What types of cookies does The Hidden Hatch use?

We use essential, performance, and analytics cookies to improve site functionality and user experience.

Can I manage my cookie preferences on The Hidden Hatch?

Yes, you can change your choice at any time using the Cookie settings link at the bottom of every page.

Are The Hidden Hatch cookies shared with third parties?

Only with trusted partners who comply with our strict data protection standards.

How long do The Hidden Hatch cookies stay on my device?

Cookie durations vary; session cookies expire after browsing, others last up to two years.

Cookie Policy

Effective Date: 01/01/2026

Last Updated: 27/09/2026

1. What Are Cookies?

A cookie is a small text file that is placed on your computer, tablet, or mobile phone (“device”) when you visit a website. Cookies are widely used to make websites work efficiently, or to store information about your preferences (like your language choice) so the website remembers you on subsequent visits. They do not store personally identifiable data like your name or address directly, but they can track your device and behavior.

2. How We Use Cookies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies (like web beacons or pixels) for several purposes, broadly categorised as follows:

Category	Purpose	Lawful Basis (GDPR)
Strictly Necessary	To enable core website functions, such as security, network management, and accessibility. They are essential for processes like adding items to your shopping cart and checking out.	Legitimate Interest (to run a functional shop)
Performance/Analytics	To collect data on how visitors use our website (e.g., which pages are most popular, how long visits last). This helps us improve website performance and user experience.	Consent (required via Cookie Banner)
Functionality	To remember your preferences and choices (e.g., language, items saved in your cart, login details) to provide a more personalized and convenient experience.	Consent (required via Cookie Banner)
Targeting/Advertising	To track your browsing habits across different websites and build a profile of your interests, which allows us to show you relevant advertisements on other platforms.	Consent (required via Cookie Banner)

3. Cookies Used on Our Website

Below is a detailed list of the types of cookies we use.

A. Strictly Necessary Cookies (Always On)

These cookies are mandatory for the website to function properly and cannot be switched off in our systems.

• Name: wp_woocommerce_session_[abcdef0123456789]
• Purpose: Identifies a user’s current session (e.g., keeping you logged in or keeping items in your cart).
• Duration: Session (deleted when you close your browser).
• Source: thehiddenhatch.co.uk
• Name: _GRECAPTCHA
• Google reCAPTCHA sets a necessary cookie (_GRECAPTCHA) when executed for the purpose of providing its risk analysis.
• Duration: 5 Months 4 Weeks
• Google
• Name: __cf_bm
• This cookie is used to distinguish between humans and bots. This is beneficial for the website, in order to make valid reports on the use of their website.
• Duration: 30 Minutes
• Cloudflare
• Name: woocomerce_cart_hash
• Helps WooCommerce determine when cart contents/data changes.
• Duration: Session
• thehiddenhatch.co.uk
• Name: woocommerce_items_in_cart
• Helps WooCommerce determine when cart contents/data changes.
• Duration: Session
• thehiddenhatch.co.uk
• Name: woocommerce_recently_viewed
• Powers the Recent Viewed Products widget
• Duration: Session
• thehiddenhatch.co.uk

B. Performance and Analytics Cookies

We use Google Analytics to measure and report on how visitors use the website.

• Name: _ga
• Purpose: Set by Google Analytics 4 (along with _ga_*) to distinguish visitors by assigning a random identifier, so we can see how the site is used. Only set if you click Accept on our cookie banner. Google acts as our processor and data may be transferred outside the UK under appropriate safeguards.
• Duration: Up to 2 years
• Source: thehiddenhatch.co.uk
• Name: m
• Purpose: This cookie is generally used for performance and optimization of payment processing services, facilitating caching of content on the browser to make pages load faster.
• Duration: 1 year 1 month
• Source: m.stripe.com
• Name: _ssid
• Purpose: This cookie is used to collect information on user behavior and interaction patterns. It is often used for optimization and analytics purposes to improve the user’s experience on the website.
• Duration: 1 year 1 month
• Source: thehiddenhatch.co.uk

C. Payment and Security Cookies (Strictly Necessary)

These are needed to take payments securely, prevent fraud and protect the site, so they do not require consent.

• Name: __stripe_mid
• Purpose: This cookie is set by Stripe to distinguish users and enable secure payment processing during interactions with the website.
• Duration: 1 year
• Source: Stripe (our payment provider)
• Name: __stripe_sid
• Purpose: This cookie is set by Stripe to manage and process payments securely, allowing temporary storage of session related information during a users visit to the website.
• Duration: 30 Minutes
• Source: Stripe (our payment provider)
• Name: _cfuvid
• Purpose: Set by Cloudflare, our security and content delivery network, to apply rate limiting fairly to visitors who share an IP address.
• Duration: Session
• Source: Cloudflare

D. Targeting and Advertising Cookies

We use Google Ads, and WooCommerce’s order attribution, to measure whether our adverts and other traffic sources lead to sales. These cookies are only set if you click Accept on our cookie banner.

• Name: _gcl_au
• Purpose: Used by Google Ads to link a visit from one of our adverts to a purchase (conversion measurement).
• Duration: 90 days
• Source: Google
• Name: sbjs_* (e.g. sbjs_first, sbjs_current, sbjs_session)
• Purpose: WooCommerce order attribution: records how you arrived at the shop (for example from an advert, search engine or social media) so we can see which sources lead to orders.
• Duration: Session to 6 months
• Source: thehiddenhatch.co.uk

4. Your Consent and How to Manage Cookies

You have control over which cookies are placed on your device:

• Cookie Banner: When you first visit our site, you will see a Cookie Consent Banner. You can Accept or Reject analytics and advertising cookies. We will not set them unless you click Accept. Your choice is remembered for 6 months, and you can change it at any time using the Cookie settings link at the bottom of every page. If you withdraw consent, we delete the analytics and advertising cookies already set.
• Browser Settings: You can always change your mind by adjusting the settings in your web browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari). Most browsers allow you to block all cookies or only third-party cookies.
  • Note: Blocking all cookies, especially the “Strictly Necessary” ones, may cause parts of the website to stop functioning properly.

5. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes to the cookies we use or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. Please revisit this page regularly to stay informed.

6. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Cookie Policy, please contact us at:

Email: [email protected]

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