A wildlife reserve on the Suffolk coast is going to be protected for the future with a share of nearly �2million of European funding.

The RSPB reserve at Minsmere, south of Southwold, has been designated as a Natura 2000 site, meaning it is one of the most important wildlife sites in Europe.

Now the RSPB has joined a project with three partner organisations in Belgium and The Netherlands in a bid to secure funding for the nature reserves and to ensure their protection in the future.

The project, called Natura People, is financed by the European Regional Development Fund and a grant of more than 2.2million Euros (more than �1.9million) is going to be shared between RSPB Minsmere and three other reserves in Flanders, Belgium, and in Waterdunen and Grevelingen in The Netherlands. The RSPB will receive about �700,000 to fund its part of the work.

All four reserves are coastal sites which are popular locations for watching wildlife. As well as protecting the reserves, the project has been set up to look at improving the ways both visitors and locals use the sites and increase awareness of their importance to the local economy.

The partnership will also mean that the RSPB and organisations in Europe can share knowledge and experience to help nature conservation around the North Sea and Channel coasts.

RSPB Eastern England regional director Richard Powell said: 'We already know what a wonderful place Minsmere is for both people and wildlife, but wildlife is not confined by national boundaries.

'This is an exciting opportunity to share our experiences with partners across the North Sea, helping to benefit local economies, visitors and wildlife alike, and ensuring the long-term protection of the natural environment.'

The Natura People project will be officially launched at a reception at the Ufford Park Hotel near Woodbridge tonight.