National treasure, Professor The Lord Trees has officially opened BSAVA’s headquarters today following a massive revamp to extend the teaching facilities, increase sustainability and make it fit for the 21st century.

The newly refurbished and extended HQ at Woodrow House in Gloucestershire includes a practical wetlab equipped to share learning with a remote audience, hi-tech lecture rooms and a second teaching room where equipment such as microscopes or X-ray screens can be used.

Meeting rooms include video conferencing technology and giant presentation screens, and there are modern working environments, energy-saving innovations and pleasant break-out areas, all designed to make the building more inspiring, welcoming and comfortable.

Outside there are electric car charge points, bicycle racks and a landscaped area for wildlife with five bird boxes, a small pond and a log pile.

The two-year transformation was unveiled today with an opening address by Lord Trees (pictured right, on the right with Phil Lhermette), who said: "The BSAVA has always been a very dynamic and innovative organisation and this development is the latest example.

"Following their mission to pursue excellence in small animal practice through education and science, the wonderful facilities of this new building will provide a great resource for veterinary education and CPD which of course not only benefits vets and vet nurses but more importantly will ultimately benefit the health and welfare of our pet population.

"The building offers the very latest facilities to deliver high quality teaching and learning and has the capacity to be expanded as necessity dictates. I’m delighted to see the BSAVA investing in the future of the profession and this building, and the online technology it houses including the new digital library, will enable the organisation to continue to deliver its mission well into the future."

BSAVA President Phil Lhermette said: "Over the past 60 years BSAVA has put science and education at the heart of our organisation, and our successful growth includes delivering high quality CPD in an exciting new environment, which will be perfect for everyone to learn in the most conducive way.

"It has been 20 years since we moved into Woodrow House, so it was time for a one-off, ethical transition to create a modern, fit-for-purpose facility for all our members to enjoy."

BSAVA Head of Education Lucie Goodwin said: "These state-of-the-art, scientific-based education facilities will support highly valued, practical CPD for all veterinary professionals, and disseminate learning to a remote audience through video technologies in the classroom - a model that is poised to accelerate because of the proliferation of portable devices and the explosion of mobile phone capabilities."

PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vet nurses.