What the National Trust Objective
The National Trust works to preserve and protect the coastline, countryside and buildings of England through practical caring and conservation, through educating and informing, and through encouraging millions of people to enjoy their national heritage. – in their own words
Scattering Ashes
The Trust owns a large number of properties, including historic houses and gardens, industrial monuments and social history sites. In fact it is one of the largest landowners, membership organisations and charities in the UK.
Good news, when we asked them what their policy was on scattering ashes on their property – we have had a response back from them:
“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, 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.
The Trust has a general policy not to allow green burials on our land, although we do receive a number of requests to permit this every year.”
How to Find out whether it is possible
1- Go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk
2 – Click search and search for the location
3 – Click on the appropriate link
4 – Scroll down until you see Get in touch and send an email to this address requesting and ashes scattering
Record the location
It is important for posterity that the location is recorded.
Go to the www.ashesregister.com to record the location for free.
All position statements are actuate at the time of posting, please contact the organisation directly for the most up to date position.
Hi,
I would like to scatter my dad’s ashes on The Stiperstones, Shropshire. Is this possible please?
Kind regards
Hi ,
Are you aloud to spread ash’s in the lake at stour head gardens.
Hi Rob
You would need to ask them – https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wiltshire/stourhead
Kind regards
Richard
Would it be possible to scatter my mothers ashes in Prior Park overlooking bath. She loved her time working in Bath and that we think would be a lovely resting place for her. Can you let me know if this is at all possible
Hi Sara
Quite possibly – please contact https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/bath-bristol/prior-park-landscape-garden
Kind regards
Richard
Hello
Please can I ask is it possible to scatter ashes on Glastonbury Tor?
Many thanks
Due to the spiritual popularity of the location, I think is not permitted. Too many scatterings at sites like this tend to impact everyone’s enjoyment of the site and can impact the local eco-system. Sorry.
Hello,
Do you know if it is possible to scatter ashes at Avebury? And how I might go about finding out? Thank you
Sarah
Hi Sarah
It is controlled by English Heritage, not the National Trust. Here is the link. https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/avebury/
I would suggest you contact them, I hope you get the okay.
Kind regards
Richard
Hi
I would like to scatter my parents ashes at waggoners wells in Grayshott who would I need to contact
Hi Debbie
The National Trust – here you go https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/ludshott-commons
Don’t forget to record it – https://www.ashesregister.com
Kind regards
Richard
we wish to scatter my dads ashes in clumber park, nottinghamshire near the cricket ground, would this be possible.
Hi Lesley
Thanks for contacting us, these would be the right people to speak to: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/nottinghamshire-lincolnshire/clumber-park
Kind regards
Richard
Hi
Would it be possible to scatter ashes at calke abbey
My mother in law is terminally ill and she has requested that she would love to be scattered at her favourite walking spot
Hi Tom
You would need to approach them directly, this is the page you need:https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/calke-abbey
Kind regards
Richard
Would it be possible to scatter ashes at Daisy Nook Country Park please?
Thank you.
Hi Emma
You would need to contact the local offices of the National Trust and check with them.
Kind regards
Richard
We would like to scatter ashes at Speke Hall, would this be possible
Dear M Powell
You would need to contact them directly https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/liverpool-lancashire/speke-hall
Regards
Richard
Is it possible to scatter ashes at Penbryn Beach, Wales. We would dig a hole and Bury them to be taken by tide
Beaches are fine
Don’t dig a hole as that would be interment – this is our general advice –Scattering Ashes at Sea on a River or a Lake
Hi! I am a Baptist Minister in Bournemouth and one of the congregation would like her husband’s ashes spread on field on the cliff top above Old Harry in July. How do I get permission from the National Trust to do this please? Many thanks.
Dear Sharon
Contact the local office – here are the details https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/studland-bay/old-harry-rocks-walk scroll down to the bottom of the page.
Personally I would not advise it , for two reasons 1. Cliff tops are generally windy which does not go well with scattering, 2. organising an event / gathering near a cliff top fills me with apprehension…
Hope all goes well
Richard
Is it possible to scatter our parent’s ashes at Souter Lighthouse in Tyne and Wear please? Many Thanks
Hi Sara
If it is on the beach/sea next to the lighthouse then that is fine.
If it is within the grounds contact the the National Trust there https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/souter-lighthouse-and-the-leas
I hope this helps
Regards
Richard
Is it possible to scatter ashes on Glastonbury Tor?
Hi Jodie
No. Basically due to the demand. There are many people who wish to do it, as a result the environment would be damaged for others.
Can we bury ashes in a biodegradable box under a large oak tree on national trust land? Thinking Powys castle, Chirk castle, attingham park….this area.
All do the allow memorial benches?
Dear Tracey Anne
It would unlikely you could bury ashes as this is compel legally, they may let you scatter the ashes – here is the page you need – https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/powis-castle-and-garden
Kind regards
Richard
hi could you please tell me if it would be possible to scatter my mum and dads ashes at trentham gardens in staffordshire as both my parents loved it there
Hi Emma
It looks like it is in private ownership I have had a look and you would need to contact them https://trentham.co.uk/contact-us/
I hope this helps
Kind regards
Richard
Is it possible to scatter my mothers ashes at westbury white horse/ Britton camp as per my mothers wishes
It may be possible to scatter at Bratton Camp – the site is manged by English Heritage – you would need to check with them https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/bratton-camp-and-white-horse/
You can record your scattering here ashesregister.com
Kind regards
Richard
Good afternoon
Is it possible to scatter my parents ashes on the Clent hills
Possibly yes – you would need to contact the National Trust, here is their contact details https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/worcestershire-herefordshire/clent-hills
Hello my dad wished for his ashes to be scattered at hope gap. Where he spent majority of his summers with his family and children. Is this possible? Thank you
Dear Kathy
It might be possible, is it on the sea? It looks like it is so yes no problem in the water/on the beach. If on land it looks to be National Trust or Wildlife Trust land if so you would need to contact them – for whichever location you choose.
Kind regards
Richard
My dad has requested his ashes to be scatteted on dunstable downs, is this possible
Regards
Rachel
It should be possible – you would need to make direct contact https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunstable-downs-and-whipsnade-estate
Don’t forget to record your scattering ceremony – http://www.ashesregister.com
Kind regards
Richard
Hi there,
My parents have both died in this past year. As a family we all spent holidays and fun days on Box Hill . My mother went to a local school and we would like to return them both home. Would it be possible too scatter their ashes on Box Hill and the River Mole by the Stepping Stones?
The National trust are normally very good, here are the contact details:
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/box-hill#Contact%20us
Hi my granddad passed in January and would his ashes scattered at White Horse Hill in Uffington as this is where he grow up. Would this be allowed?
Dear Daniel
What a fantastically iconic choice, the people who would be able to tell you are the National Trust these are the contact details for the site https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/white-horse-hill#Contact%20us
Kind regards
Richard
A tree was planted in memory of my mother. Many years ago and I don’t know where, how can I find out,
Dear Sheila
What clues do you have to go on? Presumably National Trust property? Do you know which site?
Thanks
Richard
Hi there,
An enquiry about the possible scattering of my Father’s ashes within the woodlands at Quarry Bank Mill. My Father worked as a volunteer at the Mill for many years as well as an Air traffic Controller based at Manchester Airport adjacent to the woodlands. Any help greatly appreciated.
Hello Ian
Did you ever find out if this was allowed? I would like to do the same for my mum.
Thank you
Krissy
Hello,
My Nan would like to scatter her ashes at the Glastonbury Abbey in Somerset.
Is this possible?
Thank-you,
Bobbie
Bobbie – You would need to contact them here is the contact page https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/glastonbury-tor#Contact%20us
Regards
Richard
Hi we would like to scatter a family members ashes on The Great Orme in Llandudno Noth Wales and wonder how we get the permission to do this please.
thank you
Dawn
Hi Dawn
It would appears the site is owned by Conwy County Borough Council. I have had look and this looks like it has the details https://www.conwy.gov.uk/en/Resident/Leisure-sport-and-health/Coast-and-Countryside/Nature-Reserves/The-Great-Orme/Exploring-the-Great-Orme.aspx
Kind regards
Richard
Would i be able to scatter my husband at Chacewater Park brownhills Staffordshire
Hi Sarah
You would need to contact the parks owns – which looks like Stafford CC here is the email address chasewater.ic@staffordshire.gov.uk
Regards
Richard
Hi. We would like to scatter my mother-in-law’s ashes on Formby beach. She lived in Formby all her life and the beach was a favourite place of hers. Could you let me know who I have to contact please?
Kind Regards
Dear Margaret
I would imagine that would possible, here is the contact details you need – https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/formby#Contact%20us
Kind regards
Richard
Hi there. We are looking to scatter Ashes at the Glastonbury Tor. Could you please let me know who I would need to contact regarding permission to do so?
Kind regards
Lee
Dear Lee
These are the contact details you need i am not sure if they would grant permission but it worth an ask.
Kind regards
Richard
Hi there, my sister suddenly died in June this year. She had many happy memories of playing as a child at the landslip – bonchurch, Isle of Wight she also got engaged there. We would like to scatter her ashes there but are unsure as to whether this land belongs to national trust or the council? Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Hi Jennifer it appears to be owned by a community partnership project. I would approach this organisation https://gifttonature.org.uk/about/
I hope this helps
Regards
Richard
Hi , I was wondering what the procedure would be, if possible, to scatter my parents ashes at Tarn Hows in the Lake District. Please can you advise on how we could do this .
Regards
Chris
Dear Chris
You would need to contact the part of the National Trust responsible for that area, I have looked it up for you https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tarn-hows-and-coniston#Contact%20us
Kind regards
Richard
Hi
My wife passed away in May 2019, we were married for 43 years. I was wondering if I could scatter her ashes at Castle Drogo as she loved going here with the family and was the last national Trust place she visited
Dear David that is a lovely idea it is such a lovely place. You will need to contact them directly. I found the contact details for you – https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/castle-drogo#Contact%20us
I hope it works out for you.
Regards
Richard
Hi
My dad passed away three years ago and I’m struggling to find a place where his ashes could be planted with a new tree as this was his wish. He spent many years participating in orienteering events in many beautiful wooded areas. I wondered if you could advise.
Liz Milner
Hello,
I lost my mum suddenly last Sunday, in her will she has stated that she would like her ashes scattered opposite the coast guard cottages, on the cliffs at Minsmere, I am hoping this will be possible as it’s the final thing I can do for my mum, do you think this might be possible?
Many thanks
Dear Steph
Thank you for contacting us, Minsmere is an RSPB not National Trust. It is a beautiful location, I am unsure whether they offer this service however I have looked up the information from you, this is their contact details I hope it proves useful – minsmere@rspb.org.uk / 01728 648281
Kind regards
Richard
My Dad passed away on Friday. Me and my brother decided we would like his ashes to be spread on Birling Gap beach, who would i need to contact to get a permission?
Hi Carolina
I am sorry to hear this.
The National Trust Birling Gap office can be reached on 01323 423197.
Kind regards
My late wife’s favourite place was the great orme in Llandudno, is it possible to scatter some of her ashes there.
Dear Michael the site is owns and managed by Conwy County Borough Council you would need to contact them, I have looked up their contact page for you. I hope this helpshttp://www.conwy.gov.uk/en/Council/Contact-Us/Contact-us.aspx
Regards
Richard
I would be grateful if you could advise who we would need to contact to look at scattering ashes at or near Ashness Bridge in Keswick. Kind regards.
Hi Louise
You would need to contact the local National Trust office, for Ashness Bridge I believe the telephone number is 01768 774649.
Very best wishes
Who would I need to contact to scatter my Fathers ashes in Plymbridge Woods, Plymouth? My Father spent many years volunteering there for the National Trust, working with the late Keith Hammond.
Many thanks
Hi Angela
You would need to contact the National Trust office at Plymbridge Woods, from a look on their website I can see their number is: 01752 341377.
Very best wishes
I wondered if I could scatter my Aunt’s ashes at Chartwell, she absolutely loved it there. If we were discreet, for example used the woods, would it be allowed?
Dear Judith
You would need to contact the site manager directly ask whether this is possible. I have looked them up for you: Telephone 01732868381 / Email chartwell@nationaltrust.org.uk
Address Mapleton Road, Westerham, Kent, TN16 1PS
I hope that helps
Kind regards
Richard
Hi there I would like to plant some ashes with a protected tree in Dunham Massey is this something that would be possible?
Dear William
You would need to contact the estate directly to see if this is possible: 01619411025 / dunhammassey@nationaltrust.org.uk
I hope this helps
Regards
Richard
Hello, my mom has passed away recently and we have just had her ashes back. She absolutely LOVED Cannock Chase. My dad and I were wondering if there’s any way we could go about planting a tree with her ashes?
Hope you can give us some advice in the right direction.
Many kind regards.
Dear Megan
I am sorry to hear the sad news about your mum. Cannock Chase is indeed lovely and great choice, however it is not owned by the National Trust it is Managed by Forestry Commision England, they tend to have a fairly negative approach to people memorialising in their forests. But it is always worth asking, I have had a look on the web for some contact details for you -Tel: 0300 067 4340 email:-cannock@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
All the best
Richard
I would like to spread my sons ashes on stock bridge downs Andover Hants but don’t know who I need to ask he liver to walk there
Dear Margret
The site is owned by the National Trust, but there is no site manager referenced as such I would use the main contact page for the National Trust – https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/contact-us
I hope that helps
I would like my husbands ashes to be scattered at Nymans Garden if, possible,
, This was a particular favourite place,of his.. Any information you can give me would be greatly appreciated..
Many thanks
Hi there
We would advise calling the Nymans Garden office directly, their number is: 01444 405250.
I hope they can help.
Best wishes
Hannah