The exhibition explored Walloon tree heritage through various displays. It covered the history of the forest area of Waterloo, the emergence of local hunting traditions after the Revolution, and the role of the Wellington Tree during the famous battle of June 18th, 1815.
The text also traces the significant Austrian forestry work in the Soignes Forest. Following the transfer of the Southern Netherlands to Austria in 1713, the Austrians aimed to make the forest profitable. Forestry engineer Joachim Zinner reshaped the forest, promoting beech monoculture, while Charles Théodore de l’Escaille advocated for a more traditional approach preserving biodiversity.
The revolutionary period saw the end of aristocratic privileges, including hunting rights. The surge in the number of hunters and the plundering of forest resources led to deregulation and a decline in wildlife. The 'tree of liberty' became a symbol of this era.
Under the Consulate and Empire, Napoleon established a public forestry organization to manage the forest, aiming to maximize timber production while ensuring the sustainability of forestry activities. The law of 16 Nivôse Year IX (January 6th, 1801) codified this management, placing forests under the authority of prefects. The imperial navy was a major strategic concern, requiring enormous quantities of oak wood.
Napoleon also regulated hunting, introducing a firearms permit by the decree of July 11th, 1810, conditional on a fee and a certificate of good conduct. Hunting thus transitioned from a noble sport to a bourgeois activity.
The imperial legacy in the Soignes Forest is marked by a concern for forest preservation. Although Napoleon did not have time to leave a tangible mark, his regulations helped preserve this green lung on the outskirts of Brussels. Between 1801 and 1814, 266 legal texts were published concerning forests.
