We used Nothofagus pumilio forests as model ecosystem and applied meta-analyses for synthesis of evidence.

By eight years after harvest, forest specialist of plants, insects and birds recovered to original levels.

Native species of associated habitats and alien species significantly increased post-harvest.

Dispersed retention supported more alien and non-specialist species than aggregates.

Increase in alien species is a conservation significant outcome of VR forestry and should be monitored.