Mark, in N. Ireland I would be taking cuttings now or very soon, even a little earlier, (next year). If possible I like to get small willow cuttings rooted and growing before they lose their leaves. They come away well then, in the following spring. If your plant is potted, it's a good idea with the very compact species such as reticulata (also x Boydii) to put the pot in a cool, covered place and water copiously before taking the cuttings, say at least a month before or even longer. This tends to "draw" the cutting material slightly without making them soft, and makes for a longer, easier to handle cutting with a more extensive rooting area. I find a liquid rooting hormone is useful for small, woody plants.
