Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, believes her generation have a "responsibility" to look after the planet

She told Britain's HELLO! magazine: "I try to lead by example, and not teach or preach. I was brought up in the countryside, immersed in the natural world and with a love of nature, encouraged to treat flora and fauna with respect.

"I want my grandchildren to take time to learn about the countryside, to enjoy making shapes with leaves and to be curious. I feel strongly that my generation has a responsibility to hand a sustainable planet to our grandchildren - I want them to see poppy fields, harvests and the power of nature."

Sarah has written a new children's book, 'Flora and Fern: Wonder in the Woods', and not only is she passionate about getting kids reading, its something she loves to do with her grandchildren.

She said: "August reads 'Wonder in the Woods' every night and I read to Sienna, August and Ernie as much as I can. Reading is a way to spend time together, especially at Christmas.

"Reading is one of the main reasons I love writing children's books. We need to encourage literacy; 30 per cent of five year olds are falling behind expected reading levels and one in three disadvantaged children cannot read or write at the expected level for 11 year olds."

After battling both breast and skin cancer over the last year, Sarah - who was previously married to Prince Andrew - credits her family for getting her through the challenging times.

Asked how she had got through the tougher moments, she said: "My children, the joy of being a grandmother, writing my children's books and working on my next novel. Writing is my escape.

"I write in longhand with a fountain pen in my study and the stories just flow. I love to explore my imagination and I'm inspired by nature, as is the case with this book."