Lost grasslands, the waste of wool - and letters to the editor

In this episode, we have the equestrian, wildlife and farming sections, plus the Letters to the Editor:

• Laura Wilson watched a therapist treat her horse – and gave up accounting to train as a McTimoney animal chiropractor

• As weaning begins for this year’s foals, the stud begins to focus on sales, says Lucy Procter of The Glanvilles Stud

• The August ground was so hard that Team Bartlett headed north in search of softer going for Equador MW and Cor y Taran, says Toots Bartlett

• Autumn is the season of abundance, even after a summer drought, says foraging expert Carl Mintern as he enjoys the literal fruits of the season

• Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Marine Awareness Officer Julie Hatcher shares the story of work to monitor the recently arrived furrowed crab.

• We’ve lost a staggering 97 per cent of our species-rich grassland since the 1930s. Growing a wildflower meadow in your back garden isn’t quite as simple as you might think – but it’s important to try, says writer Jane Adams

• Once a major business, English wool is now a wasted opportunity – the industry needs an urgent rethink, says Andrew Livingston

• Letters to the Editor - listen to what others think (our postbag is always open - send emails to letters@theblackmorevale.co.uk )