A group of volunteers dedicated to restoring a scenic riverside in Cornwall, England, has encountered an unusual problem—people scattering human ashes in their carefully maintained flower beds.
Beautification Project Turns into Unintended Memorial Site
Since 2016, the organization Friends of Sunny Corner has been working tirelessly to revitalize a once-neglected stretch along the River Truro. However, the serene location has inadvertently become a preferred site for mourners seeking a final resting place for their loved ones.
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Paul Caruana, the chairman of the group, revealed that volunteers have discovered ashes scattered on at least 15 different occasions. The situation took an unsettling turn when one gardener, caught by an unexpected gust of wind, accidentally ingested some of the remains.
“One volunteer got a mouthful of human ashes because of the wind. It was deeply distressing, and it happens far too often,” Caruana, 71, stated.
Volunteers Urge People to Stop
The increasing frequency of these incidents has led the Friends of Sunny Corner to issue a public appeal, requesting mourners to refrain from scattering ashes in the area.
“Despite repeated requests, we arrived to find yet another large area covered in ashes,” the group stated. “This is not only illegal without permission, but it is also emotionally distressing for our volunteers, who have to handle human remains.”
Legal Implications and Alternative Solutions
According to UK laws, scattering ashes is allowed only with the landowner’s consent, provided environmental regulations are followed. In the U.S., different states have varying laws, and national parks require a special permit for memorialisation.
Richard Budge, parks and amenities officer for Truro City Council, acknowledged the issue, stating that while other city parks have not faced similar problems, Sunny Corner has struggled with it repeatedly.
“If people wish to scatter ashes, they should contact us and apply for the necessary permissions,” Budge advised.
Understanding the emotional significance of the location, Caruana suggested an alternative:
“Instead of using the flower beds, people can scatter the ashes in the river or sea—both just five meters away.”
