Free Range Creativity supports and develops outdoor arts, play and learning. We undertake research, consultancy, training and creative projects, often working in collaboration or partnership. It is run by Dr Mel McCree
Community engagement, outdoor learning and evaluation
We work with organisations, communities and practitioners in the environmental and education sectors to design, deliver and evaluate programmes that create lasting change.
About me
I am an Associate Professor in Environmental Education and Engagement at Bath Spa University and Director of Free Range Creativity. My background spans over 30 years experiences of outdoor arts, play and learning, ranging from founding the Uk’s first environmental education theatre company to internationally renowned academic expertise on forest school, outdoor creativity and eco-social justices. I co-founded the South West Forest School network, knowing from experience and research that group cooperation and support has essential value. In my consultancy, I support practitioners to set up and develop their work outdoors. I love and use creative, fair, democratic and feral approaches. I’m always open to experimentation and welcome a challenge!
About Free Range Creativity
Current and recent work:
Reclaim the Rain :Lead evaluator for a £100,000 community engagement evaluation within a £6.5 million DEFRA-funded national flood and drought resilience programme. Findings currently being disseminated to the Environment Agency and policymakers nationally.
Western Forest :Research lead on a land access and wellbeing study exploring how woodland sites can better serve diverse communities.
Festival of Nature 2026 :Invited keynote: Land Access for Wellbeing, June 2026.
We specialise in: outdoor and nature-based learning · community engagement and co-production · programme evaluation · practitioner development and coaching · EDI in the outdoors
→ Get in touch: info@freerangecreativity.org
We are based in Gloucestershire between Bristol and Stroud. We work with children and families in the surrounding region and deliver training, research and consultancy across the UK and internationally.
Free Range Creativity is a small charitable company based on many years of experience. We are a not-for-profit organisation with charitable aims inscribed in our structure and governance.
Work is managed by Mel McCree as voluntary director and undertaken by Mel and a team of freelance associates. We work as an umbrella organisation so we effectively match the right people to each job.
Get in touch if you think we might work well together and you want to offer your skills as an associate. Likewise, Mel often works on behalf of other organisations and welcomes invitations.
For more about Mel and links to her previous work, read her CV, her Linked In profile here or visit her website
