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Brunel had the squill replanted

But of course it wasn't Brunel ceremonially bedding in some rare autumn squill near the Clifton Suspension Bridge, it was broadcaster Adam Hart-Davis, though the planting was part of the ongoing commemorations into the 200th anniversary of Brunel’s birth.

The garden has been created by Bristol Zoo Gardens, the Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust and Avon Gorge and Downs Wildlife Project on the Clifton side of the Suspension Bridge and aims to highlight nine wild plants with an important��historical and conservation association to the city of Bristol and Brunel.

These include Bristol onion, Bristol rock cress, and of course the beautiful little autumn squill.

The Gorge is the onion's only UK site

As well as being a great engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel was a nature lover.

John Mitchell, the Bridge Master said: “In 1831, the Clifton Suspension Bridge was due to be built on a site where the autumn squill grew.

"Mrs Glennie (the wife of Brunel’s assistant) warned the great engineer that the construction would destroy these rare plants. So Brunel had the bulbs dug up and replanted further along the Gorge.

"It’s thought to be one of the first recorded examples of plant conservation”.

Rare plants at the bridge

Eddie Mole, Curator of Horticulture at Bristol Zoo Gardens agrees: “The Avon Gorge is famous for its rare plants, including the Bristol rock-cress and the Bristol onion which don’t grow anywhere else in the UK, " he said.

"The delicate beauty of these plants can be easily overlooked as many grow high up on the Gorge’s rocky ledges so people cannot easily see them. These are rare beauties are truly a national wildlife treasure.

“When visitors come to see Brunel’s magnificent bridge they’ll also be able to see and find out about these extraordinary plants.

"Like all well tended gardens in the spring the Brunel Garden�� will look quite new in April, however different plants will flower throughout the year bring seasonal interest.

"We hope local people will come and see the garden developing through the seasons. ”