Cork harvesting is the most critical phase in cork oak forest management\u2014a pivotal operation in a sustainable system where the forestry work carried out throughout the rest of the year is put to the test. Because it is a manual task\u2014performed largely on mountainous terrain in Andalusia and Extremadura\u2014the clearing of undergrowth (done between autumn and spring to provide crews access to work sites) and the repair of forest tracks (to allow trucks to haul the cork out of the woods) are crucial factors. <\/p>\n\n
The 2025 harvest in Andalusia and Alentejo yielded average production volumes and quality; it was a year of favourable weather that aided the recovery of cork oak forests across all areas.<\/p>\n\n
This climatic boon reduced drought stress in the trees, thereby lessening the impact of pests such as “Limandria”; consequently, a high percentage of mature cork oaks were harvested, and the final product was of good quality.<\/p>\n\n
A very difficult season is expected in 2026. Although the wet weather has benefited the cork oak ecosystem as a whole, forest tracks have suffered numerous washouts due to landslides across many parts of the Sierra Morena\u2014and especially in Los Alcornocales Natural Park. The park’s terrain, characterized by sandstone bedrock interspersed with bands of expansive clay, is particularly vulnerable during exceptionally rainy years like this one. <\/p>\n\n