The lives, loves and highs and lows of four members of the Women's Land Army working at the Hoxley Estate during World War II.
Four girls have different reasons for joining the Women's Land Army: patriotic Joyce wants to 'do her bit', argumentative Nancy is there under sufferance, and sensible Annie joined so that her younger sister Bea could escape an abusive father. Bea rebels from her sister's control and finds herself enthralled by a charming GI, Cal Gillespie, while at the dance Nancy tries to get closer to Lord Hoxley.
Bea has been hiding her pregnancy from everyone for three months, but it is becoming increasingly difficult. Tucker is on the prowl for enemy sympathisers and Nancy is in his sights. Farmer Finch gets involved in a scam to flog homemade carrot whiskey, while Lord Hoxley realises that his marriage is over, driving him into the arms of Nancy. Meanwhile, Tucker finds Annie to tell her the devastating news that her husband has been killed in action.
Three months on, and Annie is not dealing very well with Harry's death. Nancy and Lawrence's attraction has blossomed into a full-on affair. Meanwhile, Esther is screening Nancy's letters for Sergeant Tucker, fearing that she might be a Nazi collaborator. Joyce, the patriot, has a dilemma - should she shelter her deserter husband or turn him in? Farmer Finch's old enemy Ernest Luckhurst, a food rations officer, arrives at the farm and is intent on catching him out.
Farmer Finch hires some 'trekkers', families displaced by the bombing, as cheap labour, but when there is then a break-in at the manor house Lady Hoxley orders Finch to get rid of them all. A riot ensues and Tucker gets the dogs out. The Hoxleys hold a swanky party, but after clashing with Nancy over a visit to her husband John, Joyce tells Lady Hoxley about the affair. Billy finally proposes to Bea, but she goes into labour before she can answer.
Bea prepares for her wedding to Billy and discovers that Finch has doubts about her motives. Determined to leave, Nancy is shocked to the core when Ellen reveals Lawrence's dark secret. Will Annie choose her duty to Harry or her love for Adam? Meanwhile, Tucker sets out on a trail of murderous revenge that will have shocking consequences for Nancy, Annie, Bea and Joyce.
New girl Connie - young, brash and sexy with the voice of an angel - is set to cause trouble on the farm. This is bad news for young mum Bea, as her husband Billy is on Connie's radar. Meanwhile, Farmer Finch is forced to enter his pet pig Chamberlain into the county show; if he can win, he would be exempt from slaughter. Lady Ellen Hoxley is overrun with Americans when the manor is temporarily commandeered for military planning, and it is one American in particular - wealthy industrialist Jack Gillespie - who charms his way in permanently. Romance, strife and a German on the loose - rural bliss!
Bea falls under the spell of an Italian POW, while Connie sings for the troops and flirts with a bashful piano player. Martin has detached retinas from his fall, and then finds out that his injured friend has been lying to him - who is he? Lady Hoxley's sister, Diana, is on a mission to help Jack find his illegitimate grandson, and in the process snag herself a wealthy American. Finch is doing his contraband deals again, but Mrs Gulliver, the town 'harpy', has got him nailed.
Connie finds out her new love is a bit more than a piano player. Joyce is aware something is not right with Martin, and it is not just his failing eyesight. She follows him and falls into the hands of the armed and dangerous German airman. Esther needs to find the cash to pay for Martin's operation, and Finch helps by setting up a boxing match with old adversary Vernon - winner takes all.
Connie becomes concerned that a young evacuee is in danger, while Joyce is still in shock, as the German on the run has been shot dead. Lady Ellen decides to make an effort to show Jack her warm side, to the alarm of her jealous sister. Meanwhile, Jack tries to convince Bea that Chicago is the safest place for her and her baby. Esther decides to take radical action to try and find the money to save Martin's eyesight.
Connie stands up to the overbearing Bishop in order to win Henry's respect. Finch blows his top when he discovers how Esther received the money for Martin's operation. Joyce is angry and disillusioned with the Land Army, and she forces Tucker into an admission of guilt. Lady Hoxley's sister Diana is part of Jack's plan to make a getaway with Bea and the baby. Billy's family is being ripped apart, and he seems disinterested; what is he hiding?
As Hoxley Manor is transformed into a military hospital, Ellen is confronted by a blast from the past. Connie and Henry plan their engagement party and Joyce finally receives news about John. A new arrival at Pasture Farm befriends Iris whilst Finch makes a lucrative discovery in Mrs Gulliver's garden...
When Iris has a near-fatal miss on Vernon's farm, Connie throws down the gauntlet: it's land girls versus farmers! Whilst Finch has to protect his hidden treasure, a visiting local dignitary makes Ellen a tempting offer. Meanwhile Esther is desperate to keep her secret from the local gossips.
Esther faces up to her pregnancy and starts to explore her options. Ellen's history with dashing Dr Channing threatens their blossoming romance and Henry learns the truth about Connie's past with Danny. Meanwhile John has flashbacks to his escape from France and Iris panics when her lamb goes missing.
Danny threatens to hurt Henry if Connie doesn't submit to his will. Ellen considers if she can trust the man she loves. As Joyce and John grow closer John struggles with guilt over his infidelity. A revelation drives Martin even further away from Esther. Iris is in mourning whilst Walter and Frank square up for a fight with disastrous consequences.
Events spiral out of control for Connie when her shady past catches up with her. Iris makes a shocking discovery, whilst John is given some crushing news and Esther decides to face her critics in the village. Meanwhile, can Ellen keep up the pretence with Richard?
