Ground Report – Broad Hinton (2), 24/09/08

It is hard not to be impressed by something of this size and relative complexity in maize, but keeping an open mind and an objective viewpoint as always, the condition inside is somewhat disappointing. With severe damage and breakage of stems apparent throughout the formation, and obvious scuff marks everywhere (see below), the overall quality is seriously lacking.

Inexperienced as I am in the surveying of maize crop circles, I would not necessarily pass judgement on the basis of this evidence, but having consulted researchers with more familiarity with this type of event, it is clear that this is not always the norm. There are, however, areas of some interest.

Notably, the centre of the formation, appearing to some as a cross shape from above and in my opinion a square with the ‘towers’ overlapping. At the very centre point the laid crop is splayed outwards, as though an explosion of some kind has occurred! Here the stems are laid very close to the ground. The effect is dramatic when standing inside and does indicate a certain ‘energy.

In contrast, the crop within each of the laid square sections furthest from the centre point flows around the edges towards the furthest point of each section. Where stems flowing in different directions meet there is a very distinct raised area (see images below).

Each time this occurs, although stem damage is consistent with the rest of the formation, there does appear to be considerably less compression of the crop. In some cases there are three separate layers of stems flowing from different directions.In conclusion I have mixed feelings about this (my final) formation of what has been an amazing season. To be out and about so late in the year and experiencing a whole new side to this mysterious phenomenon is unexpected and very welcome. As always the learning curve with every crop circle is steep and we are still left wondering and in anticipation…