FORGET ME NOT FIELDS
Natural Burial Ground
ASHES SCATTERING
In the United Kingdom if you want to scatter ashes over public land, you'll need to request the permission from the landowner. That includes parks, commons, beaches, or private farmland and churchyards.
At Forget Me Not Fields ashes can scattered loose around the field without a plot purchase and this is the least expensive option for ashes but doesn’t give you a specific location to visit or permit memorialisation.
Please refer to our current pricelist to find out our rates for the scattering of ashes on site.
ASHES SCATTERING REGULATIONS
Cremation ashes may be harmful when placed around trees or plants. While cremains are composed of nutrients that plants require, primarily calcium, potassium, and phosphorus, human ashes also contain an extremely high amount of salt, which is toxic for most plants and can be leached into the soil. Additionally, cremated remains don’t contain other essential micronutrients such as manganese, carbon, and zinc. This nutritional imbalance may actually hinder plant growth. For example, too much calcium in soil can quickly reduce the supply of nitrogen and may also limit photosynthesis. Finally, cremation ashes have a very high pH level, which can be toxic to many plants because it prevents the natural release of beneficial nutrients within the soil.
For these reasons it's important to scatter the ashes correctly to reduce damage to plant life as follows-
Truly Scattered not Heaped
We ask that all ashes are scattered in the middle of the long grass meadow areas. The ashes must be distributed over a wide area to reduce damage to flora and fauna. By diluting the ashes it will help balance out the alkalinity and nutrient levels, providing a more even distribution and preventing soil burn.
Away From Busy Areas
Ashes must not be scattered on or near existing plots, the grass paths, trees or stone bench seating areas. These areas are used frequently by all users of the burial ground and must be regarded as shared areas accordingly.
Non-Exclusive Use
All areas which are currently used for the scattering of ashes are not exclusive use and will eventually be used as burial / ashes plots. If you'd like an area to yourself then do consider a plot purchase instead.
OTHER THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
Memorial Plaques
It isn't possible to have a plaque if an ashes scattering is selected. If you wish to memorialise a plot then you have the option to purchase a slate memorial plaque (when an ashes plot is purchased instead) measuring 300 x 300mm which is recessed into the ground at the centre of the plot. All plaques must be ordered through us and we can assist you with the design and layout. The burial ground is being developed to encourage a natural landscape and look therefore the erection of any monuments, vases, kerbs, fences, flower beds, railings or any other decoration is not allowed. For the same reason we can only allow one plaque per plot.
If you have an interment and get a plaque made at that time it is possible to order a new one when a subsequent interment takes place to replace the first one.
Find out more about memorial plaques here
Pet Owners
At Forget Me Not Fields we allow the interment of the ashes of both humans and pets.
Due to a difference in legislation regarding the ashes of pets there is a dedicated separate section for pets and their owners. If you would like the option to add the ashes of pets to your plot now or at any time in the future then please let us know when choosing your plot.
The Remembrance Room
The interment service can take place outside on the burial ground itself at the plot or graveside and we have a central stone circle available outside for larger gatherings too.
You can alternatively choose to have a small indoor service, religious or not, in our Remembrance Room. This indoor space can be hired for a 3 hour block for a service and/or wake afterwards. You may also book this space as a bad weather contingency by just paying the deposit.
Find out more about the Remembrance Room here
Coffins and Urns
All coffins and urns to be used at Forget Me Not Fields must be fully biodegradable. We have a selection of these available to purchase directly from us but they’re also something an undertaker can provide too.
Find out more about coffins and urns here
Using a Celebrant
Ceremonies can be very informal featuring family members only. If you'd like a more structured service then do consider hiring a celebrant. They can meet with you beforehand to find out more about the deceased, write some prose then deliver it on the day.
Find out more about celebrants here
Using a Funeral Director
There is no legal requirement to use the services of a funeral director but many families find the prospect of organising a funeral entirely without support from an undertaker very daunting, not least from a practical point of view. A middle road is to find a funeral director who will provide as much or as little help as you require. Here are some you may wish to contact for assistance.
Find out more about funeral directors here