They were released this time last year with fanfare, much hope and also, perhaps, a little trepidation.

Twelve months on, there have been ups and downs for the first beavers to be (officially) reintroduced into the wild in England since the semiaquatic mammals were hunted to extinction 400 years ago.

Providing an end-of-year report, the National Trust, which is in charge of the project, said it was thrilled the beavers had been reshaping their new home in Dorset, where they have felled trees to construct a 35-metre dam, slowing the flow of a stream and creating a deep, wildlife-rich pool.

By coppicing trees they have allowed more light in and improved habitats for plants, insects, amphibians, birds and bats – and may help stop a nearby road from flooding.

Trail cameras have picked up an otter fishing in the pond as well as a barn owl hunting there, and volunteers have spotted birds including redpolls and water rails.