Memory Tree

Unfortunately, we aren't able to allow the scattering of ashes on our nature reserves. Our reserves are carefully managed to protect wildlife and sensitive habitats, and introducing cremated ashes can affect soil chemistry and the plants and animals that depend on these environments. We kindly ask people to refrain from scattering ashes at any Lancashire Wildlife Trust nature reserve.

While memorial benches can be a wonderful addition to public spaces, they also require ongoing inspection, maintenance and occasional replacement to ensure they remain safe for everyone to use. As a conservation charity, we have to carefully balance these long term responsibilities with the resources needed to manage and restore habitats for wildlife.

Unfortunately, benches can also be vulnerable to vandalism, theft and arson, which can be distressing for the families who have chosen them as a lasting tribute. In some locations, repeated damage has meant memorials have had to be removed or replaced.

Our nature reserves are carefully managed according to long term conservation plans, with every decision made to benefit wildlife. This includes carefully considering whether new trees should be planted, which species are appropriate and where they will have the greatest ecological benefit. In some habitats, such as peatlands, wetlands, wildflower meadows and heathlands, planting trees can actually be harmful and damage the very wildlife we're working to protect. Where tree planting is needed, it forms part of planned habitat restoration using the right species in the right place.

Our woodlands are also living, changing environments that require ongoing management. Trees can be affected by disease, storms or natural ageing, and in some areas we use traditional practices such as coppicing to maintain healthy, diverse woodland habitats. This means we can't guarantee that an individually planted memorial tree would remain in place indefinitely, and there may be occasions where the tree, and any associated memorial, would need to be removed as part of responsible conservation management. For these reasons, we cannot offer memorial tree planting.

We understand why releasing birds or butterflies can feel like a meaningful way to remember someone special. However, we aren't able to allow the release of any animals or insects on our nature reserves.

Our reserves are carefully managed to support healthy, naturally occurring populations of wildlife. Releasing captive bred birds, butterflies or other species can unintentionally introduce disease, affect the genetic diversity of wild populations or disrupt the delicate balance of local ecosystems. In many cases, released animals are also poorly equipped to survive in the wild, which can compromise their welfare.

The best way to help wildlife is to allow nature to thrive naturally. That's why we focus our efforts on restoring habitats, protecting existing species and creating the conditions for wildlife to flourish on its own. By purchasing a memory leaf on one of our dedicated trees, you are helping us to care for and preserve the native wildlife on our sites.

We kindly ask that flowers, wreaths and other memorial items are not left on our nature reserves. While these gestures are made with the very best intentions, they can have unintended impacts on the wildlife and habitats we're working to protect.

Cut flowers are often not native to the area and can introduce pests or diseases. Floral foam, plastic wrapping, ribbons and wire can also become litter, posing a risk to wildlife and creating additional maintenance for our conservation teams. Even biodegradable items can take time to break down and may affect sensitive habitats.

To help keep our reserves as safe as possible for both wildlife and visitors, any flowers or memorial items left on site may need to be removed.

However, we kindly ask that wildflower seeds are not scattered on our nature reserves. Although many seed mixes are marketed as 'wildflowers', they can contain species that aren't native to the local area or aren't appropriate for the habitat where they're sown. Introducing new plants can alter the delicate balance of an ecosystem and compete with the wildflowers that are already growing there.

Every one of our nature reserves is managed according to a long term conservation plan. When we create or restore wildflower habitats, we carefully select the right species for the right place, often using locally sourced seed that reflects the natural character of the landscape.

The best way to help wildflowers thrive is to allow our conservation teams to manage habitats using methods that are based on ecological evidence and designed to benefit wildlife in the long term.

If you'd like to remember a loved one in a way that also supports nature, our dedicated memory trees offer a lasting tribute while helping us protect the special places they cherished.