A report has called on the government to clarify the legal status of public rights of way in a bid to deliver benefits for landowners and the public.

Natural England was given the green light to convene a specialist working group in late 2008 to improve the law and procedures that concern older public rights of way. Stepping Forward has outlined a number of ways to simplify the procedures of recording rights of way established before 1949, as well as how to deal in situations where old routes conflict with modern land use.

A number of old rights of ways are not currently included on official records held by local authorities, which can cause uncertainty for members of the public and landowners. The working group - comprising 15 representatives from across all interest groups in rights of ways - has sent 32 recommendations to the government for consideration.

Natural England chair Poul Christensen said: "Rights of way are a vital means by which people can enjoy our beautiful countryside and engage with nature, farming and their local heritage. "Through this remarkable consensus, the Group has shown how these benefits can be secured for future generations while removing much of the uncertainty, bureaucracy and cost currently involved in the recording process - and promoting practical solutions to potential conflicts."