Restoration potential of native forests after removal of conifer plantation: A perspective from Australia

•Natural regeneration following harvesting of Pinus radiata established on abandoned farmland.•Plant functional traits shifted towards those of native forest with time since harvesting.•Myrmecochorous shrubs returned, Ericoid heaths failed to recolonise, introduced grasses persisted.•Planting native overstorey seedlings did not promote return of native vegetation.•Additional measures required to see the return of a fuller compliment of native species.