How Cork is made, and does anyone know of UK Cork Oaks?

[Androo]

Stumbled upon this earlier and thought it may be of interest to some people:

http://www.wineanorak.com/corks/howcorkismade.htm

Very interesting process.

I remember some Cork Oaks (Quercus suber) when I visted Cornwall years ago and am very unsure about how far north these go, does anyone know a Cork Oak near them?

It's OK - I'm not gonna cork it! just interested in distribution and even UK production stands.

And incase your curious about protecting what seems to be a more sustaiable industry than screw-tops, there is a petition too

 

[wattsy]

does the bark grow that thick in this country?

 

[skate]

I was recently shown a mature cork oak in a private garden near Bovey Tracey in Devon. Also believe there is one in the council offices grounds at Sidmouth in Devon. No pictures though!

 

[Androo]

Not sure, but from the little research I've done it seems that (most of) the UK produces cork that is too 'loose' to make good corks out of - too damp, and yes, we all know how few hours of sunshine the UK has been getting but there are may ways we could utilise it no doubt.

 

[Androo]

I have a picture of a Cork Oak that I saw when visiting a garden just over the Tremar (Cornwall side) - but it's got my (now) ex draped all over it!

And it's not that kind of website

 

[Ivan...]

Only just spotted this one ! I had the pleasure of doing some tree surgery on a mature cork oak (the one i showed Skate) on a private estate in Devon she is a beauty (largest one in the country , outside Kew i am led to believe ) if you or anyone else is down this way on their travels would be more than happy to show her off! Must get off my bum and take some pics and post them.

Surgery was performed many years ago i may add 1987 ! she survived that storm and the Jan 90 one as she is so well sheltered , the bark is so thick and dense i recon you could ease off a piece and wine bootle cork to your hearts content.

Atb

Ivan...