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Privacy & Terms of Use

Last updated: June 2026

Epping Forest Finds ("the app", "we", "us") is a free map application for exploring Epping Forest. These terms explain how we collect and use data when you choose to share your location with the app.

1. What data we collect

When you enable location sharing, we may collect the following data:

• GPS coordinates — your approximate position, updated approximately once per minute while the app is open
• Direction of travel — your compass bearing, where available from your device
• Navigation targets — which trees, landmarks, or features you navigate toward
• Interactions — which map features (trees, pubs, paths, etc.) you tap to view in more detail
• Timestamps — when each of the above events occurred

We also assign each device a randomly generated anonymous identifier (stored locally on your device) to link events into sessions. This identifier contains no personal information and cannot be used to identify you individually.

2. What we do NOT collect

• Your name, email address, or any account details
• Device identifiers (IMEI, advertising ID, etc.)
• Photos, contacts, or any other personal files
• Location data when the app is not open

3. Why we collect this data

Usage data helps us improve Epping Forest Finds by:

• Understanding which areas of the forest are most visited, so we can add better coverage
• Identifying popular routes and walks
• Spotting areas with little activity where new features or data may be needed
• Improving map accuracy and performance

4. Advertising and future commercial use

We may in the future use anonymised, aggregated usage data to:

• Show relevant in-app suggestions, sponsored listings, or advertising content (for example, nearby pubs or events)
• Share aggregated (never individual) insights with forest management bodies, local businesses, or tourism organisations

Any advertising will be clearly labelled. Your individual location history will never be sold to third parties.

5. Data retention

Location and interaction data is retained for up to 24 months, after which it is either deleted or permanently anonymised (aggregated into heatmap statistics with no individual journey data preserved).

6. Data security

All data is transmitted over HTTPS and stored on secure servers. Access to raw tracking data is restricted to authorised administrators.

7. Your rights (GDPR)

If you are located in the UK or EU, you have the right to:

• Access — request a copy of the data we hold about your anonymous ID
• Erasure — request deletion of all data linked to your anonymous ID
• Withdraw consent — disable tracking at any time via Settings → Privacy in the app; this stops all future data collection immediately
• Portability — request your data in machine-readable format
• Objection — object to processing for direct marketing purposes

To exercise any of these rights, email us at the address below. Please include "Privacy request" in the subject line and, if possible, your anonymous user ID (found in Settings → Privacy).

8. Cookies and local storage

The app uses browser localStorage (not cookies) to store your anonymous ID, filter preferences, consent status, and an offline queue of pending tracking events. No data is shared with third-party cookie networks.

9. Children

The app is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect data from children. If you believe a child has enabled location sharing, please contact us to request deletion.

10. Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Significant changes will be notified in-app. Continued use of the location feature after notification constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

11. App usage terms

Epping Forest Finds is provided free of charge for personal, non-commercial use. The app is offered "as is" without warranty. Map data is sourced from OpenStreetMap contributors and the Epping Forest Veteran Tree Register. We make no guarantees about the accuracy or completeness of information shown.

You must not use the app in a way that infringes the rights of others, violates applicable law, or places undue load on our servers.

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