cremated remains

cremated remains services in and around bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole

Following a cremation taking place we will collect the Ashes from the crematorium and return them to our funeral home awaiting further instruction if this is your preference. Alternatively, The person making the application for cremation can make the decision during the funeral arrangement to collect the cremated remains themselves directly from the crematorium or have a witness or unwitnessed scattering at the crematorium.

This will be discussed with you during the funeral arrangement for you to make an informed decision. Only the person who made the application for cremation can collect the ashes.

Interment

Interment of cremated remains is a cherished tradition that offers families a sacred and reverent space to memorialise their departed loved ones after cremation. Within the tranquil grounds of a cemetery or churchyard, families find solace and comfort as they pay homage to those who have passed away. By Interring (Burying) the cremated remains (also known as Ashes) this can often give solace to those who wish to visit the small grave to pay their respects and be close to the deceased once again. Most Cemeteries and Churchyards will allow a small memorial and inscription to be placed marking the grave. At Head & Wheble we can help you personally organise an interment according to your wishes liaising with all necessary parties involved and attending on the day to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Cemetery

This can be organised through the burial authority in charge of the specific cemetery. You will need to purchase a cremated remains grave or if you already have a family grave in a cemetery, you will be able to inter the cremated remains in their providing the deceased has burial rights to be placed in their or the applicant is the owner of the grave. The cemetery authority will need to confirm if there is enough space in the grave for this to be able to take place. Following an interment the deceased’s name can be entered on the headstone/memorial or a new headstone/memorial can be placed on the grave.

Churchyard

Interment of cremated remains in churchyards provides families with a sacred and timeless way to honour their loved ones within the embrace of their faith community. Amidst the calmness of a churchyard, families find comfort and strength as they gather to pay tribute to those who have passed away. With personalised memorials that bear witness to lives lived and remembered, the churchyard becomes a place of spiritual significance and eternal remembrance, where the memory of the departed lives on in the hearts and prayers of all who visit.

Woodland Burial

Hinton Park
Wyndham Rd, Hinton, Christchurch BH23 7EJ

Cremated remains only:
Hinton Park is now owned by the Southern Co-op group and is not available for any outside funeral director to operate within their woodland burial ground for a full burial interment. Alternatively, if we have carried out a cremation on your behalf and you would like the ashes buried or scattered within grounds, we are able to carry out these wishes on your behalf.

Scattering Ashes

Private Land – Private land can offer a peaceful and personal setting for scattering ashes. If you know the landowner, obtaining permission may be straightforward. Privacy is a key benefit of private land, allowing you to hold a quiet and intimate ceremony. However, it’s worth considering whether the location will be accessible in the future. For example, scattering ashes on a golf course may be meaningful, but revisiting the site could be difficult if you’re not a member. Also, keep in mind that urban land may be subject to change over time, which could affect your ability to return.

Common Land – It’s a common misconception that “common land” automatically allows ash scattering. In reality, rights on common land typically include walking or grazing, but not scattering ashes. If you’re considering this option, we recommend reviewing government guidance on common land to understand your rights and any restrictions.

Urban Parks and City Gardens – Public parks can be beautiful and accessible locations, but permission must be obtained from the local council’s parks department. Smaller and busier parks are generally less likely to grant permission, especially if there’s no personal connection to the site. If the deceased had a link to the park—such as working there or volunteering—permission may be more easily granted. Should you receive approval, consider choosing a quiet time and secluded area to ensure privacy during the ceremony.

Sports Venues – For those with a passion for sport, scattering ashes at a favourite venue can be a fitting tribute. Football stadiums, cricket grounds, rugby pitches, and horse racing tracks are popular choices. Each venue has its own policy, so it’s important to contact the management directly to discuss possibilities and requirements.

Historic Sites – Historic locations can hold deep personal or cultural significance. Permissions vary depending on the site’s management. Less iconic sites may be more flexible, while highly protected landmarks for example, Stonehenge or Edinburgh Castle typically do not allow ash scattering. It’s best to reach out to the relevant authority for guidance.

Natural and Scenic Settings – Beauty Spots and Tourist Attractions. Scenic locations like national parks or popular viewpoints can be visually stunning, but they often lack privacy and may be crowded. If you’re drawn to a particular beauty spot, consider choosing a quieter area nearby to ensure a more personal experience.

Mountain Summits and Hilltops – While the views from summits and hilltops can be breathtaking, these locations offer little privacy and are subject to unpredictable weather. Environmental impact is also a concern, as human ashes contain phosphates that can disrupt local ecosystems. A more suitable alternative might be a peaceful spot along the ascent—perhaps near a tree, cairn, or lake—rather than the peak itself.

Rivers, Lakes, and the Sea – Water-based ceremonies are a popular and serene option. Scattering ashes in rivers and lakes is generally acceptable with guidance from the Environment Agency, as long as no non-biodegradable materials are introduced. For those considering a sea ceremony, ashes can be scattered from a boat or the shore. We offer biodegradable urns specifically designed for river, lake or sea burials, which dissolve naturally and align with eco-friendly practices.

Cliff Edges – Cliffside ceremonies can be dramatic and symbolic, but they come with safety risks. Wind conditions can be unpredictable, and care must be taken to ensure the safety of all participants.

Choosing where to scatter ashes is a decision that blends emotional significance with practical and legal considerations. Whether you’re planning a private ceremony, selecting an urn, or navigating permissions, our resources are here to guide and support you every step of the way.

We invite you to explore our Scattering Ashes Guide, which includes detailed advice on conducting ceremonies, choosing appropriate urns, and understanding legal requirements. Our goal is to help you create a respectful and meaningful tribute that honours your loved one’s life and legacy.

drones & aerial scattering

Ashes into Space

Sunset aerial ashes scattering
Aura Flights offer a truly out of this world memorial service, in the most literal of senses. Since 2017, we have been conducting flights to the stratosphere and back to scatter ashes in space.

Aerial Ashes

Ashes in to space
Multi-award-winning drone ash scattering ceremonies offer a serene and meaningful way to honour your loved one, allowing their ashes to be released over cherished locations across the UK.

Jewellery

Ashes Into Glass Jewellery

ashes into glass

Ashes into Glass ® is the leading creator of ashes jewellery for our clients in the UK and worldwide. Fine jewellery for you to connect with your loved one by wearing it or just holding it in your hand.
Fingerprint Jewellery

Laalie jewellery

Laalie create fingerprint, handprint and footprint jewellery using your loved one’s real prints – from babies, children, pets, or someone you’ve lost. Each piece is engraved in silver or 9ct gold and made with care in the UK.
Algordanza Diamonds

Algordanza Diamonds

Algordanza is the only memorial diamond company who guarantees that your memorial diamond is made of 100% of your loved one’s ashes or hair. We do not add generic carbon, nor do we artificially colour any of our diamonds created from ashes or hair.

urns (somerset Willow - Woven)

cardboard caskets

scatter tubes

water urns

caskets (For Interment)

Book Of Remembrance

Books of Remembrance at Bournemouth and Poole Crematoriums offer a lasting tribute to those cremated there, featuring beautifully bound volumes with high-quality parchment pages and hand-lettered inscriptions by skilled calligraphers. Each entry begins with the deceased’s name and can span 2 to 8 lines (30 characters per line), with optional illuminated illustrations such as flowers or regimental badges for entries between 3 and 5 lines. Custom images may be used if copyright permissions are provided. The date appears at the top of each page, though the year must be included in the inscription if desired. These memorial books are displayed annually on the anniversary date and can be viewed daily from 9am to 4pm at designated rooms in both crematoriums, with appointments available outside these hours.

Rose Garden Plaques

A rose in our rose garden can be a beautiful tribute to a loved one. We take great care of our roses on your behalf.

The Garden of Remembrance at Bournemouth Crematorium features formal rose beds planted with a variety of different roses.

You can order a plaque to be placed against one of the roses as a beautiful living tribute. Just complete the order form and return it to us with your payment.

Sanctum Vaults

The sanctum vaults located in both the Garden of Remembrance at Bournemouth Crematorium and Poole Crematorium each have space for 2 caskets. Each vault is adorned with a polished granite plaque that will be beautifully inscribed with your words. A floral tribute vase fitted in the base of the vault. The vaults have a large fascia tablet for a full inscription and ornamentation, including some standard designs. You can also attach a photo plaque with a picture of those commemorated. Although designed to hold cremated remains, the sanctum vault could be used as a memorial only.

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