembers your cookie choices and the policy version you saw.6 months
_GRECAPTCHAGoogle reCAPTCHAProtects our forms from spam and abuse. It loads only on pages with a form and is needed for security, so it isn’t switched off by your choices.6 months
__cf_bm, cf_clearanceCloudflareSecurity: set only when Cloudflare, which protects this website, needs to check that traffic is genuine.30 minutes

Analytics

Google Analytics cookies tell us which pages are visited and how the site performs, so we can improve it. They stay off unless you switch them on.

CookieSet byPurposeHow long
_gaGoogle AnalyticsTells visits from different browsers apart.13 months
_ga_8ZWPS9S5CRGoogle AnalyticsKeeps track of the current visit.13 months

Maps & video embeds

Videos and maps come from YouTube, Vimeo and Google Maps, which set their own cookies when they load. While this is off, each one waits until you choose to load it.

CookieSet byPurposeHow long
YSC, VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE, VISITOR_PRIVACY_METADATAYouTube (Google)Set only if you load a YouTube video: count views, remember player settings and detect abuse.Session to 6 months

Change your cookie settings

Videos and maps from other websites

Some pages include videos or maps from other services, such as YouTube, Vimeo or Google Maps. These only load when you choose to play or view them, or if you allow them in Cookie settings. The provider may then set its own cookies, which are covered by its own privacy policy.

Changes to our cookie policy

Any changes we make to our cookie policy will be posted on this page.