Effects of an afforestation process on plant species richness: A retrogressive analysis

► This paper dealt with changes of forests cover in a complex Mediterranean landscape. ► We tested an approach to estimate past plant species richness of secondary forests. ► We estimated the potential effect of an afforestation process on heterogeneity and plant species richness. ► Results showed the effectiveness of a retrogressive analysis. ► The method may represent a valid support in case of lack of historical field data.