ZOOLOGIST and TV presenter Chris Packham formally opened the Hawk Conservancy Trust’s new venue for corporate functions.

A trustee himself, Chris said The Griffon Rooms were the latest in a long line of successful innovations brought in by the trust.

The new venue has already taken flight with many businesses choosing the rooms for everything from meetings and team development activities to product launches and parties.

Chief executive Ashley Smith said: “We’re offering local businesses a fantastic new venue with one-of-a-kind opportunities to incorprate flying displays and bird of prey handling activities into their events and meetings.

“We recognise that in the current economic climate trading has got tougher for many companies, and we’ve worked hard to make sure we’re offering highly cost-effective options for the facilities, meeting space and menus.”

Set within 22 acres of Hampshire countryside and surrounded by more than 150 birds of prey, The Griffon Rooms incorporate the former study centre and a newly-constructed first floor, complete with balcony.

The trust is a centre for conservation, education, rehabilitation and research.

It is involved in conservation programmes for threatened species ranging from the red kite in the UK to the critically endangered Orie-ntal white-backed vulture in Pakistan. Its bird of prey hospital is the only one of its kind in the country.