What’s the best bee for beginners in the UK — Buckfast, Carniolan, Ligustica or Native Black Bees?
For beginners in the UK, the most popular and practical choices are Buckfast and Carniolan bees. Buckfast are calm and consistent, while Carniolans are gentle and expand quickly in spring. Other strains exist — Ligustica (Italian bees) and Apis mellifera mellifera (native black bees) — but these are less suited to new beekeepers.
Comparison of common bee strains in the UK
| Bee type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Buckfast | Calm, productive, low swarming tendency, consistent honey yield | Moderate build-up; may not thrive as fast in spring as Carniolans |
| Carniolan | Very gentle, rapid spring build-up, excellent overwinter survival | Higher swarming tendency, needs spring management |
| Ligustica (Italian) | Hard-working, large brood nests, popular worldwide | Require more food over winter; brood nests can outgrow forage supply |
| Apis mellifera mellifera (native black bees) | Locally adapted, hardy in poor weather, ideal for conservation projects | More defensive; prone to brood disorders like sacbrood and chalkbrood; not recommended for beginners |
- Buckfast and Carniolan bees are the best starting point for new UK beekeepers.
- Ligustica and native black bees are better suited to experienced beekeepers with specific goals.
- The bee strain in your hive can be changed at any time simply by replacing the queen.
Related questions
Next steps
Ready to choose your bees? Browse our Queen Bees for Sale (Buckfast & Carniolan lines), or go straight to our products: Mated Buckfast Queen and Mated Carniolan Queen. Then explore the Hive How-Tos guide hub to prepare for your first season.
FAQs
Are Buckfast bees good for beginners?
Yes. Buckfast bees are calm, productive, and less swarm-prone — making them a steady choice for new beekeepers.
Are Carniolan bees suitable for UK beekeepers?
Yes. Carniolans are gentle and overwinter well, but beginners must manage their rapid spring growth to avoid swarming.
Why are Ligustica bees less ideal for UK beginners?
Ligustica bees build very large brood nests and need more food over winter. This makes them less forgiving for new beekeepers.
Are native black bees (Apis mellifera mellifera) beginner-friendly?
They are hardy and locally adapted, but are often defensive and more prone to brood diseases. Not recommended for beginners unless you have a conservation focus.
Can I change the type of bees in my hive?
Yes. You can change your bees at any time by introducing a new queen from a different strain, and within weeks the colony will adopt her genetics.
