AN investigation has been launched into potentially unlawful “gold panning activity” in a river near Dolgellau.

Natural Resources Wales and North Wales Police have launched the investigation after it emerged that people were panning for gold on the Afon Wen at Hermon.

It has been suggested that damage was being caused to the river bed and banks.

Members of the public have been urged to report any suspicious activity either to NRW or North Wales Police with a warning that the gold panning could be damaging to the river.

Detective Constable Eryl Lloyd, who is on secondment to Natural Resources Wales from North Wales Police, said: “We are currently 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. If any members of the public see any suspicious activity please call our incident hotline on 03000 65 3000 or North Wales Police on 101.”

The Afon Wen was one of two rivers that saw authorities issue warnings in 2010 that gold panners could face legal action if they were judged to be damaging the rivers during their activities. Signs were also installed by the Countryside Council for Wales at that time warning people against panning for gold in the river.

The Afon Wen is a designated protected site as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Conservation Area. The protected status has been issued because of lichen assemblage, otters and salmon.