Adopted: 23 September 2024  |  Next Review Date: September 2026

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Contents

  1. Purpose
  2. Scattering Ashes at the Beach
  3. Trenching Ashes at the Beach
  4. Guidelines
  5. Droskyn Memorial Area

1. Purpose

Perranzabuloe Parish Council (PPC) aims to adopt a clear, measurable, and balanced approach to land management, considering the diverse needs of its users.

2. Scattering Ashes at the Beach

Casting or scattering ashes can be done in nearly any location but please consider and be sensitive to other beach users around you at the time.

If you are considering casting or scattering ashes, be aware that cremated remains are much heavier than what most people think of as “ashes.” This means that, while some of the remains may float away in the air, some of the remains may simply fall to the ground. Because some of the remains will become airborne, it is a good idea to have any guests stand upwind, so they don’t accidentally get in the ashes’ path.

At a casting or scattering, one person can be responsible for scattering the ashes, or everyone present can have a portion of ashes that they scatter.

3. Trenching Ashes at the Beach

When ashes are “trenched,” a small trench (a long, narrow hole) is dug in the ground near the water’s edge, and the ashes are placed in the hole. You can leave the ashes uncovered in the trench, or you can cover them with sand. As the tide comes in, the ashes will be swept out to sea.

If you are thinking about trenching ashes on the beach, you might want to check the tidal schedule to make sure that you are at the beach when the tide is coming in. (If the tide is going out, the water will not come up to reach the trench.)

Why not write a last message in the sand. This will be washed away with the ashes. You can take pictures and have a lasting memory.

4. Guidelines

  • Scatter ashes early or late in the day to avoid busy times.
  • Spread as close to the water surface as possible.
  • Avoid windy days.
  • Scatter ashes at a spot away from where people are swimming or fishing.
  • While ashes themselves don’t affect the quality of water, don’t scatter any non-biodegradable items, e.g. plastic/metal petals (either in the water or on the sand), wreaths or personal items that may contain plastic or metal parts that can harm wildlife or cause litter.
  • Release of balloons/Chinese lanterns is strictly prohibited.

5. Droskyn Memorial Area

PPC is currently developing this area, including an area for pilchard fish plaques in the shelter.

When scattering ashes in this area, please adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Ashes are not allowed to be scattered in one solid mass on the ground and must be scattered evenly.
  • Please avoid windy days.
  • Be mindful of other people using the area when scattering ashes.
  • No memorials will be allowed on the site where ashes have been scattered. PPC reserves the right to remove any memorials placed.
  • There could be times when access to this area may be restricted so please bear this in mind when choosing a green space to scatter your loved one’s ashes.
  • Release of balloons/Chinese lanterns is strictly prohibited.
  • PPC reserves the right to develop on its land in the future.

For more information on memorials, please contact admin@perranzabuloe-pc.gov.uk.