A care home on the Suffolk coast has celebrated the official opening of a new viewpoint and accessible woodland walk.

Oaklands House Care Home in Southwold, opened it's new accessible outdoor space on Saturday, November 2 with a ribbon cutting ceremony led by the Mayor of Southwold.

The scenic viewpoint was crafted by local carpenter Daniel Moriarty, who transformed a previously unusable woodland area into a fully accessible space.

The new viewpoint was envisaged to allow all residents of Oaklands House to enjoy the nature that Southwold can offerThe new viewpoint was envisaged to allow all residents of Oaklands House to enjoy the nature that Southwold can offer (Image: Oaklands House Care Home) The new space aims to provide all residents, including those with mobility issues, and visitors with an opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the  outdoors in a safe and welcoming environment.

A former community matron who dedicated years of service to Southwold, leading the Solebay Fund and the Southwold Rotary Club, Cathy Ryan MBE, lends her name to the viewpoint. 

After much deliberation for the name of the viewing point, it was decided to honour Cathy in recognition of her impact and commitment and wanting to create a lasting tribute to honour her legacy, ensuring her memory lives on within the care home.

Simon Flunder, the Mayor of Southwold was there to unveil the named buildingSimon Flunder, the Mayor of Southwold, was there to unveil the named building (Image: Oaklands House Care Home) Ian Gooch, manager of Oaklands House Care Home, said: "We are thrilled with the success of the Scenic Viewpoint opening.

Funding for the project was supplied through support of the Solebay Fund and the Southwold Rotary Club who proved instrumental in bringing the project to life.

"This project has been very important to me, and thanks to the support of the Solebay Fund, Southwold Rotary Club, and Healthcare Homes, our residents now have easy access to nature, which is so vital for their well-being.

"We hope it will be a cherished space for everyone to enjoy."

The ribbon was cut by Steven, a resident at Oaklands HouseThe ribbon was cut by Steven, a resident at Oaklands House (Image: Oaklands House Care Home)