The Denniston Plateau

Denniston

 

 

 

 

I made these knittings of our giant native snails Powelliphanta Patrickensis to support the fight against open-cast coal mining on the Denniston Plateau.  Unfortunately the government has given the go ahead for a new open-cast coal mine which will destroy 200hectares of a unique rocky plateau on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. 

The giant snail, the green geko and the great spotted kiwi are just some of the rare and unique species found amongst the unusual rock formations on the Plateau.  Powelliphanta Patrickensis is only found on the Buller Coal Plateau and is gradually loosing it's home, attempts are being made to translocate its cousin  Powelliphant augusta from the neighbouring Stockton Plateau, but so far they have failed. 

 

 

 

 

All images are copyright to Frances Jill Studd