Managing Northern Europe's Forests: Histories from the Age of Improvement to the Age of Ecology

Northern Europe was the birthplace of modern forestry practice, and its woodlands have played an outsize role in international relations, economic growth, and national identity. This volume surveys the histories of state forestry policy in Scandinavia, the Low Countries, Germany, Poland, and Great Britain from the early modern period to the present, exploring the complex interrelationships of state-building, resource management, knowledge transfer, and trade.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 420 pages
Publication date: 10 March 2023
Publisher: Berghahn Books

Northern Europe, widely regarded as the cradle of modern forestry practice, has held a significant position in international relations, economic development, and the formation of national identities for centuries. Spanning eleven chapters, this comprehensive volume examines the historical trajectories of state forestry policies in Scandinavia, the Low Countries, Germany, Poland, and Great Britain from the early modern period to the present. Through in-depth analysis, the contributors explore the intricate interplay of state-building, resource management, knowledge transfer, and trade, highlighting the ongoing modernization and evolving environmental consciousness that have shaped these policies over time.

In Scandinavia, the early modern period saw the establishment of state forestry institutions, which aimed to regulate and manage the country's vast forests for economic and strategic purposes. The region's forests played a crucial role in the development of the timber industry and the export of timber products, contributing to the region's economic prosperity. However, these policies also led to environmental degradation, including deforestation and soil erosion.

In the Low Countries, the early modern period saw the rise of feudalism, which led to the fragmentation of land ownership and the concentration of power in the hands of a few noble families. This, in turn, resulted in the neglect of forest management and the exploitation of forests for agricultural purposes. However, in the 17th and 18th centuries, there was a resurgence of interest in forestry, driven by the need for timber for shipbuilding and the growing awareness of the environmental benefits of sustainable forest management.

In Germany, the early modern period saw the establishment of state forestry institutions, which were modeled after those in Scandinavia. These institutions aimed to promote the sustainable management of forests and to ensure the availability of timber for industry and agriculture. However, the rise of industrialization and urbanization in the 19th century led to the neglect of forestry, and the forests were increasingly exploited for timber and other resources.

In Poland, the early modern period saw the partitioning of the country by foreign powers, including the Russian Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the Prussian Empire. This led to the fragmentation of land ownership and the neglect of forest management, as the different partitions prioritized their own economic and strategic interests. However, in the 20th century, there was a resurgence of interest in forestry, driven by the need for timber and the growing awareness of the environmental benefits of sustainable forest management.

In Great Britain, the early modern period saw the establishment of state forestry institutions, which were modeled after those in Scandinavia. These institutions aimed to promote the sustainable management of forests and to ensure the availability of timber for industry and agriculture. However, the rise of industrialization and urbanization in the 19th century led to the neglect of forestry, and the forests were increasingly exploited for timber and other resources.

In conclusion, Northern Europe has played a pivotal role in the development of modern forestry practice and has had a significant impact on international relations, economic growth, and the formation of national identities. The historical trajectories of state forestry policies in Scandinavia, the Low Countries, Germany, Poland, and Great Britain highlight the complex interrelationships of state-building, resource management, knowledge transfer, and trade that have shaped these policies over time. While these policies have contributed to economic prosperity and environmental degradation, there is a growing recognition of the need for sustainable forest management practices that balance economic and environmental interests.

ISBN-13: 9781800739222