South Field, Near Alton Barnes, Wiltshire.

Reported June 27 2009.

On approach, the pattern of the formation appeared ragged and incoherent. The crop in the larger downed areas was unevenly laid, with large sections near tramlines untouched and much of the fallen crop bent only slightly off vertical. Similarly in many of the small shapes the crop was feebly laid.
The edges of these shapes were poorly defined.

The laid crop was heavily damaged in places, with mud-covered crushed stalks and heads, particularly evident in the lines either side of the 'swallow' at the head of the formation. Mud was ubiquitous across much of the laid crop. Crease marks were evident throughout the formation, with multiple parallel marks across stems not uncommon. In some places, the plants had been so thoroughly stamped into the ground that they were caked in mud and all but destroyed.

Report by Deborah Marriage © 2009