Scattering or interring of ashes
After a person is cremated the next of kin have to decide what to do with the ashes.
Non-biodegradable materials such as wreaths and plastic bags should not be put in the water.
The ashes are usually given to the funeral director but the next of kin can arrange to collect them, but may need to have proof of their identity. The crematorium will provide a Certificate of Cremation with the ashes. This is a legal document that will show the name of the deceased, the date and location of the cremation. The ashes can then be scattered or interred depending on the wishes of the deceased. If the deceased has not expressed a preference then the relatives are free to make their own decision. The choice is personal. Most crematoriahave their ownGardens of Remembrance. Arrangements can be made for the planting of a tree or shrub or the placing of a memorial plaque. There is usually a charge for this service. The family or next of kin may instead decide to scatter the ashes in a place that has special significance or happy memories. You can bury or scatter them in your own garden but need to consider what will happen if you decide to move house. Sometimes families hold informal ceremonies to mark the occasion. There are companies that offer specialised services for the scattering of ashes. For example, your loved one may have expressed a wish for their ashes to be scattered at sea. In this case the Royal Navy has a number of regulations concerning the material the casket can be made from in order to protect the marine environment. There are no laws that prevent the scattering of ashes on land or in rivers or lakes. However, the minerals in cremated remains can damage fragile eco systems so you should try to avoid environmentally sensitive areas. You should also first seek the permission of the landowner.
You should also consider the time of day and who else is likely to be near when you scatter the ashes. Early morning and dusk are popular times for such ceremonies to take place. Some relatives decide to keep the ashes at home in containers. There are also specialist companies that will turn a small portion of the ashes into glass or memorial jewellery. Interment of ashes Usually churchyards and cemeteries have a Garden of Remembrance for the interment of ashes. To use either of these locations you will need the permission of the church or cemetery authorities. There are also designated woodland and green burial sites that offer the opportunity to inter ashes. Alternative Burials Most burials are in a churchyard or cemetery, however occasionally you may wish to plan an interment on private land. A number of local authority permissions will need to be granted, including contacting the local district and environmental health department. Even if you own the land concerned you must check the deeds to ensure there are no restrictions.
A record of burial should be made and kept with the deeds or other relevant documents relating to the land.
For further information, please refer to the Natural Death Centre’s website www.naturaldeath.org.uk.
Whatever you decide to do it is an entirely personal matter and very much depends on your beliefs and the wishes of the deceased person.
The Environment Agency advises that ashes should not be spread:
• within 1km upstream of any drinking water supply • where the water is used for commercial, agricultural or recreational purposes, such as a marina • close to anglers.
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Bereavement Guide
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