Strange circle worn into woodland clearing

[Milken]

Outside in my woods today, in a clearing I found a very strange 20 metre wide ring in the ground. There was dark muddy earth visible all around the circumference and inside the grass and bracken grew long and tufty. No sign of mushrooms. Couldn't work out how the circle had been formed. It looked like feet had worn it down and I swear I could see hoof marks as though horses had been running round the circle. The area is quite remote and I can't imagine that it was left over from some type of gathering. It looked like it had formed over some time, like a pathway that gets worn through the woods. It was all a bit weird so I left it alone. Didn't want to invoke any malevolant forest type thing :)

Anyone any ideas about what this is?

[Slow Dancer]

sounds like a fairy ring to me

made by the fungus that does that

[Thom]

Yes, sounds like the fairy ring fungus. Be careful you don't hang around inside the circle. According to tradition time passes differently there, and upon emerging you may find 100 years have passed...

[Thom]

If you see a fairy ring

In a field of grass,

Very lightly step around,

Tiptoe as you pass;

Last night fairies frolicked there,

And they're sleeping somewhere near.



If you see a tiny fay

Lying fast asleep,

Shut your eyes and run away,

Do not stay or peep;

And be sure you never tell,

Or you'll break a fairy spell.

(Will Shakespeare tongue.gif )