Clinton Rodgers reports

Experts from all over the world are meeting near Pewsey in Wiltshire to study the phenomenon that has baffled science for years.

Crop circle enthusiast Rod Bearcloud: Historical importance

Many people claim crop circles are really elaborate hoaxes. But those attending the conference say that is a cynical view based on ignorance.

The organisers do not believe the conference will provide all the answers, but see it as a useful exchange of views among those who believe greater forces are at work.

Fitting location

Could aliens be behind crop circles?

The organisers could not have picked a more fitting location for the conference. Already this year, 40 crop circles have sprung up in fields across Wiltshire.

The West Country has long been the focal point of those in Britain who believe that crop circles are the work of extra terrestrial forces.

Conference organiser Francine Blake: Greater forces at work

Thousands of crop circles have been reported throughout the world, with 90% coming from Britain. Enthusiasts say many more go unreported.

Hoax claim

In 1991 two landscape painters, David Chorley, 62, and Douglas Bower, 67, claimed they were behind the phenomenon. They said they conceived their hoax in 1978, while sitting in a pub.

The duo said that for the past 13 years they had been sneaking around southern England at night, fashioning as many as 25 to 30 new circles each growing season.

Their efforts apparently inspired copycats. Other individuals and groups have come forward claiming to be behind hundreds of crop circles both in Britain and abroad.

But enthusiasts maintain crop circles are the work of forces we do not understand.