Red campion

Silene dioica. The main flowering period starts in May but a few hardy individuals seem to have remained in flower over winter in the shelter of the lane.

Red campion plants are either male or female! They produce loads of seeds and are easy to grow. The flowers attract hoverflies and butterflies - they make a good addition to wildlife areas in gardens. I might try collecting some seed in autumn to propagate and plant in the hedge at the bottom of the garden.