Individuals thought to be finding flecks of gold at Afon Wen but police say there is no gold rush

This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

An investigation has been launched into gold panning at a Welsh river and police have asked local people to contact them if any suspicious activity is spotted in the area.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW), supported by North Wales police, is monitoring activity at the Afon Wen near Dolgellau in north Wales.

They are worried that gold panning at the river, a site of special scientific interest, risks damaging the riverbed, its banks and precious flora and fauna.

NRW declined to talk in detail about the situation for fear it would inspire more people to look for gold in north Wales and potentially cause more damage. But a spokesperson made it clear there was no “gold rush” taking place in the area and urged people to stay away.

Panning and mining for gold has been taking place in the area for centuries. The last commercial mine closed 20 years ago but there are plans to restart an operation near Dolgellau.

Welsh gold is still very much in demand and Meghan Markle is expected to wear a Welsh gold ring when she marries Prince Harry, following in a royal tradition begun by the Queen Mother in 1923.

The panning believed to be going on is on a very modest level. It is understood to centre on one or two individuals who are understood to finding just a few flecks of gold.

DC Eryl Lloyd, who is on secondment to NRW from North Wales police, said: “We are investigating the legality of gold panning activity on NRW-managed land in the Afon Wen at Hermon, near Dolgellau. Rivers and their wildlife are protected by law to safeguard them from damaging activities.

“Our aim is always to work with others to protect the environment. However, if this is not possible we will take legal action. In this instance, our investigations are ongoing.”

In 2010 signs were installed at the Afon Wen and a second river warning that gold panners could face legal action if they were judged to be damaging the rivers during their activities. Panners have insisted they are doing no wrong but simply following an age-old custom and some have called for a licensing scheme to be introduced.

The Afon Wen is designated as a protected site because of rare lichen, otters and salmon.

According to the jewellery company Clogau, Welsh gold is the rarest gold on earth and worth up to 30 times more than “standard world gold”.