If you need to arrange a funeral for a loved one, let us help with what happens next.

Scattering of ashes

These days there are a wide array of interesting options available when it comes to making a decision about the final resting place for your loved ones ashes, or indeed your own.

The law on scattering ashes in the UK is fairly relaxed. However, there can be some limitations on where ashes can be scattered. If you have any questions or concerns, please speak with us.

You may want to split the ashes to scatter them in different special places, or retain a small part of them to save in a keepsake. Popular places include gardens of remembrance or at sea. However, today people are becoming more creative and you may wish the ashes to be scattered in a firework display or sent into space.

We have outlined some places and ways you can scatter the ashes of a loved one below. This is not definitive list, so if you can’t find your particular preference here please don’t assume it can’t be done – just ask us.

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0121 476 9111

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Garden of remembrance

Gardens of Remembrance are often found at cemeteries and crematoria throughout the UK and less commonly within council or privately operated parks and gardens. A fee for the scattering of ashes may be payable to the cemetery or crematorium. Usually, a formal application process will need to be undertaken before the ashes can be scattered. We will be happy to assist in the completion of necessary paperwork, the making of appointments and the delivery of the ashes themselves. Please note that, as a general rule, the Church of England do not allow the scattering of ashes within their churchyards.

Woodland

Woodland burial sites are becoming more and more popular for both burials and the scattering of ashes. They can be found throughout the UK. We will be happy to advise you on the various locations and discuss the merits of each site.

Favourite place

Places that meant a lot to the person who has passed away are often chosen as a last resting place for their ashes. Whether that place was a park, a wood, a mountain, rolling moors or a gently flowing river, there can be restrictions in place which you need to be aware of. However, we have assisted clients who have asked for ashes to be scattered upon the Lickey and Malvern Hills, in Snowdonia and Dartmoor National Parks and a myriad of other places. When it comes to rivers, there are a number of approved locations within the Midlands area where ashes can be legitimately scattered and these are most commonly on the River Trent and the River Severn. If you let us have the details of your chosen location we will be happy to advise and help.

At sea

The Royal Navy offer a service whereby ashes of former Royal Navy or Merchant Navy personnel may be scattered at sea. We are able to make arrangements for this on your behalf and the Royal Navy may permit one or two family members to travel on board the vessel and witness their scattering. Alternatively, it is possible for us to arrange the scattering of ashes at sea using specially chartered civilian boats.

Sporting venues

Not surprisingly sporting venues are often suggested as a place that held a special meaning for the person that has passed away. However, this choice can be complicated as each venue is likely to have different restrictions in place. That said; some authorities who govern these venues are willing to accommodate requests, providing you are mindful of these restrictions. As you can imagine, professional football and rugby clubs receive numerous requests for the ashes of former fans to be scattered on their pitches. Generally each request is assessed on its own merit and we have had moderate success in facilitating this for clients.

Fireworks

Whilst this option will not appeal to everyone, there’s no doubt it’s a spectacular send off for those who have a taste for it. Ashes are placed within commercially made specialist fireworks and when the firework explodes, the ashes are dispersed amid a display of sound and colour. If you think this might be for you, please ask us for further information.

Into space

As yet, few have selected this method, but it is definitely an option for those of a more adventurous nature. It is expensive, highly specialised and will only appeal to a limited number of clients, but please ask for more information if you are interested in exploring it further.

Wish to thank all staff at Mortons for being helpful, caring, understanding at my fathers funeral. Used the same director at mums funeral 10 yrs ago so recommend. Made the day a bit easier on a sad day.

Anne Moghraby
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