Ground Report – Wayland’s Smithy, Oxfordshire, 27/07/08

This is really one of the best crop circles I have ever been lucky enough to visit.

A truly remarkable example of everything that makes this phenomenon so compelling and all consuming and why it is that so many people flock into the fields summer after summer to experience magic first hand.

Firstly the size and level of complexity of this design. With 241 circles of varying size, the accuracy of positioning is stunning. Add to that the fact that a few inches of standing crop remains between every single circle making access to its neighbour more than a little tricky and the effect is even more impressive.

The undulation of this very large field, the same one as the famous ‘towers’ formation of 2006, adds to the intrigue around this formation. It cannot be easily seen from anywhere around the perimeter of the field and judging which tramline to enter is 50/50! The exact spot where the crop circle is located slopes very sharply down in one corner, to the extent that it could cause visitors to stumble over. At this point there is no more damage to plants and no less accuracy in the design.

Having said all of that, it is actually what lies on the ground which really is the most memorable. Unlike many formations in fast ripening wheat where the crop can be well laid to the ground, the wheat here is hardly laying down at all. Throughout the entire formation with the exception of only the central circle (which is laid much flatter) the crop is at about 45º.

Wherever you step you have to take giant steps in order to effectively ‘wade’ through the laid stems. As each foot comes into contact with the ground the stems pop and crush underneath giving the distinct impression they have not met this downward force until now.

In addition to this fluffy appearance, there is a very fluid feel to the laid crop as it moves around each circle leaving standing stems in the centres of many.

Damage to wheat stems throughout the entire formation is minimal. Each and every circle really appears untouched.

This is by far one of the best crop circles of the year and in my opinion will take some beating!