Frequently Asked Questions

---

Absolutely — many people do. If you feel comfortable and able to do it yourself, that’s a valid and personal choice.

But for some, it’s not that simple — and that’s where I can help.

Here’s why some families choose to use my service:

• Not everyone is physically able to reach a secluded spot by the water.
• Many of my clients live elsewhere in the UK or abroad — I offer a postal service for that reason.
• Ashes are light and unpredictable in the wind — they can easily blow back onto clothing or the shore, which can be upsetting.
• The most accessible parts of the shoreline are often busy with tourists, dogs, or wildlife.
• I have deep local knowledge and always choose quiet spots with deep water, far from distractions.
• Above all, I take the stress away — offering a calm, professional, and respectful scattering, handled as you would want it to be.

I recommend Ullswater, Coniston, Windermere, or Derwentwater — they’re all stunningly beautiful, deep, and well-suited for a quiet, meaningful scattering.

If you have another lake in mind, feel free to get in touch — I’m happy to discuss it with you. The only locations I don’t operate on are the reservoirs (Thirlmere, Haweswater, Ennerdale, and Buttermere), for both practical and environmental reasons.

I also offer sea scatterings on the Solway Firth (north of St Bees Head) or in the Irish Sea to the south — and I’m open to travelling further afield by arrangement.

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. The minerals and carbon from cremated remains are quickly absorbed into the life of the lake — plants, fish, everything — and they tend to remain within that same body of water. It becomes a place you can return to, knowing they’re still part of it.

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 cases, so many that it’s starting to affect the soil and natural balance of those fragile environments.

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 works with the environment, not against it.

Water scattering feels like the right answer for many people. In water, the minerals that once made up your body are quickly absorbed into plants, fish, and other living things. It becomes part of a living cycle — peaceful, connected, and full of life.

It’s not for everyone, but if it resonates with you, I’d love to help make it happen.

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.