Scattering of ashes

Scatterings at the Isle of Wight Crematorium

Scattering at the Isle of Wight Crematorium

We know that deciding where to put your loved one's ashes is very important and can be hard. If your loved one was cremated at the Isle of Wight Crematorium, you can scatter their ashes here for free.

Here are the ways you can do it

  • scatter without witness - staff member will respectfully scatter the ashes for you, but you can't attend.
  • scatter with witness - you can come and see the ashes being scattered if you make an appointment.
  • with other - if someone else in your family has their ashes here, tell us so we can keep records together. You can find more details on our website: www.iw-bereavementservices.co.uk.

Where to Scatter

There are two special areas

  • Lawned Gardens
    These have big trees and grass.
  • Woodland Walk
    This is a natural area with a bark path and a stream. Be careful near the stream because it can flood.

You can't scatter ashes in the Conservation Areas (marked on our map). Our gardens are full of plants and animals.

From another Crematorium

If the cremation was done somewhere else, you need a Certificate of Cremation to scatter ashes here. Ask the crematorium where the cremation was done for this certificate.

How to arrange

Please contact us if you want to scatter ashes. Our scattering times are:

  • Saturday: 10:30am to 1:30pm
  • Monday to Friday: 10am to 3pm

On the day

A family member or our staff can scatter the ashes. We will show you how to use the scattering urn. You can read a poem or say a prayer, or have quiet thoughts. A minister or celebrant can also lead a service if you arrange it with us.

Flowers

You can bring flowers, but please remove the cellophane to protect wildlife.

Afterwards

Our staff will bow and leave after the scattering. You can stay as long as you want. Ashes cannot be taken back once scattered.

Memorials

If you want a memorial for your loved one, please contact our Memorials Officer. Some items are not allowed in the gardens, like glass, pottery, plastic, or artificial flowers.

If you want to scatter ashes on a beach or clifftop, you can do this if it is public land. Choose a quiet time so you don't disturb others and to have privacy for you and your family. Be very careful near clifftops and during high tides.

If you want to scatter ashes near rivers or beaches contact the Environment Agency

If you plan to scatter ashes in a public space, tell the team at commercial.services@iow.gov.uk so they can check the area is suitable and not already booked.

If the land is privately owned, like a field or churchyard, ask the landowner or church for permission first.

To scatter ashes in Council-run cemeteries, you must book with the Cemeteries Department at 01983 882288.

You need permission from the local authority because there are rules to follow.

In this section