Ashes on the Waterways: Canal & River Trust Guidance on Scattering Ashes
The Canal & River Trust — which now manages over 2,000 miles of inland waterways in England and Wales — has clarified its position on the scattering of ashes along canals and rivers. The good news: they do allow it, provided it is carried out sensitively and with care for the environment.
Historically, British Waterways and the Environment Agency jointly oversaw such requests. Today, while the Environment Agency retains responsibility for major rivers, the Canal & River Trust manages most canals, navigations and some rivers — and they do not require formal permission for scattering ashes in most Trust-managed waters. Instead, they ask families to follow a few simple principles to ensure safe, respectful and environmentally responsible practice.
Respecting traditions, protecting waterways
The Trust recognises that families, cultures and faith communities have different traditions around end-of-life rituals. Scattering ashes into rivers or streams is an important part of these practices for many people, and the organisation is committed to being accommodating rather than obstructive.
Their role is to maintain safe, navigable waterways while protecting local ecosystems. As long as scattering ashes does not cause environmental harm or disrupt other waterway users, the Trust has no objection.
Ashes themselves pose no significant risk to water quality. However, problems occur when non-biodegradable items are placed in the water. The Trust specifically asks families not to throw in tributes, including:
Flowers wrapped in plastic
Wreaths containing metal or foam
Ribbons, cards or any non-organic materials
Such items become litter, harm wildlife and can obstruct navigation.
Case-by-case sensitivity
Both the Canal & River Trust and the Environment Agency (for waters under their remit) treat all enquiries with sensitivity. They aim to avoid placing additional stress on bereaved families. In rare cases, a request may be discouraged — for example:
if the chosen site is heavily used by the public
if boat traffic makes the location unsafe
if the environmental impact is likely to be significant
if water quality concerns exist
But these are the exception rather than the rule. For most families, scattering ashes on a quiet stretch of water remains a peaceful and accessible option.
My brother would like his ashes scattered on the Cromford Canal, which is a disused section of canal in Derbyshire. Does the canal and river trust policy apply on that canal, or would we need to seek permission elsewhere? Thanks.
The Cromford Canal is not entirely managed by the Canal & River Trust. Management and ownership are split across several organizations depending on the specific section of the canal:
Canal & River Trust: Manages the stretch of the canal between Bridge 4 and Bridge 9 at Ironville, as well as the Codnor Park and Ironville reservoirs.
Derbyshire County Council: Owns and manages the rest of the canal.
Derbyshire Wildlife Trust: Manages the Whatstandwell to Ambergate section in conjunction with the County Council, which is designated as a Local Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Friends of the Cromford Canal: An active charity and volunteer group that supports the ongoing restoration of the canal, operates boat trips (such as on the Birdswood), and has adopted specific stretches of the waterway.
So I would opt for the top option…
Hi Richard,
Thank you so much for the comprehensive reply. It’s very helpful to know who manages which stretch of the waterway. It is very much appreciated. Rob
Very Welcome
Is it possible to scatter my husbands ashes in the Grand Union Canal in Milton Keynes and if so are there any restrictions on which part of the canal we can use. Thank you The canal was very important to my husband and we spent many hours walking on the tow path or on canal holidays
Hi Beverley
Yes it will be – the restrictions and rules are on this page. Choose a quiet time of day and don’t lean over too far.
I hope all goes well.
Kind regards
Richard
Thank you
Hi Richard, I would like to scatter a dear friend’s ashes in the water along the Paddington or Regent’s canals in London. I would be looking for a spot as away from people as possible, would be using one of your Journey Water Ashes Urn and would want to scatter a few rose petals with it, too. Would this be acceptable and, if so, do you have any particular recommendations? Many thanks.
Hi Simona
That would be possible and what you are suggesting would work. As for quite spots on a stretch of canal in London, I don’t have the knowledge I am afraid to say. Many people use them for commuting so there may be quieter times of the day eg around 11am in the morning.
I hope all goes well.
Kind regards
Richard
Is the Coventry Canal a place where we can scatter our dad’s ashes, please?
Hi yes you can, but Hindus don’t tend to use canals as they are not natural and they don’t really ‘flow’.
Kind regards
Richard
Can I please scatter my Husband’s ashes on the Norfolk B-roads near Wroxam, it is our speical place for 40 yrs.
l thank you.
Dear Richard,
Would it be possible for me to scatter my fathers ashes in the Grand Union Canal, Alperton. Nothing non-biodegradable will be used.
Yes Darren
This is their guidance – Canal & River Trust policy on scattering ashes
Our family business is on the banks of river Lea in Enfield and to remember my dad we would like to scatter his ashes in the river next to our building, is that okay
Yes if you follow the guidance.
is it ok to scatter my nans ashes at sutton stop canal as this was a special place for her in coventry as it meant alot to her and my grandad.
Yes Dee Ann – please observe the rules above
Hi I’m thinking of scattering my mum’s ashes into the canal at Horsell, Woking, Surrey. Is that going to be acceptable?
Yes Kenneth if the above guidance is followed.
Is it alright to scatter my Dad’s ashes in the canal between Purton and Sharpness?
Many thanks.
Yes it is. Please note the above.
Regards
Richard
I am looking at scattering my mum’s ashes at the canal at Marsworth. Is this OK,? Many thanks.
If the above is complied with – then that should absolutely fine.
Hi
I would like to scatter my husbands ashes in a clearing on the tow path on Derby canal and place some wild flower seeds there too is this allowed. Nothing but the ashes and wild flower seeds will be left there and it will be out of reach of walkers.
Thankyou
Dear Carol
You would need to speak to the Canal and Rivers Trust directly to see whether they would allow this.
Kind regards
Richard
Hi Richard. I would like to scatter my parents ashes in Beddgelert river in North Wales, is this allowed.
Yes it is – please follow the guidance on the page.
Regards
Richard
Can I scatter ashes of my beloved dog in the canal along Spikes Bridge park in Southall please.
Hi Bob
I think it is okay, technical I am not sure. However most policy’s are without taking in broader religious aspects (in this respect the soul of you dog) – So I would go ahead.
Kind regards
Richard
What are the rules about scattering ashes at the lock side rather than in the lock? Is near lock side cafes allowed? How do you find out who the landowner is? Thanks.
Dear Elizabeth
The landowner is likely to be the Canals and Rivers Trust. They might not like ashes scattered on the towpath area or near cafes due to other users of the area.
Kind regards
Richard
High Richard we are going on the Norfolk broads I have my parents ashes they always went on the broads would it be okay to let there ashes go there please many thanks gail
Dear Gail, yes that is absolutely fine.
Regards
Richard
Hello,
Please can you advise if it is ok to scatter ashes either in the water or in the hedgerow by the towpath at the top flight of Foxton Locks in Leicestershire? There will be no other container or anything non-biodegradable used. Can we scatter a couple of her favourite flowers in the water at the same time?
Also, do you know who we would need to contact about the possibility of having maybe a bench installed at the top lock?
Kindest regards.
Dear Clare if you follow advice on this page that will be fine. As for the bench, you would need to speak directly to the Cabal and Rivers Trust directly.
Kind regards
Richard
Can I scatter my Nans ashes to the side of a canal. The canal waterway has a path and then an overgrown bramble, the ashes will go at the base of the overgrown brambles so the ashes are not in or near the waterway. Thank you
Dear Sara
Technically you would need permission if you wished to scatter them on the towpath. However you do not need permission to scatter in the canal itself.
Kind regards
Richard
After reading these messages and the site details o should like to scatter my fathers ashes as requested in Walton. If we ensure there are no further items entering the water that could pollute or cause harm is this ok?
Many thanks
Claire
Yes that is fine Claire, as you say making sure that nothing polluting enters the watercourse. If scattering from a bank make sure you are safe whilst scattering.
Kind regards
Richard
Hi. My mother in law requested to be scattered on the canal as this is where she was born and raised. It will be at Galgate and only the ashes and nothing will be scattered over the water.
Dear Aimee
That should be fine providing you follow the guidance mentioned.
Kind regards
Richard
Good afternoon wonder if you can help please, my father passed away this morning and I am trying to get my organised hat on to keep busy. He always wanted his ashes to be scattered in a river, estuary, lake etc (some body of water) as he was mad about the water.
Could you please let me know if I have your permission to do this when the time comes
Many thanks
Mrs Debbie Yates
Dear Debbie
You don’t need any specific permission. There are a few rules, this is our main page on the subject – Scattering on Water: https://scattering-ashes.co.uk/help-advice/permission/sea-river/
I hope this helps
Regards
Richard
Is it ok to scatter my mum & dad’s ashes in the Brecon canal as they had a long boat for many years in golden and loved spending every weekend on their narrow boat.
Dear Gillian
The answer is yes, providing the above guidance is adhered to.
Regards
Richard
Is it okay to scatter my Dad’s ashes over a canal this will be all that’s distributed over the water nothing else
Yes it is fine, please do not place anything non-biodegradable in the water. Thank you