I think it is probably Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) but the purple stems and leaf veins are unusual, so not 100% certain.
Thanks Bob. It could well be. I've had a search and a couple of sources have stated that it flowers in July. As it's already in flower and quite a big plant, I'm not so sure. I've attached another photo that shows it next to the trellis in the park (where I do nature conservation work). My book of Weeds by Roger Phillips says it is one of the "later common annuals to flower and fruit".
It certainly looks like a Nightshade of some kind. I think some plants are flowering out of season, early etc @LinusR especially if it's a warmer, more protected area.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
That was my thought @fairygirl ... that it's overwintered well and is flowering early ... I have seen some very dark Solanum nigrum, but I'll tag @nutcutlet and see if she's about ... if it's a more unusual UK native she'll know.
“I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh
Yes, an overwintered one is a good possibility as many plants show purple colouration when grown through a colder spell than they're used to, tomatoes being a prime example (and also in the solanum family.) I had a bit of a google around the world to see if there were any non-native solanum which fitted the bill in case it grew from birdseed (it is in a park after all) but didn't manage to find anything close.
A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
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I think some plants are flowering out of season, early etc @LinusR especially if it's a warmer, more protected area.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
"We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw