Privacy Policy

Effective date: [Insert Date]

At The Big Gnosall Tree Count, we care about your privacy as much as we care about our trees. This policy explains what personal information we collect (if any), why we collect it, and what we do with it.

1. What We Collect – and Why

We keep things minimal. Most of the data collected relates to trees, not people.

However, we may collect:

• Optional personal details (like your name or email) if:
  • You join the leaderboard
  • You subscribe to updates or request a Tree Explorer Pack
  • You send us a photo, message, or contact form
• Basic site usage data, such as:
  • IP address (used for analytics or to prevent spam)
  • Browser type and device (to help improve usability)
  • Location (only if you allow it in your browser when recording a tree)

We only collect what’s needed to support the project and make things work smoothly.

2. How Your Data Is Used

We use the information you provide to:

• Display leaderboards or contributor names (only if you opt in)
• Send updates, event invitations, or helpful tree-counting tips
• Improve our tools, website, and maps
• Understand where and how people are engaging with the project

We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for marketing. Ever.

3. Cookies

Yes, our site uses cookies (not the chocolate chip kind, unfortunately). These help us:

• Remember your filters or settings
• Track page visits for anonymous usage stats
• Improve the functionality of our map and tools

You can disable cookies in your browser settings, though parts of the site may not work as well without them.

4. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Request access to any personal data we hold about you
• Ask us to delete your information
• Withdraw consent at any time for communications
• Complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if you feel we’ve not handled your data properly

To do any of the above, contact us at bigtreecount@cliqto.com – we’ll sort it quickly and respectfully.

5. Data Security

We take data security seriously. Your details are stored securely, with access limited to project organisers only. We use standard encryption and access controls on all our digital tools.

6. Photos and Tree Records

Tree photos you submit should not contain:

• House numbers, car registrations, or faces (unless permission is given)
• Anything that could identify a private location without consent

By submitting tree photos, you grant us permission to use them in maps, reports, and community outreach — always in line with our mission.

7. Third-Party Tools

We may use third-party services such as:

• Google Analytics (anonymous browsing behaviour)
• LeafletJS/OpenStreetMap (map display)
• Chart.js (data visualisation)

These services may set their own cookies or collect anonymous data.

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy as the project grows. Any changes will appear here, and we'll highlight significant updates.

9. Questions? Get in Touch

We’re here to help and happy to explain anything. Email us at:
📧 bigtreecount@cliqto.com