As trees establish and canopies close,
meadow forbs and grasses are gradually
replaced by forest understory plants.
This has consequences not only for
the community of meadow plants, but
for the pollinator networks that rely
on the nectar and pollen provided by
these species. From previous research
we know that some meadow species
can survive encroachment for decades,
although abundance can be greatly
reduced. However, we know very little
about the effects on flower production.
This part of my Master’s research
addresses the relationships between
reduction in light availability during
encroachment and flower production in
meadow species