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Local knowledge and expertise

Advice on scattering ashes

At Co-op Funeralcare, we support thousands of families each year. While every family's wishes are different, many choose to scatter ashes in a place that held meaning for their loved one. It's legal in most locations, provided you have the right permission, and there's a lot of flexibility in how, where and when it happens. A few practical things are worth thinking about too: the weather, the environment, whether you'd like any kind of ceremony, and what the day itself will actually feel like.

There's no time pressure either. Ashes can be kept safely at home for as long as you need, whether that's a few weeks or many years, until the time and place feel right.

Permission requirements depend on where you'd like to scatter:

Your own private land: no permission needed.
Someone else's private land (farmland, a garden, a sports ground): you'll need the landowner's permission, ideally in writing.
Public parks and green spaces: you'll usually need permission from the council or the relevant trust. Most councils and organisations like the National Trust allow this within their own guidelines.
Beaches: most beaches are public land, and ashes can usually be scattered with discretion, but it's worth checking with the local authority for any local restrictions.
Rivers and the sea: no permission is needed, but it's worth following Environment Agency guidance.
Cemeteries and churchyards: rules vary from site to site, so always check with the cemetery office or vicar first.
Schools, sports stadiums, theme parks and other tourist attractions tend to have their own specific policies. Some allow scattering with permission, others don't. It's always worth asking directly.

Scattering ashes at sea - a personal experience

"Growing up on the South Coast, the beach, boats and the shore were a regular part of life. Whether it was ice creams at Lee-on-Solent or journeys to work at on the Gosport ferry it’s safe to say that water was never far away!

"This was even more the case for my Grandad who lived in Hythe, Southampton. Having been a Captain in the Merchant Navy, his life continued to revolve around the water well into his retirement as he volunteered on the Alison MacGregor – a catamaran that runs boat trips around the Solent for disabled people and the elderly.

"It seemed fitting to be able to take his ashes on a final journey on the water before lowering them into the Solent using a water journey urn. This took place a couple of weeks after his funeral, with just immediate family members onboard the boat. Although sad at the time, it was an event that will always stick in my mind and has helped me remember all the great moments we shared together whenever I’m near the sea."

David Eastwood - Co-op Funeralcare Central Support Team, Manchester

Where families commonly scatter ashes

Garden of remembrance

Most crematoria have a dedicated garden of remembrance designed for scattering. It's often the simplest option, and many offer optional plaques or planting if you'd like to mark the spot.

Private land

A family garden, farmland, or a sports ground, with the landowner's permission. It's worth thinking ahead about future access too. If the property is ever sold, the family may lose their connection to that particular spot.

Public parks and green spaces

Hills, woodland, or a favourite walking spot are popular choices, though council or trust permission is usually needed first.

Sea, rivers and lakes

A meaningful choice for many families, particularly those with a connection to the water through work, sailing or travel. If you're scattering in a river or the sea, avoid areas near fisheries or marinas, and stay at least 1km upstream of any water treatment plant or reservoir, in line with Environment Agency guidance on scattering ashes near water.

Family grave or cemetery plot

Often allowed if you own the plot, though cemetery rules vary, so it's worth checking first with the cemetery office.

More than one place

Ashes can be divided between multiple locations if that feels right. Many families do this, choosing a meaningful spot for each side of the family, or keeping a portion at home and scattering the rest.

A note on faith and culture

For some religions and cultures, there may be specific traditions or requirements around cremated remains. If this applies to you, it's worth speaking to your faith leader or community representative.

Aerial Ashes

It's now possible to scatter your loved one's ashes from the sky. We've partnered with Aerial Ashes to provide this extraordinary way to say goodbye. With the use of specially adapted drones, ashes are carried up and scattered in a special place of your choosing, like local beauty spots, or even less accessible places like rivers or the sea.

More about Aerial Ashes More about Aerial Ashes

What ashes are actually like

It's natural not to know quite what to expect, and this isn't something most people have any experience of before they need it.

Quantity. Adult ashes typically weigh somewhere between 2 and 4 kilograms and fill a container roughly the size of a large bag of sugar, more than most people expect.
Texture. Fine and slightly grainy, closer to coarse sand than to soft powder. The colour is usually pale grey to almost white.
Smell. Effectively none.
Weight. The urn itself is often heavier than people anticipate, worth bearing in mind if one person plans to carry it any distance.
Wind. Even on a calm day, ashes catch the wind more than expected. Standing with the wind behind you and scattering low, rather than throwing, tends to work best.
Effect on plants. Ashes are mildly alkaline and can affect plant roots if concentrated in one spot. Spreading them over a wider area, or mixing with a neutralising compost, helps

Find a Co-op Funeral Director

We offer a range of products to help you scatter a loved ones ashes, along with memorial keepsakes if you want to keep some of their ashes with you. Please speak with your local Co-op Funeral Director for more help and advice.

Find a funeral home