Basket Willows, usually called Osiers or Withies are really quite common. They were planted in riverside beds when almost every town and village had a resident Basketmaker. The trade has declined since the age of plastic and the beds have fallen into disuse or often been grubbed out, however some of the original stools have grown into large trees and can be found in hedges or wetland places.No, I wrote that I volunteered somewhere that coppice workers would come by and give advice here and there. I never said anything about working as a hedge layer.
You just mention 20-30% would be lost so why would it be ludicrous to go over by a bit. Someone else said it would take in the thousands to cover 2 acres. Thousands -20 to 30 loss sounds like 10k would be a fair figure.
Why are you making out like that is such a ridiculous thing? My neighbour told me he got them for free from co-op so it isn't such a fantastical leap to think other high street shops might give them away. I have also heard people picking them up over the years like this.
I have gotten cardboard boxes many times when moving by asking for them at shops so why would I be led to think pallets would be different?
They have a longer and narrower leaf than the common willow. If you know how to identify them cuttings can usually be obtained for free.
Short rods about a foot long pushed well into the damp ground will take root, even the least green-fingered person can't go wrong.
Now is the time to plant and you should get a harvestable crop after three years.
Then you can build your Wattle Hut.