Ronda begins cork extraction in its forests of Cortes de la Frontera

The Ronda City Council has initiated the cork extraction in its forests located in Cortes de la Frontera, within the Los Alcornocales Natural Park. Nearly 490,000 kilos of cork and 1,200 workdays are expected.

The councillor for Forests of Ronda, Juan Carlos González, has visited the area of Las Majadas de Ronda and El Berrueco to supervise the start of the cork extraction work, one of the most important resources of the municipal forests. The forecast for this 2026 is to obtain 488,625.85 kilos of cork, equivalent to 10,622.30 Castilian quintals.

A key resource for municipal finances

Cork not only generates employment but also provides a significant economic boost to the Ronda council. In 2025, the sale of the extracted cork brought in over 600,000 euros to the municipal coffers, as highlighted by the councillor. The extraction work this year is being carried out by the company Óscar Rodríguez Fernández, awarded the various lots tendered.

González emphasized that, in addition to cork, the forests of Ronda offer other resources such as livestock, pasture, and timber. The activity generates around 1,200 workdays, which represents a boost for rural employment in the region.

Improvements to paths after the storms

The councillor also referred to the improvement works that the Junta de Andalucía, through the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, is carrying out on the area's paths. These actions aim to repair the damage caused by the train of storms that affected the province in recent months.

The maintenance and repair work is essential to ensure access to the farms and the continuity of forestry activities. González positively assessed the collaboration between administrations to restore the damaged infrastructures.

Sustainability and tradition

The cork extraction is a traditional practice carried out every nine years, respecting the natural cycle of the cork oak. The forests of Ronda, located in the Los Alcornocales Natural Park, host one of the largest areas of cork oak in Spain. The extraction is done manually, using techniques that ensure the regeneration of the tree and the conservation of the ecosystem.

For the residents of Ronda and Cortes de la Frontera, this activity serves as a reminder of the natural wealth of the Serranía. The City Council expects the work to last several weeks, generating economic activity and jobs in the area.