Sarah
We don’t scatter ashes on our site (but we are right next to our parish church, so ashes would in most cases be buried in that churchyard).
In the UK, you generally don’t need specific permission to scatter ashes on your own property or over bodies of water like rivers or the sea. However, if you want to scatter ashes on someone else’s land, you’ll need their permission. It’s also a good idea to check with the Environment Agency for guidance on protecting local habitats and preventing water pollution, especially if scattering near water
The Environment Agency advises against scattering ashes within a 1-kilometer radius of drinking water sources, near marinas, or in areas used by anglers. They also suggest scattering in moving water (rivers or the sea) to ensure ashes are quickly dispersed.
Considerations for all locations: it’s always a good idea to be mindful of the environment and choose a location that won’t interfere with other people’s enjoyment of the space. You should also avoid leaving any non-biodegradable objects behind.
(Source: Mr Google)
Nick Stiven
clerk@stjohnswilton.org.uk