Pyrénées-Orientales: harvesting of a plot of hundred-year-old cork oak trees relaunched at Calce
Cork oaks are part of the Pyrenees-Orientales landscape. In Calce, a plot of land that had been abandoned for several years was revived at the request of its owner, Domaine Gayda. The aim is not only to produce corks, but also to help maintain the forests.
Matteo (left) and Alric Pagnon, two cork harvesting brothers, the youngest in the profession /LP/Nelly Barbé
The gesture is as precise as the blade of their tools is sharp. In just a few minutes, Alric Pagnon and his brother Matteo cut and peel the bark off a cork oak, revealing a brightly colored trunk.
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The 1.5 hectare plot they are currently restoring in the commune of Calce had been abandoned for years. It has been bought by the Domaine Gayda from Aude, which operates vineyards in the Roussillon region. What matters most to me is the upkeep of the forest,” confides Vincent Chansault, Technical Manager.
