This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, which cookies Astren Field Notes (“we”, “us”, “our”) uses on astren.info, why we use them, and how you can control them. It should be read alongside our Privacy Policy.
1. What Are Cookies
Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They allow the website to recognise your device on subsequent visits and to remember certain information about your preferences or behaviour. Cookies are not programmes and cannot execute code or deliver viruses.
2. Types of Cookies We Use
We use the following categories of cookies on this site:
2.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to function and cannot be disabled. They are set in response to actions you take, such as setting your cookie preferences. They do not store any personally identifiable information.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| afn_cookie_consent | Stores your cookie consent preferences | 12 months |
| PHPSESSID | PHP session identifier (automatically cleared on browser close) | Session |
2.2 Analytics Cookies
These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with the website by collecting and reporting information anonymously. This allows us to improve the editorial experience over time. These cookies are only set if you accept analytics cookies via the consent banner.
| Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ga | Google Analytics | Distinguishes unique users and sessions | 2 years |
| _ga_* | Google Analytics | Persists session state | 2 years |
| _gid | Google Analytics | Distinguishes users within a 24-hour window | 24 hours |
2.3 Functional Cookies
Functional cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalisation, such as remembering user preferences for display settings. They may be set by us or by third parties whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies, some functionality may not work as expected.
3. How to Manage Your Cookie Preferences
When you first visit the site, a consent banner is displayed that allows you to select one of three options:
- Accept All: Enables all cookies including analytics and functional cookies.
- Partial: Enables strictly necessary and functional cookies only. Analytics cookies are not set.
- Functional Only: Enables strictly necessary cookies only.
You can change your preferences at any time by clicking Cookie Settings in the footer of any page.
4. Cookies Set by Third Parties
Some pages on this site may embed content or use services from third parties (such as Google Analytics for usage statistics). These third parties may set their own cookies. We do not have control over third-party cookies. Please refer to the respective privacy policies of those providers for further information.
5. More Information
For more information about how we handle personal data more broadly, please read our Privacy Policy. For questions about this Cookie Policy, contact us at [email protected].
For general guidance on cookies, visit the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) website.