A new and magical light sculpture trail promises to create an after dark adventure this winter.

The team at the London Wetland Centre, Barnes, has spent weeks creating the Illuminature experience, which makes a virtue of the fact that nights are drawing in.

It features giant light sculptures of wetland wildlife, interspersed with magical, playful installations, including light tunnels and responsive lily pads.

It promises families and nature lovers an interactive wild experience amongst nature under the stars at the popular 105-acre reserve.

The illuminated trail features huge, beautifully lit wetland wildlife models including a heron, Nene goose, otters and an owl, amongst many others. In total, there are 214 different elements that make up the illuminated trail.

Centre manager, Lisa Woodward, said: "Children will love the lily pads they can jump on which light up, switching on sculptures with interactive buttons, and having fun with the shadow play in our lodge.

"A personal favourite is one of our bridges, which has been lit up with a kingfisher, lapwing and oyster catcher perching on the edge of it – I think couples will love to take a moment to gaze across the water.

"There is something for all ages, and we hope that everyone will appreciate its beauty."

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Children and adults can dance under rainfall lights, skip along with fireflies, play in the blue waters of an immersive light tunnel, create colourful shadow animals, and have plenty of photo opportunities along the way.

This is all set amongst the reed beds and lagoons of the WWT London Wetland Centre, with the sights and sounds of night-time nature playing out in the background.

Lisa said: "ILLUMINATURE is the first event of its kind that WWT, in partnership with Lumagica and MK Experience, has run.

"It's a magical way to convey wetlands and to really engage adults and children in wildlife and conservation. We hope the trail will inspire them to fall in love with and learn about the importance of wetlands."

Adele Hodson, Managing Director of MK Experience, part of Lumagica who have 25 years of experience in engaging indoor and outdoor events commented: "This is an exciting new venture, and we are delighted to be partnering with WWT on this fabulous experience for everyone who loves wildlife or simply wants a unique and fun night out under the stars.

"We are proud to support WWT's conservation work and are pleased to be part of an event that helps support this."

WWT London Wetland Centre is home to a wide range of wildlife species including birds, water voles, bats and amphibians. It was the first urban wetland centre of its kind when it opened in 2000 and is one of ten wetland sites run by the charity, the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT).

The light sculpture experience is open every evening until Sunday, January 9 , from 4pm - 5.30pm in October- until 10pm, on Thursdays to Sundays.

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It is also open daily until Sunday, October 31, and from December 19-January 9.

• Tickets are priced at £17.50 for adults and £12.50 per child and must be pre-booked online here.