Updated Thursday 18th December 1997
UPDATE
Image by Barry Reynolds Copyright 1997
The third formation in Sussex this year is in FLAX - Linseed Oil.( We are only aware of one other formation in flax and that was in Little Missenden in Bucks in 1990. It was a 36' ring.)
Grid Ref = TQ 405117
Crop = Flax
Formation = single circle with small unconnected line next to it.
Radius of circle =
North : 16' 10"
South : 21' 10"
East : 16' 6"
West : 19' 1"
The circle had a neat double centre and flowed clockwise. It was first sighted on Sunday 10th August and there was signs of recovery by this morning (Saturday 16th August). The crop had finished flowering and was about 2' 8" high.
Even though the flax is quite short, it is completely and utterly impossible to walk through without leaving a track as all the heads mat together whilst they grow. The tramlines were well and truly grown over. The circle was only 2' from the edge of the field so entry was easy. Having never been in a flax formation before we have nothing to compare it against although the crop was quite obviously bent, not broken at the base. The lay was messy but then there had been a lot of recovery and I wouldn't think it would be easy to lay down at all. We have sampled it and currently give it the thumbs up. I cannot see any reason why someone would want to make a circle in the middle of absolutely nowhere!
We have been hoping for a flax formation for some time. Now we want one in sweetcorn...
Diagram & photos to follow.
Incidentally, we guess that this formation won't be harvested for some time. As it is in the middle of nowhere and a footpath runs by if anyone locally wants to visit then we suggest you do although it's really not worth a long journey. Park at Hamsey (grid ref TQ 411 122) by the bridge over the river Ouse. Then walk south east on the footpath alongside the river for about five minutes. The circle is on the west side of the river right next to the footpath and CANNOT be missed! When you get to the railway and bridge you have missed it! It is beautiful countryside and a lovely walk. There were swans on the river, Small Blue butterflies and dragonflies flitting about.
Reported by Barry Reynolds
