Marden, near Chirton, Wiltshire. 9th August 2005.
Photo © Steve Alexander

Central circle of the Marden formation. Photo © Steve Alexander

Rather like a firework show, it seems to have become an annual feature that the last circles of the summer are some of the most stunning to appear all season.

The circle which appeared at Marden, near Chirton in Wiltshire, reported on the 9th August, is no exception.

A lot of the enthusiasm, wonder and energy seems to have evaporated from the season over the last two years – the skills of human imitators have come on in leaps and bounds from the early ham-fisted (or footed) attempts. Many of the circles, which at first glance look impressive, show the tell-tale signs of human construction on closer examination. Those who follow the season have spent as much time discussing who overheard who planning what in the Barge Inn as they have the circles themselves. Mistrust and suspicion greet the arrival of every new design, and for as many who believe it’s “genuine”, there are as many who believe it’s man-made. It all seems quite tragic, and more than a bit ironic in view of the message deciphered from the 2002 Crabwood Farm disc – “Beware the bearers of FALSE gifts & their BROKEN PROMISES. Much PAIN but still time. BELIEVE There is GOOD out there. We OPpose DECEPTION”.

It’s almost as if this circle has deliberately upped the ante. Check out the more detailed photos and ground reports at:
http://www.ukcropcircles.co.uk

Someone at Crop Circle Connector (update May 06: link now expired) found an image with similarities linked to a site dedicated to preserving the environment and culture of the Mayan and other indigenous peoples of Central and South America. The present Article of the Moment exposes some of the threats these people are facing.