A man from Henley-upon-Thames has been fined after being caught searching for gold in a protected river in north Wales.
Brian Wright, 68, was apprehended while gold panning on a watercourse designated for environmental protection, and a court imposed a fine after he was found to have committed the offence. Reports described Wright as a repeat offender in relation to similar activity.
Gold panning and other forms of mineral collection are subject to regulation in many protected waterways because of potential impacts on habitats, fish populations and riverbed stability. Local and national conservation rules typically restrict or prohibit such activity to safeguard wildlife and water quality.
Authorities have been stepping up enforcement in sensitive river areas in recent years to deter unauthorised disturbance. The case of Wright highlights the legal risks for individuals who carry out prospecting in protected sites and the ongoing efforts to protect fragile river environments.
No further details about the fine amount or additional penalties were disclosed in initial reports.