Penton Grafton, nr Andover, Hampshire. Reported 30th May.

Click on thumbnails to enlarge.

The small village of Penton Grafton played host to their own Horse Trials this bank holiday weekend, but horses were not on the mind of the Crop Circle Connector, when we received news of another event in the village.

A huge nested crescent formation appeared just over the road from the Horse Trials in an immature green Barley field, spanning over three tramlines in diameter This formation is definitely crowned the best of the season, for its shear precision in its geometry, and for the exquisite nature of the floor construction.

We were extremely fortunately to visit this formation when it’s still very fresh, as the flattened crop shines in the sunlight as I took the video shots from the pole, creating an amazing contrast. The walls of the formation were so precise, especially around the tapered walls, on the joined crescents.

So what elements make up the design at Penton? Well, we have an perimeter of flattened crop, set within this segment is a ring which tapers around the complete circumference, encompassing a jointed crescent, facing south. Within the outer joined crescent is another half moon crescent facing North towards Penton. Set within the north-facing crescent is an inner ring, culminating into a centre circle, with a wonderful starburst centre, with raised edges. (See ground shot).

The floor construction is the neatest I have ever come across with a Barley formation. I have seen some very good designs from 1995 and 1996, but this one at Penton ranks as the best in my opinion. An unusual feature was brought to my attention as I walked around the formation, and that was the crop was flowing inward towards the inner wall of the ring. This feature was also noted in each section of the joined crescent and on the outer perimeter crop.

There was no evidence of scrapings or mud on stems, as the floor lay had a wonderful fluidity to it, which is rarely scene in Barley at this stage in the season. The crop was flattened with a gentle force, as heavy pressure can be easily detected on such a young crop, which can create a mechanical appearance. In the Penton formation there was no evidence of such a feature.

The area itself is quite ancient with a number of Tumulus’s dotted around the area, with one situated just over the hill from the formation, and one situated in the grounds of Penton Lodge. A Roman Road "The Portway" is located just half a mile south of the formation.

What an amazing formation, located away from the A342 on the outskirts of a sleepy Hampshire Village.

Report by Stuart Dike.