You need permission to scatter ashes if you wish to do it on someone else’s land.
Those that give permission to scatter ashes on their property
National Parks
It is up to the individual park authority. However, as the North Yorkshire Park says – There is no hard and fast rule. You should start by asking the person who owns the land on which you would like to spread the ashes.
The National Park Authorities don’t own the land they are like a planning authority. As they say – Not ours – but ours to look after.
The National Parks:
- England – Dartmoor, Exmoor, Lake District, New Forest, Northumberland, North York Moors, Peak District, the Yorkshire Dales, the South Downs and the Broads which has equivalent status to a National Park.
- Wales – Brecon Beacons, Pembrokeshire Coast and Snowdonia.
- Scotland – Cairngorms and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.
National Trust
“The National Trust does not have a formal policy on this but is happy to consider requests on the basis that there are no environmental problems (i.e. possible contamination of water courses or sources, no accompanying permanent or indeed ephemeral markers), that it is not against any wishes that may have been expressed by a donor [of the property], and that the act of scattering the ashes is done discreetly and in private with no interference with others enjoyment of a property. We would also not expect that visitors to the property could see any visual presence of ashes. If these conditions can be met and subject to local arrangements being made with the General Manager or Property Manager at the appropriate property, consent can be granted.” – www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Royal Society of the Protection of Bird (RSPB) reserves
Yes, they are open to people scattering at their sites, but it is down to the sensitivity of the site, this is the main page for the RSPB
Woodland Trust Property
Yes, theoretically but with a lot of exclusions – Woodland Trust
Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens and Wakehurst gardens permit the scattering of ashes. They ask for a donation for the upkeep of the gardens. The main page on Kew Gardens
National Trust for Scotland
“The Trust has no formal policy which would cover all situations across the wide range of properties that we have responsibility for in Scotland. The Trust is respectful of peoples’ wishes but must have regard for a wide range of issues including the environmental impact on soils, plants, rivers and streams.
Broad guidelines are available to Trust Managers and any proposal or arrangement for the scattering of ashes or any associated ceremonies should be discussed and agreed with individual property managers beforehand. Contact details are available on the Trust’s website. If proposals are deemed acceptable, the advice given may include specific locations and appropriate times of day with regard for other planned events and consideration for other visitors.
For the avoidance of doubt there would be a presumption against the erection of any sort of memorial, however temporary.” – www.nts.org.uk
Wildlife Trust for Scotland
They are open to people scattering at their sites but people would need to contact the individual site. Here is the main page for Wildlife Trust for Scotland
Those that don’t permission to scatter ashes on their property
Peaks in Scotland and Wales
Welsh conservationists and The Mountaineering Council of Scotland have asked bereaved relatives to avoid the most popular sites and even to bury ashes rather than scatter them. They feel that it has a significant impact on plant life. It has been recommended that, when considering a chosen spot for the disposal of your ashes, people should avoid iconic mountain tops, by opting instead for a corrie, a certain point along a ridge or beside a particular tree on the lower slopes of a mountain.
Here is what the Ben Nevis Partnerships says: “While no attempt will be made to dissuade anyone from scattering human ashes on Ben Nevis, you should try to choose an area away from the summit cairn, and also away from the north face on which a number of alpine plants struggle to survive.”
Royal Parks
States: “We would prefer that you don’t. These remains contain high levels of minerals and other elements. This, over time, can sterilise the soil and leach into watercourses. This disrupts the delicate natural balance.”
Jane Austen’s House
They do not permit the scattering of ashes in the property or gardens
Note: we have a lot more information different places – see our blog post on location
Hello, I’ve been told by a vicar that it is illegal to scatter ashes within a church yard, I asked if I could scatter my dad’s ashes within the graveyard near his friends grave but told the only option is to bury them and have a memorial marker and I will be forwarded the fees. Is this correct?
Dear Sharon
It varies slightly, but with a lot of churchyards that is the policy – they only permit burial and not scattering. And with burial comes a cost.
My friend wants to scatter her husband’s ashes on Bodmin Moor which is common land. Does she need permission?
It should be fine Janet, although common land does not mean anyone can do anything obviously there will be covenants on it. It would be wise to check beforehand.
Kind regards
Richard
our dad wanted his ashes scattered on the yorkshire moors would we need pemission .
Dear Denise
Yes that should be possible, you would need to check with the land owner if it okay.
Regards
Richard
My mum wanted her ashes to be scattered on the top of the hill at Lulworth cove that looks over the water, do I need to ask permission to do this?
Dear Beth
Yes you would need to ask the owner of the land if that would be okay.
Kind regards
Richard
My father asked for his ashes to be scattered at Portland Bill in Dorset. Who would I need to contact about this? I am not sure whether this land is owned by Dorset or a private company.
Thank you
Helen, you could scatter on the beach at Portland Bill – you would not need to seek permission. Other parts are owned by different people and organisations.
Regards
Richard
would I need permission from south shields council to scatter ashes a long a path way along cliffs at south shields near the sea
Dear Joanne
I think it would depend on whether they are the landowners, often footpaths are owned be the person who owns the surrounding land.
Kind regards
Richard
Could I scatter my mums ashes I Happy Mount Park I Morecambe lancs or do I need permission
Happy Mount Park appears to be a private amusement park, if I have got the right one here is their contact details – https://www.happymountpark.co.uk/contact/
My late husband’s wish was to have his ashes scattered on the shores of Loch Etive. Will we need permission? We are planning to do this next week and had not considered whether permission would be needed. Help appreciated! Thank you.
Yes that is fine Eileen here is the page – Scattering Ashes at Sea on a River or a Lake
You shouldn’t trespass to get to the waterside. I hope it goes well.
Hi, I hope you don’t mind me asking. Our parents would like their ashes scattered at Mount Edgecumbe in Cornwall. Do you know of any pervious permissions granted or who we should contact please?
Dear Marion
I am not aware whether they grant permission – this is who you need to contact https://www.mountedgcumbe.gov.uk/
If they say no, you are still permitted to scatter in the water surrounding the park.
Kind regards
Richard
Hi. My wish is for my ashes to be scattered at st John’s gardens in liverpool. Is this something that is legally possible.
Hi,
I would like to scatter my brothers ashes in the lake in Weston Park in Sheffield, South Yorkshire.
My brother loved to fishe this lake.
Can you please tell me how do I go about to get permission for this.
Regards
Lorna Hukin
Dear Lorna
The Park areas to be owned and operated by Sheffield City Council you would need to contact the parks department to gain permission. The appears to be a popular swimming spot so you may encounter difficulties. I hope it works out.
Regards
Richard
hi . my dad has still got ashes of our brother . can we scatter them on our mum grave in local cemetary dad would like this to be done
Dear Trudy
It might be possible, you would ned to contact the administrator of the cemetery. This could be your local church or your local council.
I hope this is some help.
Regards
Richard
Good afternoon
My friend would like to scatter her husbands’ ashes somewhere on the Rhigos mountain in the Rhondda, South Wales.
Does she need permission to do this please?
Hi Linda
Yes technically she would, I have had a look and can’t seem to find out who owns the land. Sorry.
Kind regards
Richard
My parents met at a railway station where my father worked. I would like to scatter their ashes there. Who do I need to contact for permission, please?
Dear Dianne
If it is still in the remit of the current rail network (as opposed to a tourist line) then I would start by contacting Rail Track estates department.
Kind regards
Richard
Hi. My Mum and I would like to scatter Dads ashes in the Rose gardens along Portsmouth seaside. Are we allowed? Thanks
The Roses Gardens are owned and operated by Portsmouth City Council – you would need to contact them. Here are the the contact details https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/ext/leisure/parks/parks-gardens-and-open-spaces
I would like to scatter my mum’s ashes at castleton as this was her favourite place . Do I need permission?
Castleton in the Peak District Derbyshire is a lovely place, you would need to approach the landowner of the place you choose. There are two obvious options the Pervil Castle is run by English Heritage. Or the river that runs through the village. An alternative is National; Trust land nearby https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kinder-edale-and-the-dark-peak
Hi, I would Like my ashes buried under a tree. Maybe on a disused railway near where I live.
Any info would be good. I live in North Wales.
Stewart
Hi Stewart
This is our advice page on planting a memorial tree https://scattering-ashes.co.uk/services/memorial-tree/
Burying is legally far more tricky than scattering https://scattering-ashes.co.uk/help-advice/burying-ashes/
You would need to approach the landowner.
I hope that helps
Thanks
Richard
My Parents have expressed that they would like their ashes to be scattered in the Waterfall/Cascasde at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire. Whilst they both have at least another 10+ years (hopefully) I wanted to see if this was possible and seek guidance of whom I need to ask diplomatically without running the risk of being shot down immediately.
With things like this, are there any negative health implications of performing such a task ?
If this isn’t possible, then I have time to explore another location.
Here is the page on Chatsworth https://scattering-ashes.co.uk/places/chatsworth-house-policy/ it looks possible. There are no negative health implications. I hope this helps.
Coming from the US and I’d like to scatter some of my parents ashes (which have been mingled together) on the street in Glasgow where they met and eventually lived. It’s now in an industrial area. Do I need permission?
Dear Anne
Yes you would need to speak to Glasgow city council to gain permission.
Kind regards
Richard
Would I be allowed to scattering a small about of ashes in a flower bed in Victoria Park – Bideford?
Hi James
It appears to be owned by Bideford Town Council, you would need to seek their permission. Here is the link – https://www.bideford-tc.gov.uk/10-about-the-town/28-victoria-park
Am looking at scattering my late Fathers ashes at Oliver’s Mount in Scarborough, is there any limitations. Thank you in advance.
From what I can see the land is owned by Oliver’s Mount Racing it would be worth speaking to them first as they may be able to guide you
Phone: 01723 333321
Address: The Circuit Office, Oliver’s Mount, Scarborough YO11 2YW
Is it okay to scatter ashes from the end off of a pier over the sea?
Yes, providing the pier owners don’t mind. Be careful they are windy and the ashes will blow about.
Regards
Richard
Hi
Our late mother would like her ashes scattered at Brecom Beacons by Storey arms
Do we need permission to do this .can anyone advise who we need to speak to.the brecon beacons is a National park
Many thanks
Teresa Owen
Hi Teresa
This is the information given on the Brecon Beacons website here: https://www.beacons-npa.gov.uk/the-authority/donations-and-legacies/memorials/
Q Can I scatter ashes in the National Park?
Scattering ashes in places which someone loved when they were alive is becoming more and more popular. If you want to scatter ashes in the National Park you should check that the place you have chosen has public access – for example is a footpath or a common. Please be respectful of other users of the countryside when you are scattering the ashes. Before you make the decision about where to do this though you may want to think about how you will feel later. If you think that you or other relatives or friends might want to go to the site and commemorate the person who has died then you should choose a cemetery or a green burial ground as your loved one’s final resting place since otherwise you will not be able to leave memorials in the countryside at the site.
We would like to scatter our mother’s ashes in Holland Park, London. Mum walked in the park for 66 years. Is it allowed to scatter ashes there? F Ward
Hi Felicity
I believe you will need to contact The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, I’ve added their contact details below.
020 7361 3000 or
https://rbkcgovuk-self.achieveservice.com/en/AchieveForms/?form_uri=sandbox-publish://AF-Process-a21cadc5-0b23-4ab3-8666-2b2b42f55e84/AF-Stage-8b4914a5-321a-46bd-bfb0-ce127e6c4723/definition.json&redirectlink=%2Fen&cancelRedirectLink=%2Fen&consentMessage=yes
My mum past away a month ago her wish was to go home to Liverpool be scattered in the Mersey will we need permission for that
Hi Becci
No you don’t need permission. This is the boat that you can use to scatter ashes on the Mersey
Is it possible to scatter ashes at the Fleet Air Arm Memorial, Embankment , London, or do I need to get permission from the Ministry of Defence?
Dear Jim
You would need permission, and if I am honest you are unlikely to get it. Due to space, the ground and the precedent. You could scatter on the Thames near to the memorial. Or contact Fleet Air Arm for their guidance.
Kind regards
Richard
Is it possible to scatter ashes on the Blorenge in Wales?
I will look into it.
Regards
Richard
Would it be okay to scatter or bury my husbands ashes on The Knot, Arnside.
The Knot in Arnside is a beautiful spot, it is owned by the National Trust and as such it is possible that they will allow you to do this. You will need to contact the office responsible to acquire permission – here is the contact details https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/arnside-and-silverdale
could I be scattered on Preseli mountains.
Hi Philip
Sorry for the delay, it is down to the land owners consent and the vast majority of the ownership will be in private hand. It would be worth contacting the Park Authority directly to what they own and whether they permit it. Here is the website -www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales
I would like to scatter my fathers ashes on Snowdon. Is this allowed? If so do i need formal permission
The summit of Snowdon, is jointly owned by the Snowdonia National Park Authority, the National Trust and a private landowner. Yes you would need permission from the landowner. So, I suppose it depends where you were intending to scatter the ashes. The National Trust is likely to be the most amenable of the three, however often the summits of mountains are off limits because of many people wishing to use them to scatter and the ashes impacting the local environment. Also a lot of people visit the summmit so you would be unlikely to get privacy.