MANY AND I MEEN MANY CORMORANTS NOW LIVING AT ELLERTON WATER PARK NR SCORTON
NORTH YORKSHIRE NUMBERS PUT AT 100 AND ABOVE

PETER NICHOLSON

‘Indeed, CCW’s published data on the subject claims that salmon, trout and otters are actually thriving on these rivers, despite all of the combined pressures. It is rather difficult to argue that panning has harmed these creatures if they are thriving, but more damage may be done by moving the problem sideways, or upstream.’

I have been speed reading many documents online and pasted part of CCW’s report, without copying the heading. It appears that I mistook the Aims of this section for the actual conditions. As it appears that the conditions are unsatisfactory for salmon and trout on the Eden catchment this makes it even more important to study the potential effects of gold panning across the area on spawning redds and young fish development. This was an innocent mistake on my part and I apologise to CCW for my error. However, there are still many challenges to find solutions to.

The moderator may either delete the offending paragraph or publish my explanation. I am no expert in fish matters, but I am trying to digest all of the relevant data in order to help prevent damage to fish breeding resulting from uncontrolled panning activities.

Thank you

Brian Wright Gold Rivers Trust

The immediate concern is to persuade gold panners in the Dolgellau area to avoid the spawning redds and breeding season. First, we must determine where these redds are likely to be and if these coincide with actual gold-bearing areas. In a combined effort, CCW, the EA and police have erected warning signs along the SSSI designated areas of the lower Afon Wen and Afon Mawddach, but the upper parts of these rivers and many other gold-bearing rivers in the area are not given SSSI protection.

As a result, some panners have moved into the higher reaches of both rivers, hoping to avoid detection. Ironically, the gold-bearing areas of the lower Wen and parts of the Mawddach are steep, narrow and very flashy. The gravels are regularly scoured, exposing bedrock and hardpack which makes these parts appear less suitable for successful spawning. It is well known that salmon and trout in particular prefer the calmer areas of tributaries and streams which have more stable gravel beds. The last thing we want is for panners to work unchecked in these more sensitive areas.

CCW has been in talks with a panning association about issuing panning licences to its members only, subject to a code of conduct. However, Gold Rivers Trust would advise against this, as panning on access land is in breach of Schedule 2 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, which prohibits activities with a commercial purpose. Indeed, many organized fee charging adventure activities are also clearly in breach of Schedule 2, if they resort to open access land. CCW and the Environment Agency should not be seen to formally permit or ignore any activities which are clearly in breach of access laws.

The warning signs were erected partly in response to instances of bank digging by a few ‘greenhorns’, who had attended brief courses taught by two leading members of the panning association. Incredibly, the same two guys who are pursuing the negotiations! Another irony, since these uninsured tutors were responsible for the many greenhorns who collectively had escalated the problem.

Before the signs were put up, one of the tutors had applied to CCW for consent for a mass panning rally on the Wen. That was the final straw, CCW, the EA, police, Forestry , Crown reps and National Park were spurred into action, though after turning a blind eye for over thirty years.

The original pretext for the signs was that panners were disturbing populations of freshwater pearl mussels and otters on the Wen and Mawddach. CCW now admits that these mussels are limited to locations on the Afon Eden, which joins the Mawddach some miles further downstream.

As there are no endangered species in these flash-flood prone rivers, which are also too acidic for these mussels shells, CCW has resorted to the fish breeding argument. However, they have provided no precise data on locations or season. Due to the lack of any endangered species on these regularly hammered and rather fauna barren rivers, the SSSI status of the Wen and Mawddach now seem somewhat in doubt. SSSI status cannot be maintained on the basis of un-quantified spawning redds alone, an SSSI must have something which sets it apart.

Indeed, CCW’s published data on the subject claims that salmon, trout and otters are actually thriving on these rivers, despite all of the combined pressures. It is rather difficult to argue that panning has harmed these creatures if they are thriving, but more damage may be done by moving the problem sideways, or upstream.

Pressures include the felling of massive areas of broadleaf woodland to be replaced by the unnatural conifer plantations and erosion from runoff due to a policy of clear felling the latter. Due to this erosion Dolgellau is now in danger of flooding, with a prediction that the adjacent riverbeds are likely to rise by up to one metre in the next ten years. Raised gravelbeds cannot be effectively controlled due to the presence of Japanese Knotweed, which extraction could spread.

As forestry policy is responsible for pollution and clogging up the lower river system, panners feel that they are being unfairly singled out, without much evidence to justify the draconian signs. Anger is not a good basis on which to educate oneself, never mind others. Sensitive, accurate and well aimed education is paramount.

The EA has confirmed on record that the signs do not represent a ban as such, they are simply a warning that any damage to flora and fauna could lead to prosecution. But this would require evidence, and if in the Spring panners return to the lower Wen and Mawddach, unconvinced by CCW’s retreating arguments, police would have to provide convincing evidence that individuals caused actual damage. If any redds are present on the lower Wen and Mawddach they should be protected. But low level leisure panning, not involving suction dredges or sluices is unlikely to be detectable in this respect.

The small police team dedicated to this kind of work is very busy and could not spend much, if any time on deterrent patrol. Cutbacks certainly won’t help the situation. CCW and EA officers have no power to arrest or caution possible offenders. Some kind of warden system could help, but this would also require funding.

A full time warden could enforce Schedule 2 of CROW, which would only require proof of panning for non charitable or scientific purposes. No evidence of damage to flora or fauna would be needed. If it was made clear that panning activities are limited to educational and scientific purposes, a new influx of hopeful greenhorns could be deterred. We must also gain support from local residents who may not be currently aware of the problem to make this work.

Gold Rivers Trust is exploring the idea of co-operating with schools in the area to give children a better appreciation of the history, culture and impacts of mining and gold panning in the area. In this way the flora and fauna of the river system could be better taught.

There is in fact relatively little accessible gold left in these rivers now, due in part to the massive flood of 2001, as well as over thirty years of exploitation by the two tutors and many now retired panners. Some were former miners who really knew how to prospect river gold. But the area’s reputation for gold is still likely to bring in many who don’t have a clue and will take desperate measures out of sheer frustration. Even if there are zero redds on the lower river system here, there is sensitive flora in the riverbanks, and these must be protected from crazed hope filled amateurs. The fast approaching Royal Wedding is another spur, as is the deepening recession.

I would really appreciate some feedback on this subject, especially advice on how to detect likely redd locations.

Thanks

The Treasurer Gold Rivers Trust

The Purposes of Gold Rivers Trust
“To advance the education of the public in the scientific understanding of the geology, mineralogy and ecology of gold bearing rivers in Wales and England in particular but not exclusively by:
(a) establishing and maintaining a mineral database;
(b) promoting a better understanding of the history, methods and the cultural heritage and importance of lawful gold panning and its relationship with furthering our understanding of the geology, mineralogy and ecology of gold bearing rivers in Wales and England (and gold bearing rivers other countries of the world as the trustees see fit); and by
(c) promoting ecologically sustainable, responsible and lawful gold panning activities in Wales and England as a means by which the public can educate themselves or be educated in the subjects of geology, mineralogy and ecology for their benefit.

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I have picked you as a person to do a talk about in school. I am really into fishing myself and my school has got a fishing club as well. The biggest fish I have ever caught was a Rock Cod.

Regards

Sean

the map provided is so innacurate its unbelieveable..
there are sites claimed for spawning where salmon or sea trout would need to be provided with big ladders
some streams can’t be accessed at all ,ie Cowlyd outlet to main river…this needs a full review

who mapped it..he should be fired ?