Legal Definitions - wood-leave

WOOD-LEAVE

A wood-leave is a historical license or right given to someone to cut down, remove, and use standing timber.

During the 18th century, the British government granted wood-leaves to individuals and companies for the purpose of harvesting timber for shipbuilding.

In medieval times, wood-leaves were given to lords and nobles to allow them to cut down trees on their land for building materials and fuel.

The examples illustrate how wood-leaves were used in different historical contexts. In both cases, the wood-leave granted the holder the right to cut down trees for specific purposes, such as shipbuilding or building materials. This license was important because it allowed individuals and companies to use natural resources for economic gain, while also regulating the use of those resources to prevent over-harvesting and environmental damage.