Medivet Maresfield

Sonya Leggett

Holistic Veterinary Surgeon

Since qualifying as a vet in 1998, I’ve devoted much of my time to a more holistic approach to the treatment of animals which is immensely rewarding. I love to build up trusting long-term relationships with my patients and their owners. In taking time to discover everything about an animal’s general condition, nutrition, lifestyle and behaviour, I can offer a truly considered response to any health issues – gentle, natural interventions without the potentially damaging side-effects that conventional medicines may sometimes bring. Before I took up veterinary science, I achieved my doctorate studying viral hepatitis and carried out extensive research into adverse vaccine reactions – a subject which still fascinates me in relation to animal health.

BSc(Hons),PhD, BVetMed, VetMFHom, MRCVS

Rachael Butler

Lead Veterinary Surgeon

Rachael is a very enthusiastic and personable veterinary surgeon that has a direct and caring approach to her practice. Rachael originally was brought up on her family’s dairy farm in Fletching where her passion for becoming a vet originated. She qualified from the University of Edinburgh in 2005 with a first class degree in Immunology which led her to the Royal Veterinary College, London in 2010. Having qualified in her degree in veterinary medicine with first class honours, she worked in a small animal practice in Sussex before deciding to open her own practice in 2015. Rachael has a special interest in both soft tissue surgery and orthopaedics and is in her final year of a BSAVA post graduate certificate specialising in small animal surgery. She has also started her certificate in small animal internal medicine this year which is enabling us to improve our internal medicine hospitalisation service and our oncology service. Rachael lives with the practice mascot Bertie who has inspired the creation of the Forest vet and a new naughty patterdale Cecil.

BSc (Hons.imm) BVetMed (Hons) MRCVS

Stephen Speak

Veterinary Surgeon

Steve qualified from Cambridge University in 1985 and has spent his entire professional career in general practice. He sold his practice in 2018 to allow time to enjoy other activities which include travelling with his wife Lou in their small V.W. camper van, trying to control their wayward Bichon rescue dog called Dave and watching Arsenal F.C. constantly under perform. However, being a vet is in his blood and he is delighted to be working two days a week with the Forest Vets team.

Nicky Love

Veterinary Surgeon

Nicky's entire family have always been huge animal lovers, which meant that during her childhood years they had many pets, including rats, rabbits, hamsters, dogs, cats and a goat. Nicky had the very fortunate experience of growing up on a poultry farm in South Africa, where she was further exposed to farm animals. This developed into a strong calling to become a vet. Nicky qualified as a veterinarian in 2003 in South Africa and went directly into small animal practice. During her first couple of years in private practice she completed an honours in small animal medicine, which is where her main interest lies. Nicky lives with her two dogs and two cats (who emigrated to the UK alongside). When Nicky is not walking her two dogs, she enjoys photographing insects, mushrooms and flowers. Nicky would summerise all her hobbies to 'involve a certain level of mud!'

Matthew Holgate

Veterinary Surgeon

Matt graduated from Edinburgh Vet School in 1999. He initially worked at a mixed Practice in Northumberland where the majority of Matt's work consisted of treating farm and equine patients. Matt moved to London in 2001 with his family, and his work transferred to a small animal Practice. Matt enjoyed treating patients both surgically and medically at this time. After a couple of years working at various Practices within the London area, Matt joined the Medivet Group as a Branch Partner. Matt had his own successful Practice in Battersea for five years before becoming more involved within management roles for the region. This meant Matt participated in both clinical and non-clinical work for a number of years understanding all aspects of the Veterinary industry. He also became involved in the Medivet graduate development programme. Recently, Matt has moved back into sole clinical work and is thoroughly enjoying consulting two days per week here at The Forest Vet Maresfield. We feel very lucky Matt has joined our team with his wealth of knowledge. In Matt's spare time (which does not happen often!) he enjoys spending time with his family and caring for their dog, cat, chickens and sheep!

Holly Bridgland

Patient Care Assisant

Holly joined the surgery in September 2021, having previously worked with horses. She is a qualified animal physiotherapist and also has a degree in Animal Science. Prior to this she spent 2 years studying Animal Management at Plumpton College, where she hopes to return in January 2023 to start her Veterinary Nursing qualification. She lives with her partner and 4 dogs Winnie, Roe, Dylan and Nora.

Katie Loveland

Patient Care Assistant

I graduated from Nottingham Trent University in 2017 with a BSc (hons) in Zoo Biology. This then lead me to become a Zoo Keeper at Port Lympne Reserve working with primates. After this, I took on teacher training and became an Animal Management Instructor, teaching practical skills with animal care and husbandry at Plumpton College. Veterinary Nursing has always been an interest of mine and a potential career path so I am very excited to start training in the years to come. In my free time I love running and hiking and I live with my husband, cat called Bob and cocker spaniel Toby.

Rosie Kenton

Veterinary Nurse

Rosie is a Registered Veterinary Nurse who recently completed her training at the Forest Vet. She is now looking forward to furthering her nursing career here. Rosie's most keen areas of interest within her role is in patient care and anaesthesia. In Rosie's spare time she enjoys long walks with her dog Tiggy.

RVN