THE FAMILY of a missing woman say they are “heartbroken” that her body was found in woodland.

Gerda Uelfer-Woods told friends and family she was going away from her home in Forest Row in June 2020.

She had an “adventurous spirit” and was an “inspiration”, her daughter said.

But after they did not hear from her, she was reported missing soon after.

Police launched a public appeal to try to find Ms Uelfer-Woods in July last year.

But not the body of the 75-year-old has been found by walkers in Ashdown Forest at a location between Priory Road and the A22 Lewes Road.

Her daughter Heather Woods said: “We are understandably heartbroken but also relieved that after 8 long months we can finally place our loving mother to rest.

She was an inspiration in so many ways, worldly wise and full of adventurous spirit.

"Enigmatic, strong and kind she was the sort of person who does not grace this earth often and her departure has left a gaping hole in our lives.

“A wonderful mother, sorely missed, deeply loved, never forgotten."

Sussex Police said a skeleton and clothing were found by walkers on February 14.

The scene was cordoned off while a search was conducted.

Forensics experts examined the scene and officers launched an inquiry.

Ms Uelfer-Woods’ remains were identified. Her death is not yet known, but police believe there are no suspicious circumstances where a crime may have been committed.

The East Sussex Coroner’s officer has been informed and is making further enquiries over the “unascertained” cause of death.