Fletcher’s Family Farm is a 120-acre working farm located in the village of Wincle, Cheshire, owned and operated by former Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher and his wife Liz Marsland. As of April 2026, the farm has become a cornerstone of British rural television, documented through the hit ITV1 series of the same name, which concluded its fourth series on April 14, 2026. The journey began in 2021 when the family traded their urban lifestyle for the rugged Peak District, navigating the steep learning curve of animal husbandry, agricultural finance, and property restoration. In 2026, the farm is home to a diverse array of livestock, including Oxford Sandy and Black pigs, a growing sheep flock, and a cattle herd that the family is currently rebuilding following a devastating farmhouse fire in early 2026. This comprehensive guide details the farm’s evolution, the challenges faced by the Fletcher family, and practical information for fans wanting to support their sustainable farming ventures through the official “Fletchers on the Farm” online shop and seasonal events.
The Origins of the Peak District Adventure
The transformation of the Fletcher family from city dwellers to full-time farmers began in 2021 when Kelvin Fletcher and Liz Marsland purchased their 120-acre plot near Macclesfield. This move was initially chronicled in the BBC series Kelvin’s Big Farming Adventure before transitioning to ITV as Fletcher’s Family Farm.
The Location: Nestled in the picturesque village of Wincle, the farm sits on the border of Cheshire and Staffordshire, overlooking the River Dane.
The Motivation: Seeking a “calm and peaceful” life for their four children—Marnie, Milo, and twins Mateusz and Maximus—the couple chose to dive head-first into agriculture despite having zero prior experience.
The Scale: Managing 120 acres of hilly Peak District terrain presents unique challenges, from unpredictable weather to the physical demands of maintaining historic stone boundary walls.
The Cast: The series features the entire family, often highlighting the children’s roles in caring for orphaned lambs and understanding the realities of food production.
While the early years focused on the “novelty” of farming, by 2026, the Fletchers have earned the respect of the local agricultural community. Kelvin is frequently seen collaborating with local legends like Giles Meadows of Wincle Brewery, integrating the farm into the village’s social and economic fabric.
Livestock and Agricultural Focus
In 2026, Fletcher’s Family Farm has moved toward a model of sustainable, small-scale production. The livestock choices reflect a commitment to traditional breeds and animal welfare.
Pig Breeding and Success
One of the core storylines in Series 4 involved the expansion of their pig breeding program. Utilizing the “Oxford Sandy and Black” breed, Kelvin and Liz have successfully navigated the complexities of artificial insemination and farrowing, often sharing the raw, unedited emotional highs and lows of the process with viewers.
Sheep and Wool Innovation
With an ever-increasing flock, the Fletchers have sought creative ways to make their sheep profitable. In 2026, they launched a luxury line of blankets made from their own sheep’s fleece, addressing the industry-wide issue where the cost of shearing often exceeds the value of the wool itself. This “fleece-to-fabric” initiative has become a key part of their sustainable brand identity.
The 2026 Farmhouse Fire and Rebuilding
Early 2026 brought the most significant challenge in the farm’s history when a devastating fire broke out in the main farmhouse. The event, which aired in the final episodes of Series 4, saw the family forced to evacuate their dream home.
The Incident: The fire caused extensive damage to the historic structure, though fortunately, no members of the family or livestock were injured.
The Impact: The disaster left the Fletchers living in temporary accommodation on the land, mirroring the struggles faced by many real-world farming families dealing with rural isolation and property loss.
The Recovery: Throughout late 2026, Kelvin has documented the slow process of restoration, using the opportunity to install more eco-friendly heating and insulation systems in the rebuild.
The resilience shown by Liz and Kelvin during this period has been praised by fans. Rather than stepping back, they have used the setback to double down on their commitment to the land, recently purchasing new “in-calf” cows to restore their herd following the tragic loss of their matriarch cow, Cherry, earlier in the year.
Fletchers on the Farm: Shop and Products
While the farm is a working agricultural site, it has developed a robust commercial arm that allows fans to support the enterprise directly. The “Fletchers on the Farm” brand is a significant part of their 2026 business model.
The Online Farm Shop
The official website serves as the primary hub for their products. In 2026, the shop expanded to include:
Artisan Home Goods: Handcrafted wooden boards and rustic vases.
Cottage Collection: Clothing including hoodies and fleeces designed for outdoor life.
Luxury Blankets: The signature product made from the farm’s own wool.
Artisan Gin: A locally distilled spirit that utilizes botanicals found around the Wincle area.
Seasonal Events
While the farm is not open to the public daily, the Fletchers host specific “Open Farm” days and seasonal events, such as the popular Christmas experience. These events are ticketed and typically sell out within hours of being announced on their social media channels.
Practical Information and Planning
For those looking to engage with Fletcher’s Family Farm in 2026, whether through the screen or in person, here are the essential practical details.
Location: Wincle, Macclesfield, SK11. Please note the farm is a private residence and working farm; visitors are only permitted during official ticketed events.
Where to Watch: All four series of Fletcher’s Family Farm are available to stream on ITVX and the STV Player until December 2026.
Accommodation: Kelvin and Liz offer a cottage for rent on Airbnb, which has become a popular destination for “farm-stay” tourism in the Peak District.
Farm Shop Shipping: The online shop ships across the UK; gift cards are also available for those wanting to gift a piece of the farm.
Community: The best way to stay updated on ticket releases for farm tours is via their Instagram (@kelvin_fletcher) or the official “Fletchers on the Farm” mailing list.
FAQs
Where is Fletcher’s Family Farm located?
The farm is situated in the village of Wincle, near Macclesfield in the Cheshire Peak District.
Can I visit Fletcher’s Family Farm today?
No, the farm is a private working business. Public access is strictly limited to pre-booked ticketed events and those staying in their on-site Airbnb.
What happened to the farmhouse in 2026?
The farmhouse suffered a devastating fire in early 2026, which led to the family having to evacuate and rebuild the structure.
Is there a Series 5 of Fletcher’s Family Farm?
As of April 14, 2026, ITV has not yet confirmed a fifth series, though the show remains a high performer in the weekend schedule.
How many children do Kelvin and Liz have?
They have four children: Marnie, Milo, and twin boys Mateusz and Maximus.
What kind of pigs do the Fletchers farm?
They primarily breed Oxford Sandy and Black pigs, a traditional British rare breed known for their docility and high-quality meat.
Where can I buy the Fletcher’s Farm blankets?
The luxury wool blankets are available exclusively through their official online shop, Fletchers on the Farm.
Was Kelvin Fletcher really an actor?
Yes, Kelvin played the character Andy Sugden on the ITV soap Emmerdale for 20 years (1996–2016).
Does the farm produce its own gin?
Yes, they have a signature Fletchers on the Farm Gin, which is produced in collaboration with local Cheshire distillers.
How big is the farm?
The farm covers approximately 120 acres of undulating Peak District countryside.
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