ANCIENT PATHWAY LEADS TO FIRST MAJOR EVENT OF 2004 IN WILTSHIRE 

The ancient landscape near the Ridgeway path includes several landmarks, notably the burial mounds, which have been around for several thousand years. This area really needs no introduction to the phenomenon, and the same applies to this latest formation. The first major event in Wiltshire was received with great excitement, as this particular day was not originally planned to see a crop circle. Our brief so to speak, was to film the White Horses for the new DVD, but we were thrown into the new crop circles of 2004.

Image CCC Copyright 2004

After taking shots from the air, in incredibly difficult conditions, probably he worst flights I have taken for conditions, it was not surprising I took a while to come back down to earth! Flying in that type of weather is quite mentally exhausting, but we had a push on, as the weather was really closing in as we arrived at the location. The flying left me a little shaken up, as its not all sweet and roses to bring you the latest shots. Sometimes we have to push ourselves to the limit all for the love of crop circles!

The patterns artistry, was extremely similar to the Stonehenge formation of 2002.

After a long walk down the Ridgeway Path, we arrived at the location in the field. It really was enormous, set within a small ditch in the field, just like its miniature valley. However, the formation from the pathway had a rather twisted feel to it, like it had a foreshortened aspect to its design. But with the benefit of viewing it from the air before, we knew exactly what type of formation we were dealing with here.

The patterns artistry, was extremely similar to the Stonehenge formation of 2002, so perhaps we were looking at the exact same agency here. This type of characteristic can be seen in several formations over the years, like you get to know its technique and ability within the field, and of course its style.

One of the most important points to remember when we are dealing with young Barley at the end of May "Make sure your quick off the mark"  Yes, this has been learned by us at the Connector over the years, as its imperative to strike very quickly. Barley can recover extremely rapidly at this stage of its maturity, and we timed the whole event just right.

On Tuesday the 1st of June, the formation was half defaced by the Farmer of the land

The floor construction was very impressive, and it was obvious to us immediately that we were one of the first to actually walk around it. Although the formation had been at its location probably for more than a day, not many people are around at this stage in the season to view it. So we were extremely lucky to have the formation in such a preserved state, which enhances the filming incredibly.

The filming took just over an hour to complete, and while filming we shoot a few interesting features inside. Notably the nice nest centres that were within each of the three scrolls around the perimeter. These will be seen in more detail on this year's DVD, and are now very much the standard of the phenomenon.

On Tuesday the 1st of June, the formation was half defaced by the Farmer of the land. Obviously in a fit of rage to see his crop damaged by this latest creation. However the farmer may regret his action's as the crop would have eventually recovered, if he just left it, and placed signs to keep people out. (See aerial image of the cut formation)

It would appear the standard has been set, on the last day in May. So all we can do is await to see what happens next from an already intriguing start to the 2004 season in Wiltshire.

Report by Stuart Dike