I currently offer Windermere or sea scatterings. Hoping to add more soon.
Please contact me if you cannot find an answer to your question.
In most cases — no, not legally.
While you don’t need a licence to scatter ashes in the UK, there are important legal and environmental restrictions that many people aren’t aware of.
I’ve gone to great lengths to engage with landowners, public bodies, and environmental groups so that I can carry out this work legally, respectfully, and with the right understanding.
There are also practical reasons why people choose to use my service:
Above all, I take the responsibility seriously. If you’d like someone to carry out the scattering calmly, lawfully, and with care, I’m here to help.
No — most lakes in the Lake District are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), which means ash scattering isn’t legally permitted without special consent.
That permission can only be granted to landowners — not individuals — and is rarely issued. Because of that, I currently only offer scatterings on Windermere, which is not an SSSI and remains accessible and lawful for this purpose.
If the situation changes, I’ll update the service — I’m actively in contact with other landowners and stakeholders to explore future options.
What about the sea?
I also offer sea scatterings on the Solway Firth (south of Allonby) and in the Irish Sea, including the waters off St Bees Head. If you have another coastal location in mind, feel free to get in touch — I’m open to special arrangements where possible.
At the moment, I don’t offer on-board attendance — but you’re very welcome to observe from the shore if that feels right for you.
I’m looking at ways to offer more in-person options in future, but for now, every scattering includes a video recording, a certificate, and the exact what3words location, so you’ll always know where and when your loved one was laid to rest.
Yes — the service is exactly the same, whether your loved one was a person or a pet.
Every scattering is handled with the same care, attention, and respect, regardless of species. The price reflects the time, equipment, and thought that goes into making it right.
Yes, I’m happy to offer a fully remote service.
Many of the families I work with aren’t based locally, so arranging a respectful and secure courier delivery is absolutely possible. Just get in touch and I’ll guide you through the process step by step.
Absolutely — I would very much welcome the opportunity to meet in person.
Talking about your loved one, their favourite part of the Lake District (or coast), and any readings, poems, or prayers you’d like included helps me create a scattering that truly feels right.
A personal handover is ideal. I can come to your home or meet you at a location of your choice — it’s all included in the price.
That’s entirely up to you — both offer something deeply meaningful.
The sea is a wonderful option because, wherever you are in the world, you can reconnect. If you dip your toes into any sea, you’re touching the water of every ocean. There’s something very comforting about that — knowing your loved one is part of something vast and connected.
The lakes, on the other hand, are more contained. Ashes tend to settle gently in the depths and remain within that same body of water. They don’t travel far. It becomes a quiet, local place you can return to — a landscape that holds their presence, season after season.
If you’re unsure, I’m always happy to talk it through with you.
This isn’t something I offer.
I feel strongly about minimising any impact on the natural environment, and I try not to add anything man-made to the lakes or sea unless absolutely necessary. I’m incredibly proud of where I live and work, and I want to do everything I can to respect and protect these beautiful places.
My service involves scattering ashes directly onto the surface of the water from a container. Once the scattering is complete, I rinse the container thoroughly to ensure no trace remains, and I return it to you.
You can read more about this in my environmental impact policy
I can include a small number of natural flower petals if you’d like to add something visual and symbolic to the scattering.
However, I don’t use anything that could harm the environment — that means no plastic, wire, or synthetic materials. Even biodegradable wreaths can include elements that aren’t suitable for lakes or the sea.
If we do use petals, I’ll do my best to gently retrieve them from the water after the ashes have dispersed, in keeping with my environmental commitment.
You can read more in my environmental impact policy
There’s been growing concern in recent years about the number of ashes being scattered on the summits of our fells — in some places, so many that it’s starting to affect the soil and the balance of those fragile upland habitats.
As someone who loves the Lake District and the sea, I wanted to offer a different kind of farewell — one that still honours a deep connection to nature, but does so gently, without leaving a mark.
Scattering ashes on water feels like the right answer for many people. The remains settle quietly, without harming the landscape or wildlife, and the water holds them peacefully in place. It’s clean, respectful, and deeply moving.
It’s not for everyone — but if it feels right to you, I’d be glad to help.
I’m happy to accept payment by contactless card or device, cash, BACS transfer, or PayPal — whatever’s easiest for you.
If you’d like to chat about anything before confirming, just let me know.