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Scattering or Interring AshesCremated remains are comprised of bone material and an adult’s ashes will weigh in the region of 2kg (5-7lbs) (equivalent to about two-litres in volume). In the case of babies or very young children there may be no ashes following a cremation. Cremated remains can be ready for collection within one working day following the cremation and the crematorium will place the cremated remains in an inexpensive container with an option to choose something more expensive. Some crematorium will keep them for up to one month before making a charge to store them. They will only be released to the funeral director or a named individual who will usually need to provide some identification. A Certificate of Cremation will be provided with the ashes. This is a legal document with the name of the deceased and date and location of the cremation. Ashes are then usually either interred or scattered, according to the wishes of the deceased (if they made their wishes known) or the wishes of the relatives. In a few cases, the relatives may wish to keep the ashes close to them in an urn. The choice is completely personal and there is no time limit regarding their disposal. It is now possible to have a small portion of ashes made into a lasting keepsake, such as a memorial diamond or glass vase – see our page on glass and jewellery keepsakes. Most crematoria have their own Gardens of Remembrance, which although not consecrated, are dedicated to the dead of all religions and non-believers. Bereaved people can visit these gardens for some quiet solace and contemplation and memorials in the form of tree or shrub planting may be available. Placement of the remains by either spreading over the garden or burial in the garden is usually free of charge if the cremation took place there. Arrangements can be made for the placing of a memorial plaque at some crematoria, but there may be a charge for erecting one. If no wishes have been expressed, it is the responsibility of the funeral director or crematorium staff to contact the relative before disposal. In many cases, they are scattered or interred in a place that holds special significance or happy memories for the deceased or the family. Others may choose to scatter or bury them in their own garden, but this option should be considered in the light of possibly moving house and whether you wish cremated remains to be eventually placed together, such as with a husband and wife. There may be a small, informal, private family ceremony to mark the occasion. Sometimes the deceased has expressed a desire to have their ashes scattered at sea in an area that holds special meaning or memories, or their family choose this option. One company that offers a memorable and respectful way of doing this off the coast in Cardigan Bay is Seamor. Contact them at www.memorialsatsea.webs.com Interment Most churchyards also have a Garden of Remembrance for the interment of ashes and sometimes the wish is to open an existing grave to inter the ashes. In both cases, permission would be needed from the church or cemetery authorities. A number of woodland and green burial sites also offer the opportunity to inter ashes. Scattering Ashes Ashes can often be scattered at the Garden of Remembrance at the crematorium, but are usually scattered in a place of significance to the deceased. There does not seem to be any law that mentions the scattering of ashes on ordinary land or in rivers but it is technically illegal to put something on someone else’s land or in rivers without the owner’s consent. The Environment Agency has published a draft policy in consultation with faith groups about the scattering of ashes, in order to help protect the environment, particularly regarding the spreading of ashes on rivers and streams. There is no evidence that the disposal of human ashes in rivers and streams has a negative impact on the environment, but non-biodegradable items such as metal and plastic do cause damage and may be harmful to wildlife. The rich mineral concentrations in cremated remains can also affect soils and consequently plants and the Mountaineering Council of Scotland has asked bereaved relatives to avoid scattering ashes on the most popular sites on Scottish mountains and even bury ashes because of the significant effect soil changes are having on mountain plants. People arranging individual ceremonies do not require Environment Agency approval, but should comply with the following guidelines; Do not:
When scattering ashes, consider the time of day – early in the morning or towards dusk are recommended and be considerate to passers by or people in the vicinity. |
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