Overwintered Nucleus Colonies for Sale in the UK
Our overwintered nucs are raised and managed in Dorset and carefully prepared for spring build-up. Each colony is supplied on fresh frames in a Paynes poly nuc and is headed by a proven, UK-mated queen. These colonies contain strong populations of locally adapted bees bred to perform well in the British climate. If you’re still comparing options, see our main honey bees for sale in the UK page for nucs, established hives and queen bees.
When you choose Jurassic Bees, you are buying more than just bees — you are investing in healthy overwintered nucleus colonies that have been inspected, Varroa treated, and maintained under strict NBU best practice. Our colonies are calm, productive, and suited to both beginners and experienced beekeepers alike.
We offer National overwintered nucs as well as Langstroth overwintered nucs , giving you flexibility depending on your hive system. Whether you are looking to buy overwintered bees UK for the first time or expand your existing apiary, we provide reliable stock that’s ready to thrive.
Delivery and collection are simple and free — with options for direct Dorset delivery, free nationwide shipping via Royal Mail Special Delivery, or collection from our base. All overwintered colonies UK are supplied with clear health records and backed by our ongoing support.
Overwintered Nucs for Sale
Choose from National or Langstroth overwintered nucleus colonies.
£330
Buy Overwintered National Nuc – 6-Frame Poly (UK 2026)
Buy strong overwintered National nucs in the UK — proven through winter and ready for rapid spring build-up. Supplied on fresh frames with UK-mated queens raised in Dorset.
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£330
Overwintered Langstroth Nuc for Sale UK | 6-Frame Poly | £330
Premium overwintered Langstroth nucs UK — tested in Dorset winters, with calm, locally adapted bees and UK-mated queens. Supplied in Paynes poly nucs on fresh foundation.
View productWhat are Overwintered Nucs?
Overwintered nucs are nucleus colonies built up in late summer, cared for and fed correctly, then taken through winter in poly nucs. Come spring, they have a proven, laying queen, healthy brood pattern, and momentum to expand rapidly.
- Raised in summer → tested for winter survival and health.
- Enter spring strong with brood, stores, and a settled queen.
- Contrast with early spring nucs: these are proven colonies, not freshly assembled.
Why Choose Jurassic Bees Overwintered Nucs?
High survival & health
Strong genetics, appropriate feeding, Varroa treatments, and NBU best practices.
Locally adapted bees
Our overwintered nucs contain locally adapted bees headed by UK-mated queens raised here in Dorset. This ensures colonies are well suited to the British climate, with calm behaviour and strong performance.
Ready to expand
Established queens and brood so they draw comb and fill supers quickly in spring.
Inspected & traceable
Full health checks, hygiene protocols, and records for accountability.
What You Get
Every overwintered nucleus colony supplied by Jurassic Bees meets National Bee Unit best practice for the sale of nuclei. Colonies are strong, healthy, and ready for expansion in spring.
Frames
Each nuc is supplied on 6 frames, all of which are new or as new as possible. We never sell bees on old or recycled comb. All frames are less than 8 months old, built on fresh frames and foundation during the previous season.
- At least 3 frames of brood in all stages with adhering bees.
- Around 2 frames equivalent of food stores (honey, nectar, and pollen).
- 1 frame of drawn comb or additional stores depending on the season.
Queen
Each colony is headed by a proven, marked, UK-mated queen. Her laying pattern is checked before release to ensure colony strength and productivity.
Box
Supplied in a brand new Paynes poly nuc box, which is included in the price.
Treatment
Colonies are treated for Varroa and maintained under strict hygiene and biosecurity protocols, with full records available.
Ordering & Availability
Timeline
- Orders accepted from September until May.
- Collections and deliveries start April onwards (weather dependent).
- Orders fulfilled in the sequence deposits are received.
How to Reserve
Secure your overwintered nucs by placing a deposit online. We’ll confirm your order and share next steps.
Reserve NowDelivery & Pickup
- Dorset delivery: we deliver directly across Dorset.
- Pickup: collection available from our Dorset base.
- Nationwide delivery: free via Royal Mail Special Delivery.
- All options are free of charge.
More from Jurassic Bees
Explore our nucleus colonies and learn more about beekeeping with our step-by-step guides.
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Overwintered Nucs — FAQs
Are your nucs locally adapted bees?
Yes. Our overwintered nucs contain locally adapted bees headed by
UK-mated queens raised here in Dorset. They’re selected for calm temperament,
productivity, and reliable performance in the British climate.
When are overwintered nucs ready?
We accept orders from September until May. Collections and deliveries typically run
from April onwards (weather dependent). We’ll confirm your slot and give you at least
two weeks’ notice before your bees are ready.
Do you offer National and Langstroth overwintered nucs?
Yes — we supply National overwintered nucs and Langstroth overwintered nucs.
Choose the format that matches your equipment and we’ll allocate accordingly.
What exactly is included with an overwintered nuc?
A 6-frame nucleus with at least 3 frames of brood, around 2 frames of stores,
and one frame of drawn comb/stores (seasonal). Supplied in a new Paynes poly nuc box.
Are the frames new?
Yes. We never sell bees on old or recycled comb. Frames are new or as new as possible and
are all less than 8 months old, built on fresh frames and foundation during the previous season.
How do delivery and pickup work?
We offer free direct delivery across Dorset, free nationwide delivery via Royal Mail Special Delivery,
and free pickup from our Dorset base — all included in the price.
Are your colonies treated and inspected?
Yes. Colonies are Varroa managed and maintained under NBU best practice hygiene and biosecurity
protocols, with records available.
How do I reserve bees?
Place a deposit online to secure your slot; the balance is due on collection or delivery. Orders are fulfilled
in the sequence deposits are received, so early booking is recommended.
Not sure if overwintered nucs are right?
Compare nucs, established hives and queen options in one place.
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