A south Lakeland man who has eschewed all the trappings of modern living for a "simple, sustainable existence" on his smallholding is to give Westmorland Gazette readers an insight into his green lifestyle in a new blog on the paper's website.

Edward Acland lives with his wife in a former 19th century mill on the banks of the River Sprint near Burneside, which they have transformed into a model for self sufficiency and environmentally friendly living.

"I retired from Cumbria County Council four years ago after being a councillor for 20 years and I have never worked so hard," said Mr Acland.

"We have 15 acres on the smallholding which we look after in a very low-tech way. We believe in a simple approach, which embraces a wide range of methods. It is hard work but immensely satisfying."

Among the methods employed by Mr Acland while working on his land are chopping wood for his stove by hand, rearing goats and chickens, growing his own fruit and vegetables and building furniture using manual tools.

The central heating system at the mill is powered by burning wood from local broadleaf species of trees grown on the small holding, which is then replanted.

Mr Acland is hoping to give an insight into the benefits of living a sustainable life via a new blog, Down To Earth, on The Westmorland Gazette's website, wwwthewestmorlandgazette.co.uk, but he insists he does not wish to preach to people from an ivory tower.

"I am looking forward to doing the blog and I hope it will be a way to promote green issues and perhaps start a conversation with people who are concerned about the threats to the planet from things such as global warming."

He also said that people could make a positive difference to the environment through individual lifestyle choices.

"I believe that people will have to let go of the freedom to have everything they want to take the pressure off the planet," said Mr Acland.