If you are a bird lover then it is good news. We have asked The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) whether you are allowed to scatter cremation ashes at their natures reserves, they even have an ‘In-Memoriam’ Co-ordinator who was very kind and provided the following response –
The RSPB do say “yes” to ash scattering on their nature reserves, but each request is considered at the discretion of the relevant Site Manager, taking into account there should be no environmental consequences resulting from the minerals in the ashes. We do have some very special ash scattering areas’ on some of our reserves, including our reserve based at our UK HQ in Bedfordshire. Ash scattering is not permitted on SSSI sites, so permission must be obtained before any scattering occurs.
Once permission has been given, we normally meet the family and take them to the special area, then leave them to their privacy. We take great care with visiting relatives to ensure that their experience is as pleasant as possible in the circumstances, fully appreciating that it is a very special day for them. We politely request that no physical tributes be left on the site and every family I have looked after understands this.
We also have a beautiful formal garden located at the UK HQ, and unfortunately we would prefer visitors not to scatter a loved one’s ashes in the formal gardens at the request of the gardeners.
Any requests for the scattering of ashes at one of our reserves should initially come through the In-Memoriam team, who can be contacted on 01767 693144.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a charitable organisation registered in England, Wales and in Scotland. It works to promote conservation and protection of birds and the wider environment through public awareness campaigns, petitions and through the operation of nature reserves. Strap line – Lets give nature a home.
They have more than 1 million members and maintains 200 nature reserves, making it the largest wildlife conservation charity in Europe.
Well done the RSPB. Please note we can only guarantee accuracy at the time and date of publication of this article so please check with them.
Updated 05/05/22
Hello,
Would it please be possible to scatter my late mother’s ashes amongst the bluebells at Sandy RSPB woods. It was always her wish to be scattered in bluebell woods.
Thank you very much in advance
Richard Thomas and family
I have attempted to discuss the scattering of our loved ones ashes at St Aidens, Leeds RSPB site. I have telephoned and both myself and my husband have sent emails, but there has been no response. I wondered if you could help us with this and suggest an alternative contact.
Kind regards,
Hi Catherine
I presume you have tried staidans@rspb.org.uk
Try their regional office
Denby Dale Office
Westleigh Mews
Wakefield Road, Denby Dale
Huddersfield
HD8 8QD
Or if you are members I would go down the membership contact route.
Kind regards