Work to repair the Madeira Walk Waterfall in Ramsgate, gets underway today (10 March).
The waterfall has been out of action since 2022 when it was temporarily shut down as the waterfall and two large ponds had developed leaks and were losing water.
The project will take place in two stages. During the first phase, the ponds will be drained so the necessary repairs can be identified. Scaffolding and security fencing will be placed around the ponds.
Due to the waterfall’s rare Pulhamite structure, specialist landscape contractors with experience in maintaining historic landscapes have been appointed. Together with horticultural experts, they will cut back the plants that surround the ponds and also remove invasive species.
Ahead of work starting, a team of ecologists surveyed the site for rare or protected wildlife, including bats, reptiles and amphibians. Specialist environmental consultants carried out site surveys and risk assessments and will work alongside the project team to avoid disturbing any nesting birds or other species.
In phase two the ponds will be repaired so they hold water once again. The pumps and control system that power the waterfall will be overhauled, together with the feature lighting.
It is anticipated the work will be completed ahead of the summer season.
Cllr Steve Albon, Cabinet Member for Cleansing and Coastal Services, said: “I’m delighted that work is starting to repair the Madeira Walk Waterfall. It’s such an iconic part of Ramsgate, for local people and visitors. It’s got an interesting history and also provides an important habitat for so many different wild species.
“We’re taking the environmental aspects of this project very seriously. By employing specialist contractors, we’ll make sure that the impact on wildlife is kept to a minimum.
“Working with specialists will also ensure that the heritage materials that make up the waterfall are protected.”
The Madeira Walk Waterfall is constructed from Pulhamite, a man-made material popular in the 19th century. Ramsgate’s collection of Pulhamite rockwork gardens and structures are listed at Grade II on the National Heritage List for England.
In 2021, the Heritage Action Zone partnership repaired sections of the Pulhamite at Albion Gardens and Madeira Walk, with a grant from Historic England’s Emergency Repair grant fund. The site was repaired by specialist conservators and a training day was held for the local community to understand the repair process and experience live repairs on site.
Helen Whitehead will be trying to house RISE homeless there soon watch this space 😂
What a ridiculous comment, “Taff naff”. What on earth is the point of writing such a comment?
“Mike Bassett”
What a bizarre comment.
are you ok, or do we need to call someone to let them know you’re a bit too obsessed?
Hoorah!!!
Hallelujah, well done to those who are fixing it and behind the scenes it needs to have the defoaming liquid added to the water so if kids put washing up liquid in the water like they have before when it was working the defoaming liquid will stop the bubbles.
Absolutely delighted this is happening at last. I have been campaigning for removal of the invasive species that have risked damaging the pulhamite, as well as various other repairs, for over five years now. It’s only since the change in administration in 2023 (when Labour took over) that any progress has been made. That it should be up and running again by the summer is great news.
Not quite Helen.
TDC publicly announced in 2019 that they were going to transfer the site to RTC, but being TDC failed to do so fortunately for RTC.
Pulhamite is not a rock,it is a man made amalgam of all sorts of materials.At Folkestone the pulhamite there includes old broken crockery.
Repairing it requires care,but fortunately Historic England have plenty of advice available.
The ponds or cavities have been leaking for years,but no one did anything.
The pump and the electrics are the easiest to fix and there is someone local who knows how.
It is a case of better late than never, but some thought should be given towards the future as TDC may not exist for much longer, and we don’t want the site being sold off or handed ovee to an outfit incapable of providing for its future care.
How beautiful.
About time such a beautiful feature to have in working order I hope they will have Cameras to stop the idiot drunk drug kids from damaging it again morons