Sir Martin Doughty, right, chats with then Environment Secretary David Miliband at the Kinder event in 2007

The head of the Government’s advisory organisation on outdoor matters has died after a long illness.

Sir Martin Doughty, chair of Natural England, was also a footpaths campaigner and friend of many in the outdoors fraternity. He was formerly chair of the Peak District National Park Authority. Sir Martin died of cancer on Wednesday, aged 59.

In April 2007, he joined then Environment Secretary David Miliband, Ramblers’ chair Kate Ashbrook and other walking luminaries in his home town of New Mills to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Kinder Scout mass trespass, which was instrumental in bringing to wider attention the lack of access to much of England’s uplands.

Sir Martin died peacefully at home with his family.

Poul Christensen, deputy chair of Natural England, said: “When I first met Martin, I was struck by what a visionary individual he was. He could always see the bigger picture yet balanced this with a ferocious tenacity to get things done.

“Our country is a better place at every level for his contribution to public life. From the creation of the local nature reserve a short walk from his front door to coastal access for the nation, he leaves a legacy that means it was a privilege for us to know him. He was held in enormous respect and esteem by so many people.

“As the board of Natural England we will have important work to do to protect his legacy and delivery on the scale of his ambition for the natural environment.

“Although Martin had been battling with cancer over recent years, it was a mark of the man that he refused to allow this to impair his dedication to Natural England. He was immensely proud to have been appointed as our first chair and his leadership has made an incalculable contribution, not only to our organisation, but to many others who will miss his unwavering support.”

Mr Christensen takes over as acting chair of Natural England.

Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said: “Martin was an outstanding public servant, and his loss will be deeply felt by all those who knew him.

“He founded and led Natural England with distinction, and was passionate in his advocacy of the natural world on which, as he would often say, we ultimately depend.”

Narendra Bajaria, chair of the Peak District National Park Authority, added his tribute: “Everybody is very saddened to hear this tragic news.

“Martin has fought against cancer for several years and in all that time his energy and contribution to conservation and the environment has never dimmed.

“He set the agenda for public transport in the national park, was a big supporter of the rural economy and a stalwart on our planning committee, going through every application in detail.

“He was also a huge supporter of the Moors for the Future project which is restoring moorland to tackle the effects of climate change and help prevent flooding.”

Sir Martin had also been vice-president of the Peak & Northern Footpaths Society; chair of the Association of National Park Authorities, and leader of Derbyshire County Council.

He was knighted in 2001 for his services to local government.

Mr Bajaria added: “We will be talking to Derbyshire County Council and Natural England to find a fitting and proper way to mark Martin’s significant contribution to conservation and the environment.”