What are cremated remains?

Human cremated remains are made of human bodies during the cremation process, where a body is consumed by flames in a crematorium.

Cremation of an average adult can result in 2-3kg of cremated remains containing mostly the burned remains of bone (calcium phosphates), with small amounts of minerals and salts.

Some other materials from implants, coffin fittings, etc., may also remain in melted lumps. Jewellery or spectacles may be worn by the deceased at the request of kin, so lumps of metal or glass from these are left behind, too.

What to do with the cremated remains

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Alongside the growth in the popularity of cremation, there has also been a growth in the popularity of people removing a loved one’s cremated remains from the crematorium.

Options at the Crematorium

Recent research showed that 1 in 20 people choose to place cremated remains in the crematorium grounds. Popular choices include scenic views, mountains, woodlands, parks and beaches.

Most crematoria in the UK offer the choice to scatter or inter the cremated remains within the grounds. This would be in the garden of remembrance and a range of memorials will be available which can be dedicated to the memory of your loved one.

Each crematorium will have different options and it is best to liaise with us or direct with the crematorium where your loved one was cremated for the options available.

Scattering cremated remains in a special place

Many people choose to scatter the cremated remains of a loved one in a location with a personal meaning or a connection to the person who has died.

Recent research showed that 1 in 3 people choose to scatter cremated remains in a special place. Popular choices include scenic views, mountains, woodlands, parks and beaches.

Advice for scattering cremated remains in a special place:

• Find out who owns the land and seek their permission before you scatter the cremated remains
• Scatter in a secluded area away from other people as it may upset them
• Be aware of the environment and avoid areas of special conservation
• Be discreet and informal
• Have the cremated remains placed in a scatter tube which are available from us
• Avoid busy days such as bank holidays
• Avoid windy days
• Don’t scattered cremated remains on land where livestock are grazing
• Don’t place a plaque or plant flowers in the area unless official permission has been granted

Interring cremated remains

Interring the cremated remains of a loved one within a cemetery, church or even in the garden is a popular choice.

Recent research showed that 1 in 10 people choose to inter cremated remains. Popular choices include within an existing grave in a cemetery, in the local churchyard, in a woodland burial site or in their garden.

It is important to know that The Environmental Agency advises that the interment of cremated remains is unlikely to cause harm to the environment.

Scattering cremated remains on water

There was a time when burials at sea used to only be the preferred choice among seamen but now a growing number of people choose to scatter a loved one’s cremated remains on water.

Recent research showed that 1 in 10 people choose to scatter cremated remains on water. Popular choices include the sea, rivers and lakes in the Lake District.

It is important to know that The Environmental Agency advises that the scatter of cremated remains on water are unlikely to cause harm to the environment and have little impact on water quality. British Waterways state that the scattering of cremated remains on their canals and rivers is permitted. The Lake Wardens in the Lake District advise that it is acceptable to scatter cremated remains on the lakes as long as they put into the water loose and are not in a wooden or plastic urn.

Advice for scattering cremated remains on water:

• Cremated remains should be scattered loose and not put in a urn
• Personal items should not be put into the water or left on the side of the river or lake
• The location of the scattering should not be beside people fishing or swimming or near buildings or marinas
• Cremated remains should be scattered as close to the water surface as possible
• Be sensitive towards other people and try to choose a secluded area
• Across the UK there a number of companies who provide boats to hire to enable people to scatter cremated remains on water.

Scattering cremated remains at home or abroad

A number of people choose to scatter the cremated remains within the ground of their favourite sports club.

Recent research showed that 1 in 20 people choose to scatter cremated remains at a sports club. Popular choices include football stadiums, rugby clubs, cricket grounds or bowling greens

Whilst several premiership football clubs allow the scattering of cremated remains within the stadium, many do not offer this option due to the demand and the lack of space.

However, a number of football clubs and sports clubs offer alternative memorials including memorial gardens, walls of remembrance, obituary notices in the match day programme, inscriptions in books of remembrance and allow families to spend time in their loved ones’ season ticket seat.

Recent research showed that 1 in 10 people choose to take the cremated remains to a favourite holiday location while 1 in 20 people take the cremated remains out of the UK.

While there are no restrictions on taking cremated remains out of the UK, we would recommend that you speak to your airline in advance to check whether there are any restrictions your destination as these may vary from country to country. We would also recommend that they cremated remains go in your hand luggage and that you inform the check in attendant and customs what you are carrying.