Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how Naturally Built collects, uses, and protects your information when you visit our website. We are committed to maintaining transparency about our data practices while respecting your privacy.

Who We Are

Naturally Built is an eco-building and biophilic design website operated by a group of enthusiasts based in Crowthorne, England, UK. Our website address is: https://naturallybuilt.co.uk/

For privacy-related questions or concerns, please contact us at: admin@naturallybuilt.co.uk

Information We Collect

Information You Provide Directly

We collect information that you voluntarily provide when you:

Leave comments on our articles
Subscribe to our email newsletter
Contact us via email or contact forms
Participate in surveys, contests, or giveaways

This may include your name, email address, username, and any information you choose to include in your communications with us.

Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, certain information is automatically collected through cookies and similar tracking technologies:

IP address
Browser type and version
Device type and operating system
Pages visited and navigation patterns
Time spent on pages
Referring website
Approximate geographic location (country and city level)
Date and time of access

This information helps us understand how visitors interact with our website and improve the user experience.

Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:

Consent: When you subscribe to our newsletter, leave comments, accept cookies, or submit contact forms, you provide explicit consent for us to process that information.
Legitimate Interests: We process certain data based on legitimate business interests that do not override your privacy rights, including:
- Analyzing website traffic to improve content and functionality
- Ensuring website security and preventing fraud
- Operating the technical aspects of the website
- Generating revenue through affiliate marketing and advertising
Legal Obligation: We may retain certain information to comply with applicable laws, such as tax regulations related to affiliate earnings.

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

Respond to your comments, questions, and inquiries
Send newsletters and updates to subscribers
Improve website content, functionality, and user experience
Analyze website usage patterns and visitor behavior
Maintain website security and prevent abuse
Comply with legal and regulatory requirements

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit websites. They help websites remember your preferences and understand how you interact with the site.

Types of Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies: Necessary for basic website functionality. These cannot be disabled without affecting your ability to use the site.
Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our website through services like Google Analytics.
Advertising Cookies: Used by advertising networks such as Google AdSense to display relevant advertisements.
Affiliate Cookies: Enable us to earn commission when you make purchases through our affiliate links.

Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to:

View and delete cookies
Block cookies from specific websites
Block all third-party cookies
Clear cookies when closing your browser

Please note that disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.

Third-Party Services

We work with several third-party services that process data on our behalf.

Google Analytics

Purpose: Analyze website traffic and visitor behavior.
Privacy Controls: Opt out via Google Analytics Opt-out.

Google AdSense

Purpose: Display advertisements to support our website.
Privacy Controls: Manage preferences at Google Ad Settings.

Affiliate Networks

We participate in: Awin, FlexOffers, CJ, ShareASale, Webgains.
Purpose: Earn commission on recommended eco-building products.

Email Service Provider

Purpose: Manage subscribers and deliver newsletters. Every email includes unsubscribe.

Your Privacy Rights

Under UK/EU data protection laws, you have rights including:

Access: Request a copy of your data
Rectification: Correct inaccurate information
Erasure: Request deletion (subject to legal requirements)
Restrict Processing: Limit how we use your data
Data Portability: Receive data in machine-readable format
Object: Object to processing for marketing
Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent anytime

How to Exercise Rights: Email admin@naturallybuilt.co.uk with your name, email, and request details. Response within 30 days.

Data Security

We use SSL/TLS encryption, secure UK hosting, regular updates, access controls, and strong passwords to protect your data.

Data Retention

Email subscriptions: Until unsubscribed
Comments: Indefinitely (public contributions) unless deleted
Contact forms: 12-24 months
Analytics: 26 months
Financial records: 7 years (legal requirement)

International Data Transfers

Data processed in the UK. Third-party providers comply with UK adequacy decisions and Standard Contractual Clauses.

Children’s Privacy

Site not for children under 13. Contact us to delete any child data.

UK GDPR applies. See rights above. Complaints to Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

Data Breach Notification

We’ll notify affected users without unreasonable delay per UK GDPR.

Changes to This Policy

“Last Updated” date changes. Significant updates announced on site.

Third-Party Links

Links to external eco-suppliers not covered by this policy. Review their privacy policies.

Contact Information

admin@naturallybuilt.co.uk
Include “Privacy Inquiry” in subject. Response within 5 business days.