Privacy Policy

Last updated: June 2026

1. Introduction

Goathland Nature Group (“we”, “our”, “the Group”) is a small, volunteer‑led community organisation based in Goathland, North Yorkshire, UK. We are committed to protecting the privacy of our members, volunteers, supporters, and anyone who interacts with us.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect personal information. It also outlines your rights under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

If you have questions, you can contact us using the details in the Contact section.

2. What Personal Data We Collect

We only collect information that is necessary for running the Group and communicating with our community. This may include:

Contact details — such as your name, email address, phone number, or postal address
Membership information — if you join the Group or sign up for updates
Volunteer information — including availability, skills, or emergency contact details
Event participation — such as attendance lists or activity sign‑ups
Photographs and videos — only with consent, for use in various areas such as our website, newsletters or social media
Website or social media interactions — if you contact us online
Website analytics — anonymous data such as page views, browser type, and approximate location (via cookies or analytics tools)

We do not collect sensitive data unless absolutely necessary (e.g., medical information for event safety, accessibility needs for an event), and only with your explicit consent.

3. How We Use Your Personal Data

We use your information to support the Group’s activities, including:

Communication — sending updates, newsletters, local nature news, activities or event information
Event organisation — managing attendance, safety, and logistics
Volunteer coordination
Record keeping — maintaining membership or participation lists
Running our website and improving content through anonymous analytics
Sharing community photos (only with consent)
Legal compliance — such as insurance or safeguarding requirements

We do not sell or share your data with third parties for marketing.

4. Legal Basis for Processing

Under UK GDPR, we rely on one or more of the following lawful bases:

Consent — when you sign up for emails, agree to be photographed or share optional information
Legitimate interests — for running community activities safely and effectively, maintain the website and social media channels, and managing volunteers
Legal obligation — where required by law or insurance

5. How We Store and Protect Your Data

We take reasonable steps to keep your information secure. This includes:

Password‑protected email account
Restricted access to membership list
Secure cloud storage where neede
Regular deletion of outdated information

We keep personal data only for as long as necessary for the purpose it was collected.

6. Sharing Your Data

We may share limited information only, when necessary, for example:

With email newsletter services (e.g., Mailchimp)
With event‑booking platforms (if used)
With website hosting providers
With insurers for event cover
With emergency services if required for safety
With funding bodies, but only in anonymised form

These services process data on our behalf and must comply with UK GDPR.

We never share your data for commercial purposes.

7. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

Access your data
Correct inaccurate information
Request deletion (“right to be forgotten”)
Withdraw consent at any time
Object to processing
Request data portability

To exercise any of these rights, contact us using the details below.

8. Children’s Data

We do not knowingly collect personal data from children without parental consent. For youth events, emergency contact details may be required.

9. Cookies and Website Analytics

Our website may use cookies or analytics tools to understand how people use the site. This data is anonymous and helps us improve content.

You can disable cookies in your browser at any time.

10. Photos and Media

We will always ask for consent before taking or using identifiable photos of you at events. You can withdraw consent at any time, and we will remove the image.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be available on request.

12. Contact Details

If you have questions, concerns, or requests about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your personal data, please contact:

Chairman, Goathland Nature Group
Address: Goathland, North Yorkshire, UK
Email: goathlandnature@gmail.com