Work has begun on renovating the outdoor area and garden at Royal Star & Garter in Surbiton, which cares for veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia.

The project started in February and is expected to be finished before the Platinum Jubilee celebrations this summer.

The project was funded with grants from The Monday Charitable Trust, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and the B&Q Foundation.

The garden is being made more accessible for residents, with improvements to the planting areas and raised beds to engage the veterans in gardening activities, and an outdoor dining and visiting area will also be created. New features will include a garden room to host family visits and events, as well as being used as a training venue and a place for staff to meet. The garden will also include additional pergolas and decking, a water feature, gazebo, benches and a wheelchair-friendly nature trail through a wild garden area.

Retired Brigadier Peter Monteith, chief of staff at ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, said: “Royal Star & Garter’s Homes are among the most highly rated in the country. As its brand states, this wonderful organisation has been providing ‘care with courage’ to armed forces veterans for over 100 years, including award-winning specialist dementia care. Our charity is honoured to support its work.”

Home manager Helena Maher commented: “Residents are really excited to see work starting in the garden. Once complete, they will have a beautiful area to spend time in, whether it’s enjoying the summer sun, gardening, watching the wildlife, relaxing, eating, or spending time with loved ones. Our wellbeing team are also looking forward to hosting lots of fun and engaging activities outdoors.”

Director of supporter engagement Caley Eldred said: “The benefits of spending time outdoors for mental and physical wellbeing is well known. Once completed, the refurbished gardens will provide an invaluable space for residents.”