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Scattering ashes in our woods

Credit: Ross Hoddinott / 2020VISION / naturepl.com

We understand why people wish to scatter ashes in our beautiful woodland. Our woods are wonderful natural places for wildlife and people.

We hope you understand and appreciate how important it is to protect our precious and vulnerable woodland. As the UK’s largest woodland conservation organisation, our priority is to protect and enhance woodland habitats - many of which are delicate ecosystems, home to rare and vulnerable species.

Scattering in the right place

Ashes can change the soil chemistry and damage its fragile balance, which is why we respectfully ask that ashes are not scattered in ancient woodland or near ancient trees which are particularly sensitive and already under threat. We do have many lovely woodland sites which are not ancient and therefore less sensitive and we are happy for ashes to be scattered carefully in these.

Please just contact us before you do and let us help you find the right woodland for you.

Get in touch

Phone: 0330 333 3300

Email: legacytrees@woodlandtrust.org.uk

Post: Scattering ashes, Woodland Trust, Kempton Way, Grantham, Lincs NG31 6LL

It would be very helpful if you could include the region or even the name of the wood you are considering in your correspondence. We can then talk to our local colleagues who know our woods best and come back to you with our recommendations within two weeks.

How to scatter in our woods

We have produced the following guidelines to help ensure that your chosen woodland continues to thrive naturally and be a beautiful resting place.

We ask that you please:

  • Scatter thinly over a wide area away from main pathways.
  • Do not mark the ground in any way, e.g. with flowers, crosses or large stones.
  • Do not plant any bulbs, flowers or trees.
  • Choose a quiet moment when fewer people are likely to be around.

Support us

Remember us in your will

We do not charge for the scattering of ashes and are very grateful to those who kindly donate to support our work. By choosing to remember us in your will, you could help keep woods open for people to enjoy for generations to come.

See what your gift could achieve

Alternatives to ashes scattering

There are other ways to remember a loved one at our woods. We offer a range of personalised, lasting tributes through our tree and woodland dedication options, as well as our in-memory urns and ash keepsake jewellery range.

If you would like to discuss one of the products in our in-memory range or a dedication in memory of a friend or family member, then please feel free to contact us.