This results in a situation where it is actually more efficient to place herbalists and gatherers near forester's lodges than in young forests, which are less dense.

Plants and herbs grow only under mature trees, and there is no such thing as an 'ancient forest'.

As there seems to be no 'ancient forest' restriction on herbalists, a forester will make a great combo with a gatherer, herbalist, and hunter.

Both gatherers and herbalists need a forest to work in, and deer are often found in a forest.Until you can afford cows or sheep( wool), hunters will be your only source of leather, which is needed for making most clothing.They also help to keep people happy and healthy by producing 4 types of food. Currently, gatherers are the best means of producing food, generating up to 3,000 food per season.Generally speaking, it is best to keep your houses close to where your citizens are working in order to keep their walking distances to a minimum.

In addition, having a good source of food, as well as a forester, a woodcutter, and a blacksmith will help to ensure your survival.

Depending on how many families you begin with (based on difficulty level) it is a very good idea to build a boarding house instead of individual homes before your first winter.

Banished the game