If you're thinking of starting a small plot now is the perfect time, willows are traditionally planted in February or March.
They need to be sited away from buildings, drains and water pipes, and have good light in the growing season.

It's not a huge space, the bed on the left is 5.5×5.5 metres planted 6 years ago, the smaller one on the right is 4 years old and 2.5×5.5 metres.

Thanks! It looks to have grown quite well. I’ll compare the yield with previous years when I grade it over the next few days.