I get it. It sounds amusing now, but in my first play through the Black Forest really was scary, especially if you're dressed in rags, your best weapon is a wooden stick and you have a good chance of dying if you're attacked by multiple enemies.

After getting tired of running back to the meadows every time it started to get dark, I carried some wood and food, and quickly built a small shelter before nightfall. "Immediately" threw down a few walls to stay safe, then a fireplace. Some of the monsters may see you and try to attack but as long as you've got 4 walls up, you're safe and the most they can do is attack the walls and you can easily repair. (As long as it's not a troll, but let's ignore that for now). Eventually you'll build your roof and they wouldn't be able to see you or even know you're there.

Having a safe haven in the middle of the Black Forest to retreat to was very helpful to getting used to it. No more scary Black Forest.