Woods General

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Forests belonging to the monarch, especially near borders, played not only an economic but also a strategic role—felled trees formed an important part of fortifications.
From the 14th century onwards, efforts were made to protect forests, with only the ruler having the authority to decide, for instance, whether peasants could fell trees for construction. The monarch could also permit farmers to graze cattle or burn charcoal on their lands, provided that deer could safely birth their young.
Peasants were tasked with mowing grass and drying hay in the forest meadows and were allowed to catch hares. Hunting other game was strictly forbidden for anyone except the lord of the forest, under severe penalties.
At that time, forests were predominantly composed of beech-fir and mixed oak, where only certain trees were felled: oak for water constructions, beech for charcoal burning, etc.
Overall, forest cover suffered significant damage during the Middle Ages and was completely eradicated in some areas.

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