Hedgerow Cranesbill
Geranium pyrenaicum

© Bob Ford/Nature Portfolio     Hedgerow Cranesbill, photographed on 19th May 2008.

This is one of at least 6 species of Geranium that are found on the Rodwell Trail. It is often called the Pyrenean Cranesbill, after its latin name. This species only occurs on Downclose embankment, where it is very common. Its bright magenta flowers might tempt you to take some seeds or plants for your own garden ... DON'T!!! Like most wild plants it will repay you for your kindness by taking over all your flower-beds, rockeries etc and this one will even become a pest in your lawn. You can buy a cultivated variety of this species called "Bill Wallace" but my comments above hold true for this as well.