Privacy notice

Plain-language note on how Independent Local Guides uses personal data for the Forest Row Guide. UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 apply.

Who we are

The data controller is Independent Local Guides, operated by the Forest Row Guide team in the United Kingdom.

Email: hello@forestrowguide.co.uk. That is the address to use for privacy questions, access requests, or a complaint to us first.

What we collect

  • Analytics, with consent. If you click Accept on the cookie banner, we use Google Analytics 4 (measurement ID G-B3XJ687RFN) to count visits and which pages are used. If you decline, or do not choose, analytics is not loaded.
  • Advertising measurement, with consent. If you click Accept, we load the Meta Pixel (ID 866652767892973) so we can see whether Forest Row Guide ads on Facebook and Instagram led people here. The pixel script is not loaded until you accept. We do not use Meta’s noscript image, because that image cannot wait for your choice. If you decline, or do not choose, the pixel is not loaded.
  • Emails you send us. If you write to hello@forestrowguide.co.uk — for example to suggest a place or send a correction — we receive your email address, the message, and any details you include.
  • Forest Row updates signup. If you use the newsletter form, HighLevel / GoHighLevel collects your first name, email address and consent so we can send village updates.
  • Chat, with consent. If you click Accept, a chat bubble from HighLevel / LeadConnector may appear. If you use it, they receive your message and any name, email or phone you type, so we can reply.
  • Consent choice. Your Accept or Decline choice is stored in your browser (ilg_consent) so we remember it.

We do not collect card payments or account logins on this guide.

Why we use it, and the lawful basis

Legitimate interests — running an independent local guide, answering suggestions and corrections, and keeping listings accurate. We only use what we need for that work. We do not use a suggestion or correction as a reason for unrelated sales outreach.

Consent — analytics cookies, the Meta Pixel for advertising measurement, HighLevel / LeadConnector chat cookies, and Forest Row updates emails if you sign up. You can withdraw cookie consent at any time with Cookie settings in the footer.

Analytics and cookies

Google Analytics only loads if you click Accept. That may set _ga cookies so we can count visits. Google advertising features stay off. Decline means no Google Analytics and no analytics cookies from us.

The Meta Pixel only loads if you click Accept. That may set cookies such as _fbp so Meta can measure Forest Row Guide ads. Decline means the pixel script is not loaded. You can also use Meta’s ad settings to opt out of seeing those ads.

The chat bubble is provided by HighLevel / LeadConnector. Accept may also load that widget, which can set cookies to keep the conversation. Decline means the chat script is not loaded.

Change your choice any time: Cookie settings.

Google processes analytics data under its privacy policy.

Who else sees data

  • Vercel — hosts the website.
  • Google — Analytics only if you consented.
  • Meta — the Meta Pixel, only if you consented, to measure advertising.
  • HighLevel / GoHighLevel / LeadConnector — newsletter sign-up form, email list, and the chat widget.
  • Your email provider and ours — when you send mail to us.

We do not sell data. Advertising measurement uses the Meta Pixel only after you accept cookies.