New Nature Trail opened in memory of beloved seven year old Archie York
A new Nature Trail created in memory of seven-year-old Archie York has been officially opened today, on what would have been his 9th birthday.
A new Nature Trail created in memory of seven-year-old Archie York has been officially opened today, on what would have been his 9th birthday.
Newcastle City Council has worked closely with Katherine Errington and Robbie York to support them following the tragic loss of their much loved son, Archie, who died in the explosion at Violet Close, Benwell, in October 2024.
The explosion, caused by illegal drug making activity taking place in the property below the family home, was an entirely avoidable and devastating incident linked to the production of cannabis shatter – a relatively unknown and senseless crime.
While Katherine, Robbie and their younger son, Finley, survived, their lives were irreversibly changed. In the months following the tragedy, the Council supported the family in moving to a new home where they have slowly begun rebuilding their lives.
Throughout this time, the area around the Ponds in Woolsington Parish has been a place of comfort for the Yorks. It is where Archie enjoyed countless family walks with his parents, brother and their dogs.
Newcastle City Council worked with the family to explore how his memory might be honoured in a way that reflects his joyful spirit and love of the outdoors. Together, along with Woolsington Parish Council, they developed the idea for Archie’s Nature Trail, a walking route that weaves through the Parish Ponds area.
The Trail – named Forever 7 - officially opened today, 29 May 2026 – on Archie’s 9th birthday. Artwork along the route has been designed by local artist Steve Pardue, inspired by the family’s ideas of what Archie would have liked.
The family hope the Trail will become a special place for others to explore and enjoy together – just as they did with Archie. Every element of the route has been created to reflect the things Archie loved, offering a gentle and lasting tribute to a much loved little boy.
Katherine said: “Archie loved walking around this area with our two dogs. Being outdoors, noticing everything around him – that was when he was happiest. We sadly lost one of our dogs, Chase, alongside Archie in the explosion, and creating this Nature Trail has helped us feel closer to them both.
“This is a place where we can come as a family and remember him. We have such precious memories of him running around, laughing, exploring and just being the beautiful little boy that he was.
“It means so much to be able to share this space with others who loved Archie and want to remember him. He had so many friends, and it has been difficult for them to understand how he was taken from us so suddenly. Seeing their ideas included in the Trail has been incredibly touching.
“We’re so grateful to everyone who has supported this project. People have been unbelievably kind, and thanks to them, Archie’s Nature Trail is now a place that will bring comfort and joy for many years to come. Our boy will be Forever 7, but his memory will live on here forever.”
Archie’s classmates have also played a part in shaping the Trail, with Steve drawing inspiration from their stories and memories. Today, friends from his class were amongst the first to walk the trail with Katherine, Robbie and Finley.
The Trail features seven separate posts, each showing different nature representations, including nature superheroes, to symbolise Archie’s love of superheroes. Getting the artwork just right was very important to Steve who describes the area as a ‘little pocket of wildness between busy roads, incoming flights and a growing population.’ Steve was also particularly struck by the way the children at Bridgewater Primary School spoke about Archie as if he was still with us. Steve said: “The sessions I spent with the children looking at nature and drawing the beautiful things we found in their school grounds have fed into the designs for the Forever 7 Nature Trail.”
“The opportunity to work on the Trail has been an honour for Steve, he continued: “It has been lovely working on something close to me and with such a fantastic engagement from the local community.
“I hope that Archie’s Trail will be a place of nurture and nature for the wildlife and local community for years to come.”
Newcastle City Council Chief Executive, Pam Smith said: “We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to this project. While the Council has played a part, the support from organisations across the city has been extraordinary.
“People here in Newcastle, across the region and far beyond were deeply moved by Archie’s story and the unimaginable loss his family suffered. Today’s event is incredibly special as it creates a place to remember Archie in a positive, hopeful way, surrounded by those who loved him most.
“Archie’s Nature Trail is a beautiful reminder of a little boy who brought so much joy, and a testament to a family who has shown incredible courage in the face of devastating loss.”
The Parish Ponds Project, created by Woolsington Parish Council, aims to unite the community in protecting, restoring and celebrating the natural beauty and biodiversity of open blue and green spaces. Deploying rewilding techniques, former industrial land is being renewed, creating a shared space for wellbeing, learning and connection with nature.
George Pattison, Chair of the Parish Council said: “This is a deeply important and cherished space for Archie’s family and the wider community. We were truly pleased to support Katherine and Robbie in creating the Trail and helping to shape a place that offers reflection, remembrance and quiet enjoyment for generations to come.
“We kindly ask that everyone respects this special area, allowing people the space to remember Archie, come together as families, or simply appreciate the beauty of the natural surroundings.”
In partnership with Katherine and Robbie, the Safe Newcastle Partnership has also created ‘Archie’s Story’ a powerful training resource that aims to educate professionals on the dangers of cannabis concentrate production, highlight warning signs, and provide clear guidance on reporting concerns, hopefully helping to prevent such tragedies from ever happening again.
For further information about Archie’s Story, please contact the Safe Newcastle Partnership by emailing [email protected]