Scattering cremated ashes question
Discussion
Hi, just wondering if anyone has any insight or experience of this and/or can point me in the right direction...
We've just collected my Mother-in-law's ashes and with them is a note which says "It is an offence to place cremated remains in watercourses or on public land (without consent)."
Her wish was for her ashes to be scattered into the sea (from a pier). Would consent be needed for this (as it's not land and I don't think of the sea as a watercourse)? If consent is needed I'm assuming it's the local authority, or would it need to be another regulatory body - not sure who, perhaps the coastguard?
I know there will be some suggestions of "just do it - no-one will know/care" but I don't think that's the right way to go about things.
Obviously we're aware of the coronavirus restrictions but our plan is for when they have been lifted.
Thanks in advance for any useful info.
We've just collected my Mother-in-law's ashes and with them is a note which says "It is an offence to place cremated remains in watercourses or on public land (without consent)."
Her wish was for her ashes to be scattered into the sea (from a pier). Would consent be needed for this (as it's not land and I don't think of the sea as a watercourse)? If consent is needed I'm assuming it's the local authority, or would it need to be another regulatory body - not sure who, perhaps the coastguard?
I know there will be some suggestions of "just do it - no-one will know/care" but I don't think that's the right way to go about things.
Obviously we're aware of the coronavirus restrictions but our plan is for when they have been lifted.
Thanks in advance for any useful info.
The environment agency leaflet (Check if updated)
https://www.scattering-ashes.co.uk/wp-content/uplo...
It would seem that tidal coastal waters are OK.
I remember a group of us walked up a mountain and someone then got some ashes out to scatter. Not recommended. The wind can swirl about, and you can never guarantee being up wind of the ashes.
https://www.scattering-ashes.co.uk/wp-content/uplo...
It would seem that tidal coastal waters are OK.
I remember a group of us walked up a mountain and someone then got some ashes out to scatter. Not recommended. The wind can swirl about, and you can never guarantee being up wind of the ashes.
Pica-Pica said:
I remember a group of us walked up a mountain and someone then got some ashes out to scatter. Not recommended. The wind can swirl about, and you can never guarantee being up wind of the ashes.
My eldest brother was second to scatter my Father's ashes, he didn't think and promptly had a neat pile of 'Dad Ashes' in front of him.His reflex was to give them a quick punt with his foot and then scatter them in some sort of bizarre dance while remaining glued to the spot.
My poor old Mum didn't know what to say..
Pica-Pica said:
I remember a group of us walked up a mountain and someone then got some ashes out to scatter. Not recommended. The wind can swirl about, and you can never guarantee being up wind of the ashes.
My Grandad requested the Malverns - he was a big Elgar fan - and it's only lockdown that has stopped me from acting on it. That was an issue that had occurred to me.I am sorry for your loss. Scattering the ashes in the sea is fine. Also, scattering ashes would in my view be a reasonable excuse for being away from home.
The ashes of my brother and my dad are scattered partly in the woods behind my childhood home, partly in the Irish Sea, partly in Dublin, and partly in the garden of my mum's house.
The ashes of my brother and my dad are scattered partly in the woods behind my childhood home, partly in the Irish Sea, partly in Dublin, and partly in the garden of my mum's house.
Reminds me of
On the very day I die
The very last of my desires
Is that you take my broken body
And commit it to the fire
And then when the fire is finished
Scrape the ashes in a tin
Take them down to London's drinking reservoirs
And throw them in
And then specks infinitesimal of my mortal remains
Will slide down seven million throats and into seven million veins
And I will creep through their capillaries to the marrow of their bones
And they will wake to bright new mornings and then wordlessly they'll know
Dad went near the elan valley reservoirs, Mum onto the hilltop overlooking Rhayder
Both inlaw's parents went into a memorial bed in a cemetery close to where they used to live in North London, was about £300 all in including a plaque
On the very day I die
The very last of my desires
Is that you take my broken body
And commit it to the fire
And then when the fire is finished
Scrape the ashes in a tin
Take them down to London's drinking reservoirs
And throw them in
And then specks infinitesimal of my mortal remains
Will slide down seven million throats and into seven million veins
And I will creep through their capillaries to the marrow of their bones
And they will wake to bright new mornings and then wordlessly they'll know
Dad went near the elan valley reservoirs, Mum onto the hilltop overlooking Rhayder
Both inlaw's parents went into a memorial bed in a cemetery close to where they used to live in North London, was about £300 all in including a plaque
Byker28i said:
Reminds me of
On the very day I die
The very last of my desires
Is that you take my broken body
And commit it to the fire
And then when the fire is finished
Scrape the ashes in a tin
Take them down to London's drinking reservoirs
And throw them in
And then specks infinitesimal of my mortal remains
Will slide down seven million throats and into seven million veins
And I will creep through their capillaries to the marrow of their bones
And they will wake to bright new mornings and then wordlessly they'll know
Dad went near the elan valley reservoirs, Mum onto the hilltop overlooking Rhayder
Both inlaw's parents went into a memorial bed in a cemetery close to where they used to live in North London, was about £300 all in including a plaque
Frank turner - one foot before the other. On the very day I die
The very last of my desires
Is that you take my broken body
And commit it to the fire
And then when the fire is finished
Scrape the ashes in a tin
Take them down to London's drinking reservoirs
And throw them in
And then specks infinitesimal of my mortal remains
Will slide down seven million throats and into seven million veins
And I will creep through their capillaries to the marrow of their bones
And they will wake to bright new mornings and then wordlessly they'll know
Dad went near the elan valley reservoirs, Mum onto the hilltop overlooking Rhayder
Both inlaw's parents went into a memorial bed in a cemetery close to where they used to live in North London, was about £300 all in including a plaque
Actually watching him on YouTube at the moment some b side acoustic stream thingy.
My last night out before lockdown was going to see him in Middlesbrough.
Breadvan72 said:
My mum wants to be shot into space.
To the strains of 'Nearer my God to Thee'?Ashes of the daughter of friends of ours were scattered in the sea in Coverack bay by her family & husband from the boat they usually watched the regatta from.
No problem at all & several offered their boats to the family for the purpose.
Edited by paintman on Tuesday 12th May 18:16
jaja4421 said:
I know there will be some suggestions of "just do it - no-one will know/care" but I don't think that's the right way to go about things.
Completely contravening this point of your OP, but this is one of those life situations where my view is that just so long as you aren't going to affect anyone else, do it. First decent rain and it will all be gone. Who will know? If you've not spread ashes before, we're talking a couple of litres of ash, and all the potential nasties are removed before cremation so you're not dropping her old mercury toothfillings into a watercourse.
As cremation was only (sort of) legalised in the latter years of the Victorian era, perhaps the idea of laying ashes to rest in such a pagan fashion offended religious sensibilities of the day. Perhaps the rules are simply there to stop some prat causing a nuisance, or perhaps they were worried that some spots would attract hundreds of ash-spreaders each day.
Just don't Big Lebowski anyone
Sorry for your loss op.
I’m in the camp of its better to ask for forgiveness than permission in cases like this.
Besides who cares if you throw some ashes in the ocean or a stream or even a field.
I live right next to the river Trent (literally about 5 feet away), with the amount of litter i see floating down there, and the surrounding countryside (I assume it’s the case in a lot of places) then so what if you sprinkle a few ashes.
Your doing no harm. I can’t imagine anybody reporting you.
Just my 2p worth.
I’m in the camp of its better to ask for forgiveness than permission in cases like this.
Besides who cares if you throw some ashes in the ocean or a stream or even a field.
I live right next to the river Trent (literally about 5 feet away), with the amount of litter i see floating down there, and the surrounding countryside (I assume it’s the case in a lot of places) then so what if you sprinkle a few ashes.
Your doing no harm. I can’t imagine anybody reporting you.
Just my 2p worth.
Sorry for your loss.
We scattered my parents ashes at the top of the white cliffs at the Battle of Britain memorial at Caple le Fern.
I had emailed the trust and they willingly gave permission as long as it was an informal gathering at a quiet time .
The gathering took place on a quiet sunday just before the memorial closed and just as we finished a spitfire did a victory roll over head .
I would check with the local authority just to see if the place is open at the present.
We scattered my parents ashes at the top of the white cliffs at the Battle of Britain memorial at Caple le Fern.
I had emailed the trust and they willingly gave permission as long as it was an informal gathering at a quiet time .
The gathering took place on a quiet sunday just before the memorial closed and just as we finished a spitfire did a victory roll over head .
I would check with the local authority just to see if the place is open at the present.
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