Privacy policy

Privacy Policy

At The Rustic Tree, we are committed to protecting your privacy. This policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your personal information when you interact with our website, https://www.therustictree.co.uk, or engage with us elsewhere, such as at craft fairs.

Your privacy matters to us, and we only use your information as outlined in this policy. We encourage you to review this page periodically, as we may update it to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. This policy was last updated on 23rd June 2025

1. Information We Collect

We collect different types of information, depending on your interaction with The Rustic Tree.

a. Non-Personal Information (Website Usage Data)

Like most websites, we collect general, non-identifying information about how visitors use our site. This may include:

  • Browser type and language preference
  • Referring site (where you came from)
  • Date and time of visit
  • Device type and operating system

This data helps us understand how our customers use our website, improve its functionality, and ensure it performs well on your device. We may share this information in an aggregated, non-identifying way (e.g., in usage reports) or if required by law.

b. Personal Information

We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

  • Place an order: This includes your name, delivery address, and email address. For custom orders, we may also request a phone number to discuss details. This information is essential for processing and fulfilling your order. If you choose not to provide this necessary information, we may not be able to complete your transaction.
  • Sign up for our mailing list: We collect your email address to send you updates, offers, or market research requests.
  • Interact with us at craft fairs: If you provide your email address or other details, we'll process it according to this policy.
  • Contact us directly: If you email or call us with inquiries, we'll collect the information you provide to address your request.

We do not share your personal information with any third parties unless legally required to do so.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

  • Order Fulfilment: To process, pack, and ship your orders to the address you provide.
  • Communication: To send you essential updates about your order (e.g., dispatch notifications, tracking details) via email or phone (especially for commissioned items).
  • Internal Record Keeping: For administrative and business purposes.
  • Marketing & Offers: To send you information about new products, special offers, or for market research, unless you have explicitly opted out of receiving such communications. You can unsubscribe from our mailing list at any time by emailing us at nicky@therustictree.co.uk.
  • Website Improvement: To analyze website usage and improve our services (using non-identifying data).

3. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, including for legal, accounting, or reporting requirements.

4. Your Data Protection Rights

Under data protection laws, you have certain rights regarding your personal data. You have the right to:

  • Access Your Data: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you. Please email nicky@therustictree.co.uk to make a request. A small administrative charge may apply.
  • Rectify Inaccurate Data: Request that we correct any information you believe is inaccurate or incomplete.
  • Erase Your Data ('Right to be Forgotten'): Request that we delete your personal data under certain conditions.
  • Restrict Processing: Request that we restrict the processing of your personal data under certain conditions.
  • Object to Processing: Object to our processing of your personal data under certain conditions.
  • Data Portability: Request that we transfer the data we have collected to another organization, or directly to you, under certain conditions.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at nicky@therustictree.co.uk.

5. Cookies

Our website uses cookies. A cookie is a small file that asks permission to be placed on your computer's hard drive. Once you agree, the cookie helps analyze web traffic or lets you know when you visit a particular site. Cookies allow web applications to respond to you as an individual.

How we use cookies:

  • Website Functionality: To ensure our website works correctly.
  • Analytics: To understand how visitors interact with our site and improve it.

Your Choices:

You can choose to accept or decline cookies. Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can usually modify your browser setting to decline cookies if you prefer. However, this may prevent you from taking full advantage of the website. By continuing to use our website without changing your cookie preferences, you consent to our use of cookies.

6. Security

We are committed to ensuring your information is secure. We have implemented physical, electronic, and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect. However, please be aware that no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.

7. Links to Other Websites (Third-Party Sites)

Our website may contain links to other websites of interest. Please note that once you use these links to leave our site, we do not have any control over that other website. Therefore, we cannot be responsible for the protection and privacy of any information you provide while visiting such sites, and such sites are not governed by this privacy policy. We encourage you to review the privacy policy of any external website you visit.

8. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. We will post any changes on this page, and the "Last Updated" date at the top of the policy will be revised. We encourage you to check this page periodically to stay informed about how we are protecting your information.

9. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Email: nicky@therustictree.co.uk