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Volunteers have big ideas to introduce more people into a new hobby – gardening and growing.

After a new committee was agreed upon in November last year, members of the community allotments in Penpedairheol decided to embark on a challenge that would cost many thousands – but hopefully bring a community closer together.

The project is already well underway, with gravel company Hanson having donated materials for a new turning circle to improve access for disabled plot owners.

Committee member Neville Davies said the allotments had been “crying out for change”.

He told Caerphilly Observer: “Improving access is the one thing that has never been done here, we’re hoping to change that soon.

“We have one plot holder that’s been here for over 40 years, we can do better.”

The committee’s plans don’t stop there however. The money will also go towards gravel paths, raised flower beds, storage units, wildflower areas and greenhouses, as well as continuing to improve and maintain the paths.

Lesley Jones who is in charge of securing funding for the allotment, said: “Timing is key when it comes to funding.

“You need to be exact about the amount you need and we’re in contact with several companies who could provide a grant.

“We’re all very excited here about the prospect of the plans, the priority is to get more new and disabled members of the community taking part with serious progress made by the autumn in an ideal world.

“Members with early onset Alzheimer’s are another priority for us as we often see them give up on the allotment early on. We still want fresh ideas.”

The wider community also want to play their part in the allotment’s development, according to Neville, with pupils at Cefn Hengoed’s Derwendeg Primary School set to get their hands dirty in the coming weeks.

Neville said: “The kids are going to come to the allotment next month to help us create a bug hotel. It’s great to get kids involved in nature early on, and we hope that long term we can set up a plot just for the school so they’ll have somewhere to go.

“A community plot is also another idea that we’ve had. That would mean we could create enough extra food to donate to a local food bank.”