A CONSERVATIONIST was left “flustered” after nearly falling into a ditch when becoming victim of a trap.

Annabel Gardner, 41, and her partner, Vin Sootarsing, 61, were walking through Epping Forest on Sunday, April 9. The pair stepped aside to move for some cyclists, and after taking a few steps forward, Annabel stumbled over what her partner described as a “deliberate trap.”

The trap was four cable ties fastened together sticking out of the ground, but covered by leaves and twigs.

The trainee aromatherapist said: “It was just in the ground in the undergrowth. I got my foot caught in it. It was only when I went home my husband said it could be a trap. It could hurt a child or an elderly person.

“It was just a few steps away from a busy path and on the edge of a ditch. I would say it was definitely not in view.”

The couple were visiting the forest from Dorchester in Dorset and their slight trip hasn’t put them off visiting again.

Annabel added: “I’m not here often, but it’s very nice. I must make it more of a habit.”

The City of London Corporation own the forest and are responsible for its upkeep.

A spokesman said: “Our forest keepers regularly patrol the area to make sure visitors are as safe as possible in the forest environment.

“If any members of the public see dangerous obstacles or contraptions, they should call Epping Forest’s keepers on 02085321010.”