Repair work is underway to repair a man-made waterfall in gardens dating back 135 years, which has been out of action for three years.

Madeira Walk, in Albion Place Gardens, Ramsgate, has been out of action after two of the cascade's large ponds developed leaks and started losing water in 2022.

However, the water feature is to be given a new lease of life with repair work beginning today.

Thanet District Council (TDC) says the two-phase project will initially see scaffolding and security fencing placed around the ponds so they can be drained and repairs identified.

Due to the waterfall’s rare pulhamite structure, landscape contractors, together with horticultural experts, will cut back the plants which surround the ponds and also remove invasive species.

Ahead of the works, a team of ecologists surveyed the site for rare or protected wildlife, including bats, reptiles and amphibians.

Specialist environmental consultants will now work alongside the project team to avoid disturbing any nesting birds or other species.

Once this work is complete, phase two will begin and will involve the ponds being repaired so they hold water once again.

The pumps and control system, which power the waterfall, as well as its feature lighting, will then be overhauled ahead of the project's anticipated completion prior to summer.

Cllr Steve Albon (Lab, Eastcliff) says he is relieved work is now underway at the seaside hotspot.

The 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 [and] 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 waterfall is constructed from man-made material pulhamite.

Ramsgate’s collection of the material's rockwork gardens and structures are Grade II-listed on the National Heritage List for England.

The gardens date back to the 1890s and were constructed in phases into the 1930s.