A garden for people with dementia - designed by a former Writtle University College student - has been unveiled at Broomfield Hospital.

After a major fundraising drive by the hospital’s charity, the ‘Live-Well Garden’ was officially opened at a ceremony on Saturday.

Tamae Isomura, who graduated with a Masters in Garden Design from Writtle in 2012, designed the garden to evoke comforting childhood memories of woodland.

Tamae, who came from Japan to study at Writtle and now lives in Chelmsford, said: “The design is a ‘woodland memory garden’. The idea was for it to be part of reminiscence therapy for people with dementia, providing comfort by reminding them of their experience of woodland, particularly in childhood.

“The design features a circular route, so people will not be stressed by the trail ending. This has a wheelchair and walking frame-friendly surface and connects different areas for quiet sitting, activities or socialising.

“There are various features in each area to provide landmarks for people to walk around. All features and planting were selected to be familiar to people with dementia, so they can be reminded of their own garden.

“The woodland planting suits the shady and dry courtyard with the muted colours having a calming effect on people with dementia, who may sometimes feel agitated. This is complemented by vibrantly coloured planting, which will be planted through horticultural activities with patients.”

Tamae worked with Mid Essex Hospitals NHS Trust as a sustainability project co-ordinator, delivering community garden projects, a woodland conservation project, and other healing garden projects in the hospital grounds.

Now working as a landscape architect for another organisation, she helped with the implementation of the garden project on a voluntary basis.

Yvonne Carter, charities manager at the hospital, said: “I would like to offer a big, big thank you to our local community for supporting our appeal to create this second dementia-friendly garden. Our charity has been overwhelmed by the help and support from an army of volunteers and fundraisers who have made it possible to create this relaxing and calming outdoor space for people in hospital. It’s among one of many projects that would not have been possible without the generous support of local people, so we are immensely grateful to everyone.”

NHS England has highlighted the project as best practice of dementia care as it provides people with a therapeutic environment.

This is the second garden design by a Writtle University College student to be built at Broomfield Hospital.