Mike, when they say "English Willow grown in the UK nurtured in India" is this mean the clefts are EW grown in england then shipped elsewhere (india) where they are stored until ready to be processed into bats or just a confusing mis statement?
Has James tried growing it in nz?
What you are looking for a is a site with constant running water nearby, a short mild winter so not really more than -5C at worst, a warm summer so not really more than 25C at max and a lack of high winds.I have had willow from other countries but it has not worked out so far, there may be better coming in the future.
You can be honest and admit you are saving hard for the big one......