Repeat offender convicted for illegal gold panning

A man has been found guilty of illegal gold panning at Coed y Brenin Forest and ordered to pay fines and costs totalling more than £4,700.

On 4 October 2024 and 16 December 2024, officers from Natural Resources Wales (NRW) caught repeat offender Mr Brian Wright illegally gold panning at Pont Wen on the Afon Wen near Dolgellau.

Gold panning is not permitted on NRW-managed land due to the potential damage it can cause to river ecosystems. The activity can disturb riverbeds through the excavation of gravel and the removal of minerals, impacting habitats relied upon by wildlife.

The activity also constituted an offence under the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975. Although many people are unaware of it, gold panning can lead to prosecution and sentencing where it risks disturbing spawning fish and impacting river habitats.

On Monday 14 September 2026, at Llandudno Magistrates Court, Mr Wright was convicted and sentenced to pay £400 & £1,500 in fines, and £2,800 in costs.

Richard Berry, NRW Land Management Team Leader in North West Wales, said:

“Coed y Brenin is a protected and valued natural environment, and activities such as illegal gold panning can cause significant damage to river habitats and wildlife.

“We work hard to protect these areas and will take action where offences are identified. This case should serve as a reminder that illegal gold panning is not permitted on NRW-managed land and those who ignore the rules may face prosecution.”

This was not Mr Wright’s first offence involving illegal gold panning, who was also sentenced for similar offences in May 2022.