Scattering Ashes - The Laws, Regulations, and Permits

Scattering ashes is a meaningful way to give a loved one a final resting place, and in the UK the rules are more relaxed than many families expect. There is no licence to buy and, in most places, no formal permit. What matters is permission for the land and a little care for the environment. This guide covers where you can scatter, whose permission you need, and the few rules that do apply.

Quick answer: In the UK you do not need a licence or government permit to scatter ashes. You can scatter on your own land freely, and on other land or water with the owner's or managing body's permission. The main rule is environmental: the Environment Agency advises scattering at least 1 km upstream of where water is collected, keeping away from buildings and people, and not adding anything that is not biodegradable. Scattering at sea needs no permit.

On your own private land

You do not need anyone's permission to scatter ashes on land you own, such as your garden, a flower bed or the base of a tree. Bear in mind you may not always have access to the spot if you sell the property, so some families keep a small portion in a keepsake urn as well.

On common land, parks and village greens

Common land, parks and village greens are usually owned by the local council. To scatter there, contact the landowner, normally the council, to ask permission first. If you are not sure who owns a particular spot, your local council can help identify the owner and whether scattering is allowed.

On National Trust and public land

The National Trust cares for many of the UK's most beautiful places, and it has no blanket ban on scattering ashes, but you should always ask first. The property manager can give written permission for a specific location. Be mindful of other visitors when choosing a spot, and keep away from water sources to avoid any contamination. Forestry England and other public bodies operate similarly, giving permission on request.

At sea, in rivers and lakes

Scattering on water is straightforward and needs no permit, but the Environment Agency sets out simple guidelines to protect the local ecosystem:

• Choose a spot more than 1 km upstream of any point where water is collected or pumped.
• Keep away from buildings, marinas, anglers, and site entrances.
• Scatter as close to the water's surface as possible, ideally on a calm day.
• Anything scattered alongside the ashes, such as flowers or a wreath, must be biodegradable. Scattering the ashes alone is best.

A purpose-made scatter tube or biodegradable water urn makes a water scattering cleaner and more dignified.

Scattering ashes abroad

You can take ashes overseas to scatter them, as long as you follow a few steps for the flight and the destination:

• Carry a certified copy of the death certificate and the cremation certificate.
• Use a non-metallic urn so it passes airport security, and carry it in your hand luggage.
• Ask the crematorium for a statement confirming the urn holds only your loved one's ashes, matching the certificates.
• Check the destination country's rules in advance, or contact its embassy, as requirements vary.

For the practical side of flying, see our guide on flying with ashes.

A note on the Environment Agency

If you have a specific location in mind and want to be sure of the environmental guidance for it, you can contact the Environment Agency directly to discuss it before you go.

For ideas on the ceremony itself and the practical how-to, see our guides on how to scatter ashes and unusual ways to scatter ashes, and our hub on what to do with ashes after cremation.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a permit to scatter ashes in the UK?

No. There is no licence or government permit to scatter ashes in the UK. You can scatter on your own land freely, and on other land or water with the owner's permission. The main consideration is the Environment Agency's environmental guidance.

Can you scatter ashes anywhere?

Not without permission. You can scatter freely on your own land, but for council land, National Trust sites, parks and private estates you need the owner's or managing body's permission. Keep away from water collection points, buildings and other people.

Can you scatter ashes at sea in the UK?

Yes, and no permit is needed. Follow the Environment Agency guidance: scatter close to the water's surface on a calm day, away from marinas and anglers, and only scatter biodegradable items alongside the ashes.

How far from water should you scatter ashes?

The Environment Agency advises scattering at least 1 km upstream of any point where water is collected or pumped, to protect drinking-water sources and the local ecosystem.

Can you scatter ashes abroad?

Yes. Carry the death and cremation certificates and a statement from the crematorium, use a non-metallic urn in your hand luggage, and check the destination country's rules or its embassy before you travel.