On this page you will find information about:
- Scattering ashes in the UK.
- Returning ashes to the UK from overseas.
- Who to contact for further help.
When your loved one has been cremated, you will be given their ashes. For many people, scattering their loved one's ashes is a way to memorialise them.
Whatever you may decide to do with your loved one's ashes, here is some advice and guidance on some of the regulations in the UK and abroad.
How do I scatter ashes in the UK?
There is currently nothing in UK legislation to stop you from scattering ashes over land or water. Although, it is advisable that you seek out a landowner's permission.
In the case of water, you should follow guidance provided by the Environment Agency
Get in touch
Visit the GOV.UK website to see the Environment Agency's services or:
Telephone: 03708 506 506
Telephone from outside the UK: +44 (0) 114 282 5312
Email: [email protected]
Our team is available from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.
How do I scatter ashes overseas?
To bring ashes back to the UK after a loved one has died in another country, you must show:
- the death certificate, and
- a certificate of cremation.
Many countries have further, specific requests in order for you to take ashes to the UK from their country. When arriving home, you will need to fill out a standard customs form.
Find more information on the particular requirements for each country on the GOV.UK website.
Taking ashes abroad
Some countries are making it easier than others to travel with ashes, there are several steps you can take to ensure that you will not experience any issues when travelling:
- You should obtain a special Overseas Certificate from the crematorium.
- Bring a Certified Copy of the Death Certificate.
- Some countries may also require the Cremation Certificate.
Regulations abroad
Every country has its own set of regulations with regards to bringing in cremated remains.
For example, some countries will require you to notify customs on arrival. Additionally, if you are flying, it is best to ask the airline you are flying with to check their policy for travelling with cremated remains.
Some airlines will allow you to take securely packaged ashes in addition to your hand luggage allowance.
See the GOV.UK website for detailed information on regulations abroad.
Bereavement support
Losing a friend or loved one can be a very difficult and confusing time, and can often have a long-lasting impact on our mental health. It is important to remember that you are not alone and there is support available to you throughout this time.
Find out more about the bereavement support and guidance available to you here on the RBL website.
Guidance for those bereaved by suicide
Losing someone by suicide can feel very different to any other kind of grief or bereavement.
If you require support due to the way you are feeling following experiencing a suicide your GP may be able to help you and is a good first point of call.
The guides linked below can help if you are feeling isolated, lonely, sad or are looking for support.
- Coping when someone dies by suicide, provided by Cruse Bereavement Support on their website.
- Grief after suicide - Cruse Bereavement Support provided by Cruse Bereavement.
- Losing someone to suicide provided by Mind on their website.
Samaritans
Samaritans is a specialist organisation that can help you through crisis moments. They understand how members of the Armed Forces community are particularly affected, and have tailored, considerate support.
Learn more about the Samaritans Veterans app and how it can help.
The Samaritans Crisis team understand that sometimes talking over instant message can be less daunting than calling them up. And so, Samaritans are trialling an online chat function just for the Armed Forces community.
Find the Samaritans' online chat for the military community.
Get in touch
Visit the Samaritans website to chat online, or:
Telephone: 116 123
Open 24- hours a day, 365 days a year
Email: [email protected]
It may take several days to get a response by email
Post: Freepost SAMARITANS LETTERS
Mind
Mind are a charity that helps people experiencing mental health problems in England and Wales. Their support helpline is open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday and are here for you if you want:
- To talk about your feelings without fear of judgement.
- Help to find support available to you.
Get in touch
Visit the Mind website to chat online, or:
Telephone: 0300 102 1234 (support line)
Email: [email protected]
The line is open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday
“At Your Side” guides from Suicide Bereavement UK
The guides below were written and created by Suicide Bereavement UK to support people in the Armed Forces Community who have been bereaved by suicide. The guides were produced with individuals bereaved by suicide as well as experts in military mental health, suicide prevention and bereavement.
Find out more about the ‘At Your Side’ guides on the Suicide Bereavement UK website.
Read guides specifically tailored to support:
Scotty’s Little Soldiers
The charity, Scotty’s Little Soldiers, offers support to children and young people who have been bereaved by the death of a military parent, regardless of their cause of death.
The charity supports beneficiaries up to the age of 25 and offers a respite from the daily ups and downs of coping with the loss of a parent.
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