Shrub(?) identification

Found in the cottage garden at one of the voluntary projects I work at, though no-one seems to know exactly what it is. Any ideas - the only info I've got is that it keeps growing back every year when cut down! Picture attached

 

Not sure, but on first impression I'd say it looks like the growth from a Poplar stump or sucker, which would certainly keep coming back, no matter how many times you cut it down.

Are there any large Poplar trees nearby?

 

Been thinking about this.
Looks more like a Salix sp, common name Willow to me.

http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/profile.aspx?pid=260

 

I would tend to agree with SS ; looks like a Goat/Pussy Willow (Salix caprea) re-growing from ground level after being cut down at some point.....

 

Those stems would make a nice frame for a largish planter. Hooped over in a criss cross pattern so that a soft stemmed plant would have support. Its just what I am looking out for ,so, a Winter Wood walk is where I must look.
Thanks for that Acather
Jenny