Changing Patterns of Natural Dynamics in Old-Growth European Beech (Fagus Sylvatica L.) Forests Can Inspire Forest Management in Central Europe

•An unique database on dynamics of eleven beech-dominated old-growth forests in Central Europe since 1970 to 2019 utilised.•The radial increment of beech trees increased whereas the natural mortality decreased significantly during the study period.•European beech appears to be the most vital and competitive species from sub-mountain to mountain zones in Central Europe under ongoing climate change.•Admixture of other species can contribute to profitability of close-to-nature forest management based on European beech.