Protesters camped on Ryebank Fields for a YEAR to stop housing development warn: ‘I don’t mind staying here forever’

Campaigners have now been camped out for a year in a bold bid to save a Chorlton beauty spot. Ryebank Fields have been at the forefront of a laborious battle that has been ongoing for more than 25 years to stop development.

While those who set up the camp had no idea what to expect of the fight for Ryebank Fields, a year on and the fight to save the save the fields is still in limbo.

However, what started off as tents and a watch tower has grown into an entire eco-house, complete with a bike shed, solar panels, and now, a kitchen garden.

Read more:Protesters camped out on Ryebank Fields for nearly a year to stop a housing development have now built their own home

The house itself has WiFi, a log burner and a system for water collection. There are also separate buildings for a kitchen and bathroom.

Despite the homely feel that the camp creates, it can be entirely removed and taken down in a matter of days.

Ryebank Fields, which sit between Chorlton and Trafford, are owned by Manchester Metropolitan University [MMU] and have been since the 1970s. Back then, it was used for sports and recreation but over the years has been left to rewild and now boasts incredible biodiversity.

The fields are home to an aspen grove, a collection of oak trees planted on the millennium and home to part of the ancient Nico Ditch. Due to the biodiversity of Ryebanks, if sold, MMU has specified that 'the development will deliver a net biodiversity gain'.

Stephen Fernley is, arguably, the longest resident of Ryebank Fields Community Camp having spent more than 200 nights there in the last year. He spoke to the Manchester Evening News about his time on the camp and what the future looks like for the campaign.

He said: “We’re staying here