Scattering ashes is a personal, intimate and tremendously healing way of commemorating the life of your loved one. It can bring about closure and allow you to say goodbye in a far more open and freeing way than a funeral. 

If you’re considering scattering the ashes of someone you’ve recently lost, then this guide from Waters & Sons provides you with all the legal advice you require before deciding the most appropriate course of action. 

Where can you scatter ashes? 

In the UK, you can scatter ashes almost anywhere, as long as you have the permission of the landowner. This could be on green land, at sea or in a cemetery or graveyard. 

It is likely that the reason you are scattering ashes is because the location held a special place in your loved one’s heart, therefore it is entirely your prerogative to choose the location. 

Popular places to scatter ashes include: 

• Garden of remembrance 
• In a public park 
• On National Trust land 
• At sea/in a river 
• In a garden or garden planter, where they will contribute to new life
• On the beach or over a cliff 

Do you need permission to scatter ashes?

You don’t need permission to scatter ashes on your own land, at sea or over a different body of water. However, if you do choose to lay your loved one to rest on a body of water, you should seek advice from the environmental agency. 

If you wish to scatter ashes over public or private land then you first need to acquire permission from the landowner. 

Scattering ashes at sea

Scattering ashes at sea or in a flowing river is commonplace in certain faiths to commemorate the sacred purpose of the body. The practice has also been widely adapted in the UK as a way to celebrate the life of a loved one, and reconnect them with nature. 

If you or your loved one want their ashes to be scattered at sea, you need to make sure: 

You don’t scatter ashes near a marina or fishery

The site is further than 1km upstream from a water plant or reservoir 

That you choose a calm day so the ashes are not caught by the wind and blown elsewhere

Can You scatter ashes on a grave?

Some cemeteries allow scattering of ashes in designated areas of the site, but you need to check directly with the cemetery or crematorium. 

If you own a plot of land at a cemetery then you should be able to scatter ashes as you please within the area, as long as you own the exclusive burial rights for the grave. 

scattering ashes ceremony?

Holding a small ceremony when you scatter your loved one’s ashes can be a wonderful way of celebrating their life and gaining a semblance of closure. Returning to a place that they loved to lay them to rest, and share stories can even provide more comfort to grievers than a cremation service. 

How you hold your ceremony, where you hold it and what you say when scattering their ashes are entirely up to you. You could choose to nominate a single speaker, or take it in turns to say a few words about your loved one.

How long after a cremation can you scatter ashes?

There is no ideal time to scatter ashes after your loved one’s cremation. Some people choose to scatter them immediately to gain closure for both them and the deceased, others may find it too painful to let go of them too soon. 

Your loved one’s ashes can remain in their urn forever, so you don’t have to scatter them until you feel ready. You may also decide that you prefer having them close, and that scattering their ashes isn’t something you want to do. This is perfectly fine as long as this wish is met by those who loved them. 

However, after your loved one is cremated you will be given a set number of days or weeks to collect them from the crematorium. 

At Waters & Sons, we understand that planning a loved one’s cremation can be distressing, but we are here to hold your hand through every step of the process, from the moment you contact us to the second you take their ashes home. To help you understand what happens at a cremation service, we have created a guide that contains all the advice you need. 

For further information regarding how Waters & Sons can help pay fitting tribute to your loved one by guiding you through the cremation process, please feel free to contact us at any time.