Amazing Clatford

The 2009 season in the UK is off to an interesting start. As of this posting, 11 confirmed formations so far, all in oil-seed rape (canola), typical for this time of year (followed by barley and then wheat). Overall, they are larger and more complex than what has usually been seen in oil-seed rape fields in previous years; significant in part because these plants are bristly and thick-stemmed and initially covered in delicate yellow flowers. In terms of human-made formations, a much more difficult medium to work in. Most of these early formations have been exhibiting a scale and quality usually seen in wheat or barley formations.

One of these stands out in particular, the recent huge formation near Clatford, Wiltshire, found on May 4th. At approximately 244 metres (800 feet) long, it is the largest ever seen so far in this crop. Of note is that it extends over the crest of a hill in the field, subtly curving to match the topography. According to UK researcher Charles Mallet, that would be difficult for would-be hoaxers to map out and flatten on the ground since you can’t view the entire formation while standing inside it, and while there was damage, it seemed to be rather excessive to what is typically seen in known man-made formations. The weather the night it appeared was also wet and windy. So what to make of this? Read some of the field reports (here, here and here) and come to your own conclusions...

Posted by Paul Scott Anderson on May 19, 2009 at 8:02 am

Comments Widget

back to blog entries page