Restoring Nature's Balance at the Kenton Bowling Club

If you’ve driven past the Kenton Bowling Club lately, you may have noticed a burst of activity at the front entrance. What’s happening there is more than gardening — it’s the start of something we hope will inspire lasting change in our village.

Together with my wife, Tove — and with the help of our Head Gardener, Eddie — we’ve begun the very first African Legacy project in Kenton-on-Sea.

Why African Legacy?

At African Legacy, our guiding purpose is simple yet powerful: Restoring Nature’s Balance.

Our goal is to recharge landscapes by clearing the unnatural and restoring the indigenous — rekindling nature’s blueprint. Through AfricanLegacy.org.za, our non-profit organisation, we are committed to teaching and demonstrating environmental restoration in practical, visible ways.

That means:

• Removing invasive plants that threaten biodiversity

• Restoring indigenous species that belong here

• Using highly visible projects to inspire others and prove what’s possible

This work is not only about land management. It’s about creating a living legacy of care for the environment while bringing communities together. What began with just two people is already growing into something larger — rooted in hope, action, and renewal.

Our First Project in Kenton-on-Sea

Since moving to this village, we’ve wanted to make a meaningful contribution. In March 2025, we launched our first project at the Kenton Bowling Club, focusing on the stretch of ground facing the main Kenton Road.

For years, this section was overgrown with invasive plants, turning into something of an eyesore — despite the club itself being well-kept and welcoming. Because of its visibility, we saw an opportunity: to turn that neglected piece of land into a showcase of what restoration can achieve.

The front of the Bowling Club before we started — dominated by invasive Inkberries, Madeira Vine and overgrowth.)

What we’re doing:

• Clearing invasive plants to protect biodiversity

• Planting indigenous species to restore natural beauty and resilience

• Creating a welcoming first impression of Kenton for visitors and residents alike

• Turning an eyesore into a showcase that builds community pride

The early days of clearing, cutting and consolidating piles for removal

Removing excessive growth that we don't have the space to compost as well as rubble and especially glass bottles!

The heavy lifting mostly over, ready for the creation of new paths

More Than Land Management

This project is about more than clearing and planting. It’s about beginning our journey in Kenton with something visible, positive, and lasting. Together, we can create a legacy of care that strengthens our community today and preserves our environment for tomorrow.

Stay Connected

We’ll be sharing progress on Facebook and Instagram. They’ve been a little quiet until now, but this project will bring them back to life. Please join us there if you’d like to follow along, offer ideas, or cheer us on.

Indigenous plants taking root — a glimpse of what is to come... a welcoming entrance we’re creating together.

Thank You

We are deeply grateful to those who have already offered their time, support, and encouragement:

• The Kenton Beautification Initiative (Adrian Purdon and team)

• The Seagull Regatta (Dale Cunninghan)

• The Cycad Team: Edgar Brotherton for cycad donations & equipment, Alan Brotherton & Jim Davies for relocation assistance

• Chainsaw Hero: Patrick Miller (master chainsaw operator)

• Local Support: Justin Wilmot, Mike Palmer, Kenton Garden Services, and the Kenton Bowling Club for tools, storage, waste removal, and starting the clearing process

Your generosity has already made a visible difference — and laid the foundation for what’s to come.

Be Part of the Legacy

This is just the beginning. If you’d like to lend a hand, share ideas, or simply follow along, we’d love for you to connect with us online. Together, we will make Kenton-on-Sea a place where the environment — and the community — thrives.