Pet Scattering Copse & Memorial Area

The Garden of Remembrance has long been a peaceful place in the heart of South Woodham Ferrers, offering a space for people to pause, reflect and remember those they have loved.

Following public consultation and requests from local residents, the Town Council is creating a dedicated Pet Scattering Copse and Memorial Area. This new, fenced-off space will provide a quiet and natural setting for families to remember their much-loved companion animals, while helping to preserve the peaceful surroundings of the main garden.

Designed to sit naturally within the existing Garden of Remembrance, the Copse makes use of established trees to create a gentle woodland feel. Wildlife-friendly planting and natural features will help maintain a calm and welcoming space for reflection.

Whether visiting to scatter ashes, spend a quiet moment beneath the trees or visit a memorial plaque installed by the Town Council, the Copse offers a special place to remember a much-loved pet.

The Town Council is committed to looking after this area with care and respect, so it can remain a peaceful place of remembrance for years to come.

When visiting the Pet Scattering Copse, please remember to close the gate behind you.

Pet Scattering & Memorial Copse Booklet

Application form Domestic Pet Only

To Apply, please complete the form and return it to the Town Council, in person, by post , in person or via email.

If you wish to speak to us about this service, please feel free to call us on 01245 429441 or 01245 321817 or david@southwoodhamferrerstc.gov.uk

Visitor Guidance

Using the Pet Scattering Copse & Memorial Area

The Pet Scattering Copse has been created as a gentle, natural space for quiet remembrance. To help keep the area peaceful and welcoming for everyone, we ask visitors to follow a few simple guidelines:

Scattering Ashes

• Families are welcome to scatter ashes within the Copse in a calm and respectful manner which can be arranged through the Town Council. Fees and information are included in the form.
• PLEASE NOTE that currently there are no pathways to or inside the area, so you should wear suitable footwear and mind your step. This has been kept as natural as possible.
• We will choose a spot beneath the trees, taking care not to disturb roots or wildlife habitats for the scattering to take place. A temporary marker is put in place to indicate the scattering area.
• If you would like a member of the Town Council team to support or advise you, we are happy to help.
• Attended scatterings, where a member of staff will be present are only available from 9.30am to 12.00pm weekdays. Non-attended are available during normal garden opening times,(allowing 30 minutes before closure) which are :  

         Monday-Friday 09:00 - 16:30
         Weekends & Holidays 10:00 - 16:30

         1st October - 31st March
         Monday - Friday 09:00 - 15:30
         Weekends & Holidays 10:00 - 15:30

Memorial Items

• Plaques can be purchased via the Town Council in addition to, or instead of a scattering. They are fitted to wooden posts.  Please See below 
• To protect wildlife and keep the Copse feeling natural, we ask that items made of plastic, metal, or artificial materials are not left other than on a scattering day, but please bear in mind these will be removed within a couple of days of the scattering. Any item left, is done so at your own risk. Fresh flowers are permitted to be placed as an alternative or addition.

Caring for the Space

The Copse is designed to blend into the surrounding Garden of Remembrance, so we keep maintenance light and natural, and suitable footwear should be used at all times, allowing for earth and grass areas away from the main pathway. While we will attempt to keep vegetation down, this may not always be possible. No unauthorised scatterings are permitted. 

• Please take any packaging, urns or scattering tubes or packaging or personal items home with you, or place small items in the bin by the car park entrance.
• Please close the gate after use. If it is locked, please call the Town Council on 01245 321817

A Quiet Place for Reflection

• The area is intended as a peaceful retreat. We ask visitors to be mindful of others who may be spending a quiet moment remembering a much‑loved companion. You may wish to wait until other visitors have left, especially during the scattering of any ashes in any part of the garden.

 To Apply, please complete the form and return it to the Town Council, in person, by post , in person or via email. 

 If you wish to speak to us about this service, please feel free to call us on 01245 429441 or 01245 321817 or david@southwoodhamferrerstc.gov.uk 

South Woodham Ferrers Town Council is licensed to carry out this service under licence no U1633284/PCET