In 2019, several Reclaim Kosci supporters with embroidery skills explored the idea of making replicas of horse-threatened alpine flowers. They wanted to draw the world’s attention to the beauty that would be lost if these species were allowed to drift into extinction. Workshops were held and fingers flew. Each flower was created from a template, but, as the gallery shows, each creator interpreted the flower slightly differently – reflecting natural variation.

The group initially focused on Max Mueller’s burr daisy, because its structure was a little easier to replicate than that of other threatened flowers. This daisy is eaten and trampled by feral horses. Its last refuge is Nungar Plain, in northern Kosciuszko, where horses have only recently started to make an appearance. In winter 2020, the NSW government started removing horses from Nungar. It’s a race against time. It is sadly possible that these sewn replicas may outlast the Max Mueller’s burr daisies in the wild.

In 2020, the project expanded to include paintings and collages. We were delighted to discover the artistic talent of many Reclaim Kosci supporters. Some produced detailed and delicate paintings in the tradition of scientific illustration. Others were more interpretive.  All expressed a profound sadness at the possible fate of Kosciuszko’s threatened plants and animals, mixed with a hope that the NSW government will act to ensure their survival.

Reclaim Kosci has presented some of the paintings and flower replicas to the politicians who bear the responsibility of protecting the natural beauty of the Australian Alps.

Linda Groom, exhibition curator