Interment and Scattering of Ashes

Interment

When your loved one has been cremated, there are several options for what you can do next with their ashes.

You can keep the remains in an urn, or you may choose to scatter or bury their ashes somewhere that’s meaningful.

What is an “Interment” of Ashes?

‘Interment’ is a term for burying and keeping the ashes of your loved one in a permanent place following a cremation. A final, physical resting place in the ground.

Family and friends may choose to gather at a chosen location and ask me to conduct a brief Interment of Ashes Service.

If I have previously officiated your loved one’s funeral service, I can reflect its content.

How long is the service for?

Between 15-30mins and might include readings, poems, prayers, and music reflecting your loved one.

How do I plan an interment of ashes?

Speak with a Funeral Director first or Crematorium who can advise you of the requirements
Save the date for the interment of ashes service and book me to come along and support you
Choose the venue where you want to bury the ashes, and communicate with the owners (e.g. County Council) regarding the paperwork and book the date with them

Possible venues are:

A new plot at a cemetery or churchyard
An existing grave – You can bury ashes in a cemetery in an existing grave, for example, in a family burial plot if you’ve got one
On private land – It is perfectly legal for you to bury the ashes in your garden or on private land, as long as you have the landowner’s permission
A Woodland burial ground – You’ll need to choose a biodegradable urn
Sea burial

What happens at the interment of ashes?

The ashes arrive at the venue either by the family, funeral director, or the crematorium staff.

All the mourners gather at the location around the small dug out plot.

The service starts with an introduction and reflects their funeral service. Perhaps a poem is re-read, song played, and memories re-shared.

During the final farewell moment, the ashes are then placed into the ground by a family member, friend, myself or the funeral director.

I then say a few final words, play a significant song, step aside and give time for you to leave when you are ready.

Thank you very much for the 2 occasions we were lucky enough to have you help us within the last month.

I hope we don’t have to call on you again, but if we ever are in the position to need to – we obviously have you top of the list.

Scattering ashes

Many people choose to scatter the ashes of their loved one to pay tribute to their life. You can scatter ashes in many locations, but it will be more meaningful if the site is a memorable one, such as a place that was significant to your loved one.

Where can you scatter ashes?

In the UK, you can scatter the ashes of someone you love in a variety of open places.

In a garden of remembrance.
Over the sea, a river or body of water
In a national park or public space
On private land (back garden, sports ground, or private farmland)

Do you need permission to scatter ashes?

In the UK, there’s no explicit law against scattering ashes, as long as you get permission from the person who owns the land.

The scattering ashes laws & regulations in the UK state that you don’t need permission to scatter ashes on your own land or over a body of water or in the sea, but you should check the advice from the environmental agency first.

How I support you

There are 3 main stages for every funeral service:

I meet with you, the family
Prepaing the service. Lots of typing, phone calls and emails with you to create a bespoke and personal funeral service for your loved one
I deliver your loved one’s service
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