Pet Scattering Copse & Memorial Area

The Pet Scattering Copse and Memorial Area is a new project underway, and is not currently open to the public. We expect it to open later in 2026. 


The Garden of Remembrance has long been a quiet sanctuary at the heart of South Woodham Ferrers. A place where people can pause, reflect, and honour the lives of those they have loved. Building on this tradition of care, a dedicated Pet Scattering Copse and Memorial Area is being created to offer a gentle, natural setting for families wishing to remember their companion animals in a peaceful and respectful way, in a fenced off area to keep the essence of the main garden maintained. We have planned this new addtion to the garden, following public consulation and requests for such a service locally.

Shaped to sit in harmony with the existing garden, the Copse makes use of some of the established trees to create a natural canopy and a soft, woodland feel. Combined with wildlifefriendly planting and simple natural textures, the area offers a calm, welcoming space for quiet reflection. Whether visiting to scatter ashes, to visit a memorial plaque installed by the Town Council and simply spend a moment beneath the branches, the Copse provides a sense of closeness to nature.

The Town Council is committed to caring for this space with the same gentleness and respect that inspired its creation, ensuring it remains a peaceful, natural place for remembrance for many years to come. When visiting the Pet Copse, please ensure that you close the gate after your visit.

 

 


 

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 footware 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 :  

         1st April - 30th September

         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 vegitation down, this may not always be possible. No un-authorised scatterings are permitted. 

  • Please take any packaging, urns or scattering 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.


Dedicated to Our Pawed Pets


Available as an alternative for other animals  

Pet Scattering & Memorial Copse Booklet

 

Application forms will be available once the Pet Area is near to opening.  


 To Apply, please complete the form and return it to the Town Council, in person, by post 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 licenced to carry out this service under licence no U1633284/PCET