New More4 series follows family salvaging business in The Reclaimers: Made in Suffolk

Channel 4 has commissioned The Reclaimers: Made in Suffolk, a five-part series from Rare TV that will air on More4, following a family-run business giving once loved items a new purpose.

Set at Tinkers Barn, a unique salvage yard in the Suffolk countryside, the series follows three generations of the Warnes family as they rescue, restore and repurpose treasures that others leave behind.

Alongside boss Andy is his wife and business partner, Hayley, who focuses on the design and detail that helps transform forgotten finds into desirable pieces. Their son Jonah has been learning the reclaimers trade his whole life, while master craftsman Pops (Andy’s dad) – who brings decades of experience and expertise - will be stopping by later in the series. Together, this special family dynamic is a force to be reckoned with as they work to preserve objects from Britain's past while building the future of the family business.

Each episode sees the Warnes on their mission to save everything they can find, leaving no stone unturned. With the opportunity to salvage items from old buildings and demolition sites, they try to find a use for anything discarded. From the bricks and mortar of an abandoned property to tired home and garden furnishings, the team scour the likes of castles, schools and hospitals to breathe new life into what was left behind. 

Every penny spent on items others see as unsalvageable must be recouped through resale, which some restorations can mean margins are tight. The family let cameras film every aspect of their business as they expand and diversify income. Viewers will observe what it is like to own and run a small family enterprise during Britain’s challenged economy. 

Channel 4’s Clemency Green said: “We’re delighted for our viewers to meet this brilliantly dynamic Suffolk family and their business. The Warnes operate something so unique and special, taking great care to restore forgotten pieces of history.”

Rare TV’s Emma Barker added: “We are delighted to have made our first series for More4 and to showcase the fabulous work of Andy, Hayley and Jonah, as they preserve the heritage of this beautiful part of the UK.”

The Reclaimers: Made in Suffolk (5x60’) was commissioned for More4 by Senior Commissioning Editor, Clemency Green with Jo Street, Director of Commissioning, Nations and Regions & Head of Lifestyle. It is executive produced by Emma Barker with series producer Coco MacLehose. 

Watch The Reclaimers: Made in Suffolk soon on More4, and it will also be available to stream on Channel 4.