Woodcutter Crafts

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In the early Middle Ages, agriculture and the rapid growth of towns required extensive deforestation. Reforestation was not yet being done, so by the 15th century, some areas had even fewer forests than today, and the regions around towns were completely devastated.
Logging was done by woodcutters. The primary tool was a large single-sided axe on a long handle or haft; while various wooden wedges and hammers were used to split the lumber.
Transport of lumber from distant areas was difficult, which led to using navigable waterways, down which the lumber was left to drift freely.

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