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The team behind a community allotment in Cwmfelinfach is celebrating its “exponential” growth, which has seen it secure a Green Flag award less than 18 months after opening.

Since its launch, the allotment at Ynys Hywel Farm has brought the community closer, with a range of classes and activities.

The project, run by the Parent Network, aims to promote healthy living and tackle mental health problems through teaching residents of all ages how to grow their own food. 

Theresa Heal, of the Parent Network, said she’s seen that “people are able to open up easier while outside and collaborating on the farm”.

The past year has seen the allotment win a Green Flag award, which has “given volunteers credit for their hard work”.

The team has been offering access to training and workshops, teaching members skills to better themselves and improve employability. Recently, a bush cutting and trimming course was held at the farm. 

A new class taught at the farm teaches people how to set up an online Etsy shop to sell produce they have grown, with the aim of making people self-sufficient. 

The latest addition to the project is a new flower garden. Ms Heal said: “This has been beneficial to attendees’ appreciation of the local wildlife.”

“I want people to value what they have got here in the village. We have various plants and species – butterflies you wouldn’t see anywhere else – and the farm animals.”

The garden has up to 30 attendees a day, with volunteers working hard to keep the crops healthy. The garden is free to use for locals and people are able to take home the crops they grow. 

With funding from Caerphilly County Borough Council, the garden hosts weekly home education groups that help children socialise and learn gardening skills.

Ms Heal thanked Caerphilly Council’s John Hole for giving permission for the project, as well as farm manager David Hopkins, and countryside warden Brandon Carter.

“We would like to give credit and special thanks to them all for all their help, as it wouldn’t have been possible without their help either,” Ms Heal added.

The community allotment project is open to anyone – not just parents. For more information call 07487850396.