Newcastle nature trail opened for schoolboy Archie York

Family and friends gathered on Friday afternoon to remember beloved Archie York at the Parish Ponds in Woolsington, a beauty spot that has now become a lasting tribute to him and a place to celebrate his legacy.

Archie was just seven years old when he lost his life in the horrific explosion in Violet Close, Benwell, in October 2024.

Archie York, who was killed in the Violet Close explosion in Newcastle in October 2024, pictured at the Parish Ponds in Woolsington. Photo: Katherine Errington. Free to reuse for all LDR partners.

The new ‘Forever 7’ trail has been designed to remember his love of the ponds, a place where the Yorks enjoyed countless family walks with their dogs, and encourage people to explore wildlife and spend precious time together.

His mum Katherine Errington, dad Robbie York, and younger brother Finley cut the ribbon on the trail in Newcastle on Friday and led dozens of community members on the first journey around it, including many of Archie’s classmates.

Katherine said the day had been an “extra special” celebration of Archie’s ninth birthday and that her son “would have loved it”.

Remembering his love of picking blackberries and feeding swans at the ponds, she told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “He was all about making people happy and that is what he has done today, he has made everyone happy.

“People might think I just say this because I’m Archie’s mum, but I’m not. He was such a loving, happy boy and this walk, and his schoolfriends, have proved that. He would be over the moon with the turnout today.”

Archie York’s parents Katherine Errington and Robbie York, and younger brother Finley, opening the new ‘Forever 7’ trail at the Parish Ponds in Woolsington. Photo: LDRS. Free to reuse for all LDR partners.

Archie’s classmates from Bridgewater Primary School helped shape the trail, with local artist Steve Pardue drawing inspiration from them in designing seven posts dotted around the route.

Each of the markers includes artwork highlighting different creatures and their incredible ‘superpowers’, inspired by Archie’s love of Marvel heroes.

They also carry messages about Archie himself, describing him as the “most helpful person I know”.

Katherine added: “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.”

The new ‘Forever 7’ trail at the Parish Ponds in Woolsington, created in memory of Violet Close explosion victim Archie York. Photo: LDRS. Free to reuse for all LDR partners.

George Pattison, chair of Woolsington Parish Council, said he hoped that the trail would help shape “a place that offers reflection, remembrance and quiet enjoyment for generations to come”.

He also issued a plea for everyone to play their part in looking after the area of natural beauty and respecting Archie’s legacy, after recent concerns that the site was being damaged by vandals setting fires and riding around on quad bikes.

He said: “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.”

The explosion which killed Archie and changed his family’s lives forever was caused by an illegal drugs lab that was being operated in the flat beneath their home. 

Katherine and Robbie have also worked with Newcastle City Council and other authorities to help expose the dangers of such cannabis shatter labs, in the hope of preventing another tragedy.

Council chief executive Pam Smith said: “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.”