29/08/2025
Scattering Of Ashes
Many people choose to scatter ashes of a loved ones in a location with a personal meaning for the person who had passed.
But are there any rules regarding this? I hope this advice helps.
Can you scatter ashes anywhere?
In the UK, you can scatter ashes in a variety of open places. This can be in a garden of remembrance, churchyard or cemetery, a green space, over water or in private land following consent from the owner.
Do you need permission?
There is no explicit law at present against scattering ashes, but it recommends you get permission from the owner of the land, including local councils or national trust.
You don't need to request permission to scatter ashes over a river or sea, but you should check advice from the environmental agency.
Whilst there is no major issues regarding permission regarding scattering ashes in flowing water.
The environmental agency usually suggest certain considerations to adhere to.(local rules will also apply)
~ make sure it is not near a fishery or marina.
~ scattering site is no less than 1km upstream from a water-plant or reservoir.
~obviously choose a day with calm weather.
Can you take ashes on a plane?
Most airlines allow you to travel with ashes.
However, you need to provide evidence of:
~ death certificate
~ cremation certificate
~ funeral directors declaration of origin
~ ashes must be carried in hand luggage
~ use a non-metalic sealed urn, allowing it to be x-rayed.
~ check with the specific airline for further advice prior to flying
Can you scatter ashes in churchyards?
Not all cemeteries allowed scattering, so check with the cemetery first regarding their rules.
If you own a family plot, you should be able to scatter over the plot of land. Again discussion would probably be required before this takes place.
Can you scatter in a public place?
To scatter in a public park or green space. You would need to gain permission from the local council or national trust, dependent on who owns the land.
Use of a celebrant?
There is no need to have a celebrant or other provider, but a celebrant can help the family produce a small structured service that is both meaningful and personal.
A final goodbye, a celebration of the person that has passed, but also maybe a celebration of the loved ones they have reunited with once again.
As part of my funeral service to my families, I provide this service free of charge dependent of the locality of the scattering.
If a separate service is required from a family, I have had no involvement with - I will ask for a small negotiable fee dependent on content and locality. This will also include any participants of direct funerals.
Any further queries please do not hesitate in contacting me on my messenger with your mobile number, so we can chat further.
Ref: co-op funeral services
ajdcelebrancy.co.uk
