When did formal forestry education begin in Europe?

Formal education in forestry began in Europe around 1825 with the establishment of private forestry schools. These institutions emerged from earlier master schools, such as the Cotta Master School, which evolved into the forestry college at Tharandt in Germany. Additionally, the National School of Forestry was founded in Nancy, France, in 1825.1

While systematic forest management—involving timber harvesting and regeneration plans—had its origins in the German states during the 16th century, the transition to formal academic training occurred later in the 19th century. During this period, the expertise of German foresters became highly regarded, leading them to be employed across much of continental Europe and influencing the training of early American conservationists like Gifford Pinchot.12