Environmentally Friendly

A well-maintained cork forest offers proof that man can work in harmony with nature​—harvesting its bounty without despoiling its riches. The old cork oaks beautify the countryside, provide shade and food for the cattle that graze beneath their boughs, and temper the harsh summer climate.

Several birds in danger of extinction​—including the imperial eagle, the black vulture, and the black stork—​depend on large cork oaks for suitable nesting sites. The endangered Iberian lynx also finds its last strongholds in forests of these oaks. Recently, the World Wildlife Fund stated that the survival of this species of lynx depends on the prosperity of the cork industry in Spain and Portugal.

How old should a cork oak be for its bark to be harvested for stoppers?

To produce a high-quality stopper, cork oak must be at least 50 years old, although the first harvest can be obtained 25 years after planting the acorn. Of course, few people are prepared to invest in a crop that will not make money for 50 years. In fact, I can’t think of any industry that has to wait so long before becoming profitable.

What is the life span of a cork oak?

A cork oak tree has a life span of about 200 years, and some specimens live much longer. The cork is harvested every nine years.