Connemaras, Dorset chanterelles, and our ‘ugly, slug-loving splodges’

BV July '22, Part 3. In the third and final July episode we have the Equestrian, wildlife and farming sections: Is the Connemara simply the best pony? Local breeder Kate Walters explains their appeal and introduces a couple of Connemara superstars Last month one curious foal stole our hearts with her naughty leap inside a small pen after a ruptured bladder operation – Lucy from Glanvilles Stud shares her story  Three day eventer Toots Bartlett shares how her new boy Equador MW showed his Aston Martin tendencies but Freebie slowed to miss out on his second International win.  Some of Dorset’s coastal creatures play an important national role in our coastal biodiversity, explains Hazel Ormrod from Dorset Wildlife Trust Why did we stop eating the fat hen, wonders expert Carl Mintern, who is celebrating the season for finding the jewel in the mushroom-foraging crown When was the last time you saw a toad in the garden? Writer Jane Adams raises the alarm call for our endearingly ugly, slug-loving splodges The 1950s green ‘wonder foam’ for flower arrangers is not actually green at all, says flower farmer Charlotte Tombs The transition from the EU’s Basic Payment Scheme is likely to result in a big loss to the Dorset economy, says NFU county advisor Gemma Harvey Fifth generation farmer James Cossins says it’s time to explore new (old) ways to maintain cattle feed through the summer The disconnect between consumers and the food on their plates has arguably never been wider – Andrew Livingston suggests that social media can help