An outdoor cannabis farm discovered by a couple on a weekend stroll through Epping Forest woodland, has been cleared. 

Oscar Lerin, 35, was out for a walk with his girlfriend on Saturday when they came across the 70-odd marijuana plants off Bunces Lane in Woodford Green. 

The patch of woodland owned by the City of London Corporation is just metres from St Aubyns School. 

According to reports, the couple stumbled upon the adult marijuana plants hidden behind a big bush after they went looking for mushrooms in Epping Forest. 

Head forest keeper for Epping Forest Keith Forest said: "It is a police matter. We have reported it, the site has been cleared and everything has been removed.

"It is not a common occurrence but occasionally plants are found. 

"11,000 acres is a large place and there is occasional abuse which is one of the downsides of the great remote corners and natural openness.

"Staff are always on alert for anti-social behaviour or illegal activity."

Judith Adams, from the Friends of Epping Forest Group, said in the 40 years she has known the area, this discovery was the first she had heard of.  

Redbridge police have been approached for a comment.