Like other leading food writers, she has strong views on children's diet and was a signatory to the Children's Food Bill, which aims to protect them from junk food. "We're heading in the right direction and Jamie (Oliver) has pushed the whole thing along, but it has to be about a more than just school meals," she insists. "Let's give children good food at five, when they're still open to new flavours and ideas. I'd like to see food education starting from their very first day at school - introducing them to a wide range of fruit and vegetables, meeting producers, visiting farms and allotments and making them familiar with different ingredients.  

"It should be built around the pleasure of good food - not what they should be eating - and by the time they leave each child should know enough to cook 10 simple meals. That might be no more than grilling a chop and preparing vegetables: no exams, no tests, just giving them the basic tools to work with. It's the biggest gift you could give to the nation's children.

"The WI does a brilliant job with its cooking projects in schools and I'd like to see the subject become part of the curriculum. Cooking isn't that difficult and it's connected to so many different subjects - science, maths, history, geography and religion. Food, after all is at the centre of everyone's life and of every culture in the world.'

It's a peaceful cup of coffee, though, that makes Sophie's day. "I love cafés," she reveals. "After I've dropped the children at school in the morning, I treasure half an hour with a cappuccino and the paper - it's my treat!"

All things herbal

The use of herbs as nature's medicine and a potent ingredient in our food dates back thousands of years. But in Britain much of this age-old knowledge was lost after the industrial revolution, as people left the countryside for the cities.

Herbal pioneer Hilda Leyel was determined to revive the use of culinary and other herbs. In 1927 she founded The Society of Herbalists, now known as The Herb Society, along with the Culpeper shops; these have since become a separate organisation.

The 1990s saw a renaissance for herbs. Today, old favourites such as lavender, rosemary and dozens more are sought after as a potential source for products such as new plant-based medicines and cosmetics, as well for traditional and innovative use in the kitchen.

Like its namesakes, The Herb Society is also thriving. Based in historic Sulgrave Manor at Banbury, Oxfordshire, it has won an international reputation as a worldwide forum for information and exchange of ideas on all things herbal.

"Our mission is to increase the understanding and use of herbs," says spokeswoman Nicky Westwood. "Sophie's presence is sure to highlight this and we're delighted to have her on board."

The society also works to promote the sustainable cultivation of herbs, conserve those that are endangered and bring together both amateurs and professionals who want to learn more about these very special plants.

Attractions at Sulgrave, home to the ancestors of George Washington, include the Manor House itself [PIC], an important reference library, an educational herb garden created in the grounds [PIC] and a shop. Annual membership of The Herb Society costs £20, with concessionary rates for over-60s and students.

Membership gives you a free quarterly magazine, free access to the Sulgrave herb garden and library, a 10 per cent discount at Culpeper shops, discounts at participating herb nurseries and suppliers. For details, visit www.herbsociety.org.uk , call 01295 768899 or write to Sulgrave Manor, Sulgrave, Banbury, OX 17 2SD.

Kids dig veg

Tamsin Rodgers, Dearbhla Connel & Sophie Grigson at Waterperry Gardens.