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‘ILLUMINATURE’ trail in Barnes to highlight UK wetlands conservation

The Wildfoul & Wetlands Trust (WWT) London Wetlands Centre in Barnes is running a one-of-a-kind immersive ‘light trail’, called ‘ILLUMINATURE’ on 22 October to highlight the importance of preserving UK wetlands.  

The walking trail will feature creations made by MK Experience and Lumagica, internationally renowned for their ability to deliver eye-opening experiences in unexpected places.

The trail will include 214 different elements of art installations and 55 light sculptures showcasing wetland animals such as swans, a family of otters, a flock of flamingos and Winifred the Owl.

FIRST OF ITS KIND: One sculpture in the trail. Credit: MK Experience

WWT, MK Experience and Lumagica have collaborated to harness the power of light-design and storytelling to create a ‘light-trail’ experience that tap into people’s emotions and senses, using the wetlands backdrop as their storyboard.

Lisa Woodward, Centre Manager at London Wetland Centre, said: “ILLUMINATURE is the first event of its kind that WWT, in partnership with Lumagica and MK Experience, has run.

“We are really excited to showcase our amazing wetland wildlife in a totally new way to both first time and regular visitors through this experience. 

“We hope the trail creates a real buzz and encourages people to learn more about the amazing wetlands and animals we have here on our reserve.”  

RAISING AWARENESS: WWT hope to use the trail to highlight the importance of wetlands. Credit: MK Experience

Each light-art piece has been hand-made in production facilities in the UK and Europe, using recycled aluminium and high-quality LED lights.

The sculptures will be grouped into zones that are themed around different wetlands habitats and wildlife, including ‘Birds of a Feather’, ‘Seasonal Wetland Wonders’ and ‘Club Tropicana’.

The event aims to inspire people to want to take action to increase and protect wetlands now and in the future.

Click the video below to find out more.

Green Climate Change Infographic by Ellie McDonald

The WWT have launched other campaigns, including ‘Wetlands Can!’, which is pushing for the creation of 100,000 hectares of healthy wetlands across the UK in order to combat the climate, nature and wellbeing crisis. 

Pledge your support to invest more in wetlands here.

Green Climate Change Infographic by Ellie McDonald

Adele Hodson from Lumagica and MK Experience commented: “We are delighted to be partnering with WWT and London Wetland Centre in putting on this fabulous experience for everyone who loves wildlife or simply wants a fun night out under the stars experiencing something a little different.

“We have 25 years of experience in engaging indoor and outdoor events. We are proud to support WWT’s conservation work and are pleased to be part of an event that helps support this.”

The ILLUMINATURE trail beings on 22 October from 4.00pm to 9.00pm, until 9 January.

Featured image credit: MK Experience

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