Martinsell Hill, Near Oare,

Wiltshire.

 

Reported June 25 2009.

Approaching the field from the Ridgeway, a gap in the hedge and track through the grass to the top of the field was evident. Entering the arc around the dew pond first, I saw a large amount of mud on the downed stems, mainly in a line along the middle of the arc. Mud was also apparent along the 'streamers' emanating from the circles. However, the circles themselves were virtually mud-free. The soil was very damp and sticky from recent rain and obviously more so around the dew pond.

The whole of the arc and all the circles were laid clockwise. All the plants in the streamers were all laid running from the circles to the tips. The smaller circles displayed central swirls. The seventh circle from the end had well presented, small, crescent arc with circle of standing plants in the centre.

The downed crop was laid straight throughout, with curves formed by clumps of plants being laid in different directions, rather than individual plants being bent. Bent and elongated nodes were present, most of which were bending to right plants back into vertical position towards the light, with recovery of this young wheat being evident throughout. However, I did find a few examples of nodal elongation down towards the soil (see photo). The lay in the circles was uneven and inconsistent, with lines and groups of vertical plants that appeared untouched in between the downed crop.

A good view of the formation is possible from the top of Martinsell .

 

Report by Deborah Marriage © 2009