Privacy Policy

The Charing Alderbed Project respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or contact us.

1. Who We Are

The Charing Alderbed Project is a community-led conservation group based in Charing, Kent, dedicated to protecting and managing the historic Alderbed woodland.
For questions about this policy, you can contact us

2. Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following types of personal information:

Contact details such as your name, email address, or phone number (e.g. when you contact us, sign up for updates, or volunteer).
Technical data such as your IP address, browser type, and pages visited (collected automatically via cookies or analytics tools).
Volunteer information such as skills, availability, or emergency contact details (if you register to participate in our activities).

We do not collect sensitive personal information unless it is necessary for volunteer safety (e.g. allergy or medical information for event participation, which will be handled confidentially).

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

Respond to your enquiries or requests.
Manage volunteer participation and event organisation.
Send updates, newsletters, or information about project activities (only if you’ve opted in).
Improve our website and community outreach.

We will never sell or share your personal information for marketing purposes.

4. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data under one or more of the following legal bases:

Consent – when you voluntarily provide information (e.g. signing up for updates).
Legitimate interest – for essential administrative or conservation-related purposes.
Legal obligation – if required by law (e.g. safety reporting or data protection compliance).

5. Data Sharing and Storage

Your personal information will only be shared with trusted members or partner organisations directly involved in the Charing Alderbed Project, and only when necessary.
We store data securely and restrict access to authorised volunteers or administrators.

Data is retained only as long as necessary for the purposes it was collected.

6. Cookies and Website Analytics

Our website may use cookies or analytics tools (such as Google Analytics) to understand how visitors use the site.
Cookies help improve functionality and do not give us access to your personal data.
You can disable cookies in your browser settings at any time.

7. Your Rights

Under UK data protection law (including the UK GDPR), you have the right to:

Access the personal data we hold about you.
Request correction or deletion of your data.
Withdraw consent for communications at any time.
Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if you believe your data rights have been violated.

To exercise your rights, please contact us at:
📧 friends@charingalderbeds.org.uk

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in legislation or project operations.
Any updates will be posted on this page with the revised date.

9. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your data.