Drought and Rape
The weather here is extraordinary. The rainfall has been low for months and there are hose-pipe bans in place in several areas but not yet in Wiltshire. The lovely river Kennet is low and flowing so slowly that its managers are concerned. Some farmers have decided simply not to sow some fields because of the water shortage.
On a more optimistic note, we usually get our first formation in April and there is a general sense of excitement in the air. The season starts with Rape (Canola) and moves on to Barley. Then in July and August we get the masterpieces in Wheat.
As I write, the rape is about two feet high and the fields are two-thirds yellow. The plants grow now at an astonishing rate and they will continue to blossom until the fields are completely gold. At that point we can expect a crop circle. I would give it another week or two!