Cutters-20090609_4715, originally uploaded by Paradise in Portugal.

With the heat of the summer approaching the Cork cutting season is getting under way. This is a vital economy for our deprived region and as well as providing employment it also sustains the countryside ecologically as well, so it’s imperative we try to keep it going. I’m so passionate about it that I’m going to be giving a lecture about it at the British Bird Fair in Rutland in August – Marquee 2 15.30 on the Sunday if anyone’s visiting.
These few pictures show the cork being taken off the trees – a highly skilled, uncomfortable and hard job, especially as the temperature rises through the next few months.