What is a permission to scatter ashes?
Many families want to scatter a loved one's ashes somewhere that mattered to them: a hill they walked, a farm they grew up on, a field by a river. Often that land is privately owned, and the owner is happy to help as long as they know what to expect. A short written permission avoids awkward surprises on the day and later, for both the family and the landowner.
This permission names the landowner, the family representative and the person being remembered, and describes the land and the exact spot, along with how the family will get there and where to park. It sets the date, time and an optional back-up date, the number of people attending and any celebrant. You choose whether anything may be left behind, from nothing at all to flowers or a small planting. It covers later visits and any donation. It makes clear that the family gains no ongoing right over the land and will check local rules. The landowner and family both sign.
- Best for
- Families scattering ashes on a farm, estate, garden or other private land
- Signed by
- The landowner and a family representative
- Ongoing rights
- None — permission is for the scattering and agreed visits only
- Length
- 2 pages
When to use a permission to scatter ashes
- Scattering a grandparent's ashes on the farm where they were born
- A favourite walking spot on a private estate or hillside
- A family friend's garden that held special memories
- Planting a tree in memory with the landowner's agreement
- Arranging yearly anniversary visits to the spot
What you fill in
18 blanks, then the name and email of each person who signs: landowner, family representative.
1 The people
- Your full name*
- Your phone or email*
- Landowner's name*
- Landowner's phone or email*
- Name of the person whose ashes will be scattered*
- Their connection to the land (optional)
2 The place
- The land*
- The exact spot*
- How the family will get there*
3 The day
- Date*
- Time*
- Back-up date if the weather is bad (optional)
- Number of people attending (up to)*
- Celebrant or funeral director attending (optional)
- What may be left behind* nothing — the ashes only, and the spot left as it was found · a few flowers, removed by the family within a week · a small marker or planting, as set out below · as set out below
- Details (optional)
4 Afterwards
- Later visits* only by arrangement with the landowner each time · on the anniversary each year, by text to the landowner the day before · not included in this permission
- Fee or donation (optional)
5 Who signs
- Landowner signature and date, job title · The owner of the land, or someone with authority to give permission for it, such as the farm manager or an estate's agent.
- Family representative signature and date · The person arranging the scattering for the family.
What the permission to scatter ashes covers
- The place
- The day
- Memorials
- Afterwards
- Care and responsibility
Using the permission to scatter ashes, step by step
1 The people
Your name fills in from your account. Add the landowner's name and contact, the name of the person being remembered, and if you like a line on why this place matters.
2 The place and access
Describe the land and the exact spot, ideally agreed together on the ground. Say how you'll get there, where cars go, and which gates and paths to use.
3 The day and memorials
Set the date, time, a back-up date if the weather may turn, and how many will attend. Choose what, if anything, may be left behind.
4 Afterwards and signing
Choose how later visits work and note any donation. Send it to the landowner through FileIt. Once both of you have signed, keep it in your vault with the other family papers.
Tips before you send it
- Visit the spot with the landowner beforehand so there's no doubt on the day.
- Choose a place away from streams, crops and grazing animals, and check any local rules about scattering near water.
- Plan for wind. Scatter low and downwind of the group.
- Bring a bag to take everything home, including the urn or container.
- A small thank-you or donation of the landowner's choice is a kind gesture, but it isn't a fee for a right to the land.
Sign it online in minutes
- Fill in the blanks. Names, dates and amounts go straight into the agreement — the preview shows exactly where.
- Name who signs. Tick “This is me” for your own part. FileIt builds the PDF with every signature, date box on the right line, and you can check or move anything before sending.
- Send it. Each signer gets a secure link and signs from any device — no account needed. The signed PDF, with an audit trail and a Certificate of Completion, is filed in your vault and emailed to everyone.
Permission to scatter ashes: frequently asked questions
Do we need permission to scatter ashes on private land?
In most places you need the landowner's permission. Some areas also have rules about scattering near water or on protected land. The permission asks the family to check those rules.
Does this give us a right to visit in future?
Only as the permission says: by arrangement each time, on the anniversary, or not at all. It gives no right of way, no burial right and no say in how the land is used.
What happens if the land is sold?
The permission ends with the sale, though the landowner will try to let the family know. A new owner isn't bound by it.
Can we leave a plaque or plant a tree?
Only if you choose that option and describe it. Anything left becomes part of the land, and the landowner may move it later.
Does the landowner need a FileIt account to sign?
No. They get a link by email and can sign on a phone or computer. Both of you receive the signed PDF.