whats this flower

[thebeard]

found growing next to a gravel pit amongst knapweed, thistles and purple loostrife.

cheers

[Dorts]

Your plant is Marsh Woundwort - Stachys palustris. This is a darker colour than normal as they are usually pink.
The hybrid with Hedge Woundwort, which is quite common, should be considered, but in this case I'm sure it is a good S. palustris..
Dorts.

[thebeard]

excellent, thanks, its amazing how nice a lot of these types of flower are, almost orchid-like.