Tributes have been paid to the "amazing" former CEO of Ashdown Forest.

James Adler, 42, passed away suddenly in May 2023 leaving his family, friends and colleagues heartbroken.

A small group of his loved ones have now planned a four-day memorial walk in his honour, named "James' Walk", which will start on April 25.

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Mark Pearson, the current chief executive of the forest, worked with James in Surrey and said he was "passionate" about his work.

He said: "James was an amazing man.

"He was passionate about the forest and had been working on a strategy to safeguard Ashdown Forest and its biodiversity for future generations.

"He was deeply involved in establishing and growing the Weald to Waves project.

"His death came as a shock to so many and we all miss him terribly.

The Argus: Walkers will be wearing bobble hats similar to the one James used to wear

"This four-day walk is our way of thanking James for everything he did."

The 111km walk, which will start at Climping Beach in West Sussex, will end with a memorial gathering in Ashdown Forest on April 28 at 2pm.

People who want to walk the last 2km can join in with the participants at Millbrook East car park on the A22 at 1pm before the memorial gathering.

The Argus: The walk is over 100km

Walkers will be wearing bobblehats in memory of James, who wore his blue and yellow hat during his walks around the forest.

As part of the memorial walk, people taking part will be raising funds for The Ashdown Forest Foundation.

This independent charity works to protect the forest and help maintain its current state for years to come.

Donations can be made for the walk through https://www.justgiving.com/page/jameswalkapril2024.

A spokesman for the charity said: "Our mission is to raise awareness and funds to conserve and enhance the forest for enjoyment, education, health, and recreation for now and generations to come.  

"Without your help, Ashdown Forest as we know and love it will not survive. Please help us preserve this beautiful forest for all, for the future."

So far over £1,100 has been raised in James' memory.