Choosing to be cremated over buried can leave your family questioning what to do with your ashes. That’s why it’s best to plan ahead. Most choose to scatter their loved one’s ashes, and that’s why we’re providing the best places to have your ashes scattered, here…
The discussion of death isn’t necessarily at the top of anyone’s list. That being said, thinking about what happens to your belongings and your body when you pass is essential.
With the sensitive support of a wills and probate solicitors, your wishes following death will be exactly laid out. You can express how you want your ashes to be handled, along with any other aspects you want to consider, such as funeral plans and who will receive your estate.
Many families who lose loved ones choose to scatter their ashes in meaningful places, such as a favourite location or a place they have fond memories of. If you have a desire to be laid to rest in a place of your own choosing, this is possible. So, we’re going to provide some key information on the scattering of ashes and the best places to do so, here…
Do You Need Permission for Your Ashes to Be Scattered?
There is no explicit law in the UK that prohibits the scattering of ashes. However, prior to scattering ashes, it is required to receive permission from the landowner.
If your desire is to have your ashes spread at sea, in a lark or on a river, you do not need permission to do this.
However, the scattering of ashes at sea must comply with Environmental Agency Guidance. This leaflet also provides guidance on the scattering of ashes on a river and lake.
Where Can Your Ashes Be Scattered?
It is possible to decide where you want your ashes to be scattered instead of relying on your family to make the decision. You can do so by putting instructions in your will. These will be your wishes and will be followed after your passing.
There are plenty of places across the UK that allow for the scattering of ashes. More often than not, they might require permission. Some include:
Your Favourite Beach
You might have a favourite beach in mind; a place where you have fond memories from when your children were young. Perhaps you went on family holidays here as a young child, and it reminds you of simpler times. Alternatively, maybe you got married here or spent significant time here with a partner.
If you choose to have your ashes scattered on a beach, be sure to choose a calm and quiet spot that is away from any boats and swimmers. Be sure to instruct your family to take your ashes there on a day with calm weather too, to ensure the experience isn’t ruined by wind or rain.
Your Garden
Depending on personal circumstances, you might find that your own garden is the perfect place to have your ashes scattered. Especially if you have lived in the same property for a considerable amount of time, and if it’s where you brought your children up. You might feel you want your resting place to be where you have fond memories.
The only problem that may occur with this location is that if the property is rented, it won’t be yours to pass on after you die. If you do own the property, you will be able to leave it behind in your will, but then it’s down to your beneficiaries to decide what the future of the property is.
The Family Grave
The common misconception is that when you have your remains cremated that they are either kept in an urn or scattered into nature. But, if you want to be laid to rest on your family grave without being buried, it is possible to do so.
A River or Lake
Rivers and lakes being used as a way to commemorate a loved one’s life is becoming increasingly more popular. As mentioned above, permission is not needed to do this, although checking guidance with the Environmental Agency is a must. It also means family and friends can walk, run, or sit alongside the river or lake and feel as if they’re still with you.
A Mountain or Hill
Having your ashes scattered on a mountain or hill can be a wonderful and sentimental moment for your family. You might have a connection to the mountain or hill in question perhaps you often climbed it, or you just find the idea of being laid to rest on top of a mountain or hill comforting.
Premiership & Championship Football Club
For some people, being scattered on their favourite football team’s club might be where they want to be laid to rest, particularly if they have supported that team since they were young. Many clubs across the UK do allow ashes to be scattered, some on the pitch, others on the side of the pitch. Other clubs have personal remembrance gardens specifically for this reason.
If you would like to find out more information and to see if your club allows this, scatteringashes.co.uk can provide more details.
Find The Best Place for You and Put it in Your Will
What we can conclude from this article is that there are many wonderful and sentimental places where your ashes can be scattered. It’s important that, if you have a location you desire to be scattered in, don’t just verbally make this clear to your family set your wishes out in your will. This way, your loved ones can follow through with this.
Your will is the last opportunity you have to request any final wishes. The choice should be yours entirely; whether you want them to choose a special place or for yourself to have the choice.
Alternatively, if there is one location you would like to have your ashes scattered at, but you also want to respect the wishes of your loved ones, you could request for your ashes to be scattered in multiple places, one of your choosing and the rest of your families choosing.
Where would you want your ashes to be scattered? Leave a comment below.