This flower was growing right in the middle of the canal, in the water. I am not certain it is a wildflower, it could be a garden escapee, but I have not been able to identify it using any of my reference books or the internet.

Can anyone help, please?

Thank you.
Hilary

Possibly Veronica × lackschewitzii

No photos in the database but entry here

Thank you for replying. I am uncertain whether it could be Veronica. The Veronica I am familiar with (in my garden) is single spires, but this was multi-branched. You may be right, I just don't know. I walked on the canal again yesterday, and saw a lot more of it, so it may well be wild.

https://www.ukwildflowers.com/...

Could also be Veronica beccabunga.

European Brooklime (Veronica beccabunga)

Thank you. That certainly looks similar to the plant I saw.