“Together we are planting trees on campus in memory of our daughter Caitlin, who loved nature.”

University is the time to find yourself, pursue your passion, and make memories. This was no different for biology student Caitlin Cole, who came to York in 2017. As a student, Caitlin pursued her lifelong love for all things nature, until her untimely death at age 20. She was bright, intelligent, caring, and deeply loved by family and friends. In the words of Caitlin’s dad, Nick:

“Caitlin has left us all a lasting legacy. She was always kind and caring, a hard-working perfectionist with a thirst for knowledge, beautiful on the inside and out. In her 20 years, Caitlin touched many people, with her natural smile and her ability to communicate with young and old alike. 

She was like a sister to many inside and outside of our family, a treasured granddaughter, a close cousin, a special niece, a supportive friend and the best daughter we could have ever wished for.”

In the years since Caitlin’s death, through the kind and generous support of her parents, family and friends, Caitlin’s Wood has been created at the University of York. The wood is a beautiful biodiverse area on Campus East, enjoyed by students, the wider community and wildlife. Located on the serene Campus East, it sits right next to where Caitlin’s Langwith College student accommodation was.

“Through the many initial donations from the 500+ who joined us in Leeds cathedral that terrible day, we were able to begin our first 'tree planting project’. One close York Uni student friend of Caitlin’s asked if we would perhaps consider planting a tree on campus to remember Caitlin - we replied that we would plant a wood, and we now have!” - Nick, Caitlin’s dad

After family and friends came together to plant the first saplings in 2020, the native wild trees are beginning to flourish. Now, her family is growing another tribute to Caitlin on campus. Working with Jason Daff, the Horticulture Manager in the Department of Biology, they are helping re-introduce traditional heritage fruit trees in the Walled Garden currently being restored behind Heslington Hall on Campus West.

Caitlin’s Wood on Campus East

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Heritage plants are varieties of plants that are part of history. Jason and the team looked back through the diaries of the Head Gardener for the University’s Heslington Hall in the 18th Century to explore the seeds he was planting, what was being eaten and sold at that time. In addition, the project will tie into the much broader horticultural history of Yorkshire, including the chocolate factories which brought new plants and flavours to our soil.

The project, being kindly funded through donations and fundraising in memory of Caitlin by her family and friends, will be both a lasting tribute to the budding young biologist, and a living library of Yorkshire’s horticultural heritage. The first heritage apple trees have already been grafted and potted on by students on campus, and a large number have successfully taken.

In the same way a tree spreads roots, the memory of Caitlin lives on. Caitlin’s love for nature will be shared by all of the students, staff, and members of the public who get to enjoy the beautiful wood and heritage trees planted in her memory.

“Caitlin was a true force of nature” said Caitlin’s mum, Colette, “she took great pleasure in seeing all of the wildlife around her on the university campus and she would be delighted that she is continuing to contribute to encouraging nature and biodiversity in a place which she spent so much time and loved so much.”

If you'd like more information about leaving a tribute to someone close to you, visit our webpage on celebrating the life of a loved one at York.