Warning issued following court case

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) will not tolerate illegal trespass or anti-social behaviour in order to protect the environment and local communities.

That’s the warning following a case in Caernarfon Magistrates Court yesterday (21/10/20), where Michael Jones and Mike Pettitt were ordered to pay fines and court costs totalling £4,085.75 each for illegal trespass and damage, which included overnight camping, at Coed y Brenin Forest near Trawsfynydd.

Dylan Williams, NRW Head of Operations in North West Wales said: “We manage Wales’ forests and nature reserves so that everyone can enjoy these special places safely.

“Unfortunately, there is a small minority who refuse to abide by the rules.

“We always offer advice and guidance before resorting to legal action. But, when our rules are ignored, we will take legal action to protect the natural environment and local communities.

“We are grateful to North Wales Police for their assistance.”

The case was brought following an investigation by NRW’s environment crime team. The defendants were in breach of Forestry Act byelaws.

Anybody who suspects illegal trespass can report it via NRW’s incident hotline on 0300 065 3000.