The cork harvest, a fascinating process, has deep roots in tradition and family. It involves the careful removal of bark from the cork oak tree which, when done with the necessary care and precision, does not harm the tree. In fact, the bark grows back time and time again throughout the tree’s lifespan. This careful process wouldn’t be possible without the highly skilled individuals in the cork harvesting industry. The precision and experience of the cork cutters make this process so successful.
Carrying a bundle of recently harvested cork bark.
The skills required for this delicate process are typically passed down through generations. Families of cork harvesters often have long histories in the industry and pass their knowledge from generation to generation, ensuring that traditional methods, tools and techniques continue to be used. The cork harvest is a seasonal summer event, where many individuals are employed to assist with the harvest. Often, the harvest brings together families as they gather together for the season to work in the cork forests.
As grandparents pass techniques on to their children and grandchildren, and aunts and uncles work side by side with nieces and nephews, the event truly is a family affair. Cork harvesters share a respect for the delicate harvesting process and a deep understanding of the importance of their role in maintaining the health of cork oak forests. Passing on crucial knowledge of the cork oak also helps ensure the bark is cut in such a way that it continues to regenerate for future harvests.
Often, many generations of the same family help with the cork harvest.
Along with the conservation of cork oak forests, the cork harvest involves several other ethical considerations. These include fair labor practices, such as ensuring fair wages, and maintaining high standards for health, safety and working conditions. The cork industry emphasizes these practices to ensure that workers are fairly compensated for their skills and hard work.
The cork harvest is hard work. Deep care is taken to remove the bark without harming the inner bark so the tree can continue to grow throughout its 200+ year lifespan.