A man convicted of illegal gold panning in a forest has been ordered to pay more than £4,700 in fines and costs.
Brian Wright was twice caught by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) officers at Pont Wen on the Afon Wen in Coed y Brenin forest near Dollgellau in October and December 2024.
He was also convicted of similar offences in May 2022.
NRW said gold panning was not allowed on land managed by the environmental damage because of the potential damage it can cause to rivers and their habitats.
Although many people are unaware of it, the risk of disturbing spawning fish and impacting river habitats can lead to prosecution.
Wright, who was found guilty, was ordered to pay fines of £400 and £1500 respectively by Llandudno magistrates, along with £2,800 in costs.
Following the hearing on Monday, Richard Berry, NRW's land management team leader in the North West, 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."
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