Frequently Asked Questions

For Landowners

For more information, please visit our landowners page.

If you have more questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team on our contact page.

  • Is Your Land Right for Willow?

    Willow trees thrive in wet, low-lying, and underutilized land—making them perfect for areas that are often overlooked for traditional crops. Ideal sites include:

    • Riverbanks and stream edges

    • Fields with high water tables

    • Poorly draining or underproductive land

    • Land diversification.

    Site Assessments Tailored to Your Land

    Our expert team conducts comprehensive site assessments to evaluate:

    • Soil conditions

    • Drainage patterns

    • Local environmental factors

    We’ll determine if willow cultivation is a viable and sustainable option for your property.

    Flexible Planting Options

    • Trees are planted 10 meters apart

    • Approx. 100 trees per hectare (or 40 trees per acre)

    • No site is too big or too small—we work with landowners of all sizes

    A Sustainable, Staggered Planting Approach

    By using a staggered planting programme, we create a rolling cycle of tree maturity and felling. This approach offers multiple benefits:

    • Steady, reliable income as different sections reach harvest age at different times

    • Visually appealing plantations that avoid clear-cut areas and maintain a natural look

    • Continuous wildlife support, with varied tree ages creating diverse habitats for birds, insects, and other species

    This method ensures your willow plantation stays productive, sustainable, and environmentally friendly year after year.

  • The first five years are crucial for developing high-quality cricket bat willow (CBW). During this time, it's essential to:

    • De-bud the main trunk twice a year

    • Trim side shoots regularly

    • Keep the area clear around base of tree

    This reduces the risk of knots and ensures the wood grows straight and clean—ideal for premium bat clefts.

    Flexible Maintenance Options

    We understand every landowner has a different level of involvement. That’s why we offer tailored maintenance packages, including:

    • Full-service care – our in-house team handles the full maintenance of your CBW planation each year. 

    • Guided self-maintenance – we provide expert support and advice if you prefer hands-on involvement

    With proper care, well-maintained CBWs will consistently yield high-grade timber, maximizing your long-term financial returns.

  • Cricket Bat Willow is a fast-growing, high-value investment with proven profitable returns. Trees reach maturity in just 15–20 years, making them a smart choice for both long-term planning and generational wealth building.

    Because Cricket Bat Willow plantations come under commercial forestry, returns are completely tax-free: That means more of your return stays in your pocket—and continues growing year after year. 

    Guaranteed buy back when trees are mature.

    We’re committed to environmental responsibility:

    • For every tree harvested, we plant a free replacement set

    • Our 3:1 planting-to-felling ratio ensures long-term sustainability

    • We provide clear yield projections based on your land’s specific conditions

    Willow doesn’t just grow strong—it grows a smart sustainable income for the landowner.

  • Willow plantations serve as carbon sinks, enhance biodiversity, provide natural flood prevention, and control erosion. They transform underutilised land into thriving ecosystems that support diverse flora and fauna.

  • Yes, our comprehensive planting service handles everything from soil preparation to strategic placement of high-quality willow sets. We provide ongoing support throughout the establishment phase.

For Existing Willow Growers

For more information, please visit our existing willow growers page.

If you have more questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team on our contact page.

  • We are always interested in purchasing mature Cricket Bat Willow Trees and we will beat an written quote from another Willow merchant.

  • CBWs is harvested during the dormant season in winter (mid-October to early March).

  • We employ rigorous grading standards based on grain structure, straightness, and overall quality. Our transparent valuation process ensures you receive fair compensation for your premium timber.

  • Yes, our specialised maintenance packages include expert growth assessment, tailored pruning techniques, disease prevention, and soil management recommendations to optimise timber quality and yield.

  • English willow (Salix alba 'Caerulea') produces wood that is tough but lightweight. The English climate provides ideal growing conditions, resulting in willow of exceptional quality.

For Cricket Bat Makers

For more information, please visit our cricket bat makers page.

If you have more questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team on our contact page.

  • We supply all grades of English willow, with detailed grading information on grain structure, appearance, and performance characteristics. Our grading system ensures consistency and transparency.

  • Our rigorous grading process assesses each cleft for quality, straightness of grain, and overall suitability. We maintain control over the entire lifecycle from sapling to seasoned cleft.

  • Yes, we accommodate both small-batch and bulk ordering options, with reliable supply chains to meet your production needs regardless of scale.

Sustainability

For more information, please visit our sustainbility page.

If you have more questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team on our contact page.

  • We maintain a 3:1 planting-to-felling ratio, ensuring a net positive impact on woodlands. Our cultivation practices enhance biodiversity, provide natural flood prevention, and contribute to carbon sequestration.

  • Willow cultivation uses significantly fewer pesticides than traditional agriculture and provides year-round habitat for wildlife. It also helps prevent soil erosion and improves water quality in surrounding areas.

  • By transforming underutilised land into thriving willow plantations and maintaining sustainable harvesting practices, we're securing the future of English willow for generations to come.

  • Our complete lifecycle management minimises waste and maximises resource efficiency. By controlling every stage from sapling to bat, we ensure sustainable practices throughout the entire process.