COMMONERS have a week to clear the Forest of hundreds of sheep and lambs after an outbreak of highly contagious scab.

All sheep and lambs must be taken to private enclosures by next Wednesday.

Any strays left in the Forest after April 24 will be rounded up, treated and sold on.

Commoners will not be allowed to release flocks back into the woods until animal health experts have issued written authorisation.

This is expected to be in around ten to 14 days after they have been removed.

See Forester for details