TRADITIONAL British seasons were plunged into chaos in 2017 as one of the hottest years on record sparked a “freak” year for nature, the National Trust said.

Bumblebees appeared in January due to mild conditions, spring flowers bloomed in autumn, and there was an "unnerving" invasion of the Portuguese Man O' War.

Storm Ophelia, which swept across parts of the UK in October, brought with it an invasion of the venomous creatures. Thousands washed up on UK beaches in what was the biggest infestation of the jellyfish-like animals since 2003. Huge spikes in sightings were recorded on Dorset's beaches, particularly along the Golden Cap. The creatures were also found washed up in Southbourne, Bournemouth and Poole as well as Swanage.

However, the storm affected the survival rate of several colonies of grey seals along the South West coast.

The National Trust said its plans to reverse declines in nature - including creating 25,000 hectares (62,000 acres) of new habitat on its land by 2025 - were more urgent than ever in the face of changes in the climate.

And with year-round "thuggish vegetation" growth becoming a trend as a result of mild winters and damp summers, experts warn they will have to find new ways of managing special habitats to benefit the plants and animals that rely on them.

The organisation's annual review of the year showed a mild, dry start prompted many flowers to arrive early, including elder and dog rose, usually June blooms, flowering in April.

Balmy weather in May led to a good nesting season for birds and spring insects did well.

The Heather Colletes bee thrived on the Purbeck heaths.

Then it was the "summer that nearly was", nature expert Matthew Oates said, with clouds assembling just as the state schools broke up and leading to another in a string of wet Augusts - followed by a damp September.

Winged insects were hit, but it was a prolific year for fungi.

The fine spring spelled a good apple harvest and a bumper autumn for nuts and seeds, attracting a remarkable influx of elusive hawfinches from the continent with flocks of up to 50 reported.

And in November, the nationally rare Blushing Waxcap fungus Hygrocybe ovina was discovered in Dorset.

Mr Oates said: “Looking at the bigger picture, 2017 has been one of – if not the hottest – years ever, and that’s led to more unusual occurrences in the natural world, globally and here in the UK.”

“At times, it feels like the seasons are becoming less distinctive, and that makes it extremely difficult to predict how nature will react. Certain species are good at adapting, which is great, whereas others are struggling – some of them badly. We need to give wildlife the space, time and where necessary, the support it needs, not only to survive, but to thrive.”