Holzberechtigungen und Holzdiebstähle in der Lüneburger Heide

Timber Rights and Timber Larceny in the Lüneburger Heide

2002

22 Lit. Ang.

Unselbständiges Werk

4354

200095701

Already in the Merovingian age forest exploitation rights were conceded in the Lüneburger Heide where practically every farmer owned claims in the manorial woods; they contributed to keeping up his base of existence. The exploitation rights belonged to the farm, not to the farmer. Firewood rights, most of all, exhausted the forests. Those rights eventually were reviewed and limited in view of the fact that in the 17th and 18th century only 10 % of the harvested wood was used for higher value purpose. Timber larceny was punished for centuries - without any success. They prevailed - regardless of severe penalty. Civil- and forest servants, parsons, teachers and sextons in paritcular were owners of special timber claims; millers and certain craftsmen like wagon constructors received special assortments. Restrictions of the farmers' claims were manifold, but they were leading to no effect. Only the abolition of the rights in the 19th century allowed for an orderly and lucrative forestry.