Forest exploitation for charcoal production and timber since the 12th century in an intact medieval mining site in the Niederpöbel Valley (Erzgebirge, Eastern Germany)

The onset of mining activities in the late 12th century was contemporary with the start of charcoal production and soil erosion. While Abies alba was prevalent among the timbers from the main construction phase around AD 1270/1280, Fagus sylvatica was the most frequently occurring wood in the oldest charcoal kilns from the mid-13th century. The latter declined during the 13th century in favour of taxa like Betula, Corylus and Acer. Supported by the evidence of massive soil erosion, this may reflect changes in forest composition induced by highly intensive use or shifts of the areas used for wood exploitation. Whereas mining ceased in the area shortly after AD 1291, charcoal production continued during the 14th and 15th century and the rising proportion of Abies alba is discussed to be related to a lessened local demand of this species for timber. The rising share of Picea during the younger phases probably resulted from changes in selective forest exploitation rather than mirroring vegetation changes. After a hiatus, a last phase of charcoal production is identified to have occurred during the mid-16th century, again with a high share of Fagus sylvatica as fuel wood.