The village of Ename (Belgium) around 1300

In the second half of the 13th century, the abbey is extended with a hospital and quarter for sick monks. The Saint Laurentius church has been rebuilt after the fire that damaged the church around 1170. In the 13th century, the woodland had degraded so badly that the abbey started to plant trees and harvest the wood. This act of forestry seems to be the oldest on record in Europe.