Overwintered National Nucleus Colony — 2027

Your 6-frame National nuc is a balanced, overwintered colony with four frames of brood, two frames of stores and a mated queen, supplied in a new Paynes poly nuc box with side feeder and vented roof. Every colony is inspected before dispatch.

Why choose an overwintered National nucleus colony?

Our overwintered National nucs have already come through winter as established colonies and are inspected again in spring. That gives you an earlier start than May or June nucs.

With more of the season ahead, your colony has time to build up for honey production and taking splits once strong enough. Regular inspections and swarm management remain important as it grows.

Why buy from Jurassic Bees?

• ✔ Raised and cared for in our Dorset apiaries.
• ✔ Choice of UK-raised F1 Buckfast or Carniolan queen.
• ✔ Brand new Paynes 6-frame poly nuc box included.
• ✔ All DN4 frames and wax comb less than eight months old.
• ✔ Mainland UK postal delivery or Dorset arrangements.
• ✔ After-purchase support through our website contact form.

Buckfast or Carniolan Queen — Breeding & Selection

Our breeding and selection focus on traits that help you manage your bees: calm handling, consistent brood production, colony development and hygienic behaviour. Choose F1 Buckfast or Carniolan from the product options; these are selection aims, not guarantees for every colony.

• Selection for calm handling.
• Selection for a consistent brood pattern.
• Selection for seasonal colony development.
• Selection for honey-gathering potential.
• Selection for hygienic behaviour.

Your queen is supplied mated and laying, and marked using the colour for the year she was mated.

How we prepare your 2027 overwintered nuc

• Balanced colonies prepared for winter.
• Food stores and queen performance monitored.
• Integrated Varroa management.
• Spring inspection before dispatch.
• Dispatch delayed when transport conditions are unsuitable.

What's Included

• 6-frame National nucleus colony.
• Four frames of brood in all stages, with the bees caring for it.
• Two frames of pollen and honey stores.
• Mated, laying F1 Buckfast or Carniolan queen, marked for the year she was mated.
• Brand new Paynes poly nuc box with side feeder and vented roof.
• All DN4 National frames and wax comb are less than eight months old.

UK Delivery & Collection

• Royal Mail Special Delivery by 1pm service for mainland UK addresses.
• Hand delivery throughout Dorset by arrangement.
• Collection from Dorset on Saturdays by arrangement.

For our April National nucs, choose your preferred Tuesday-to-Friday posted delivery day. We'll confirm the date in advance, subject to weather and colony readiness.

Installing Your National Nuc

Place your nuc on its hive stand when it arrives. Cover the vented roof to keep rain out. Leave it to settle for 30 minutes before opening the entrance. Wait 24 hours before transferring the colony into your full-size National hive. Feed lightly as needed until the colony has expanded to fill the brood box.

• How to Install a Nucleus Colony
• Sugar Syrup Calculator
• Spring National Nucs
• Summer National Nucs
• Langstroth Nucs

Frequently Asked Questions

When will my overwintered nuc be delivered?
Your overwintered nuc is available from April 2027, subject to weather and colony readiness. Choose a Tuesday-to-Friday delivery day for posted orders, or collect in Dorset on Saturdays. We'll confirm your date in advance.

Will this fit my National hive?
Yes, the colony is supplied on standard British National brood frames for transfer into a matching National brood box. Check your equipment before ordering; these are National frames, not Langstroth frames.

Can beginners buy an overwintered nucleus colony?
Yes. Overwintered nucs give beginners an established colony and an earlier start for spring growth, honey production and splits once strong enough. Be ready for regular inspections and swarm management as the colony develops.

What happens if spring is delayed?
If weather or colony development makes dispatch unsuitable, we'll agree a new date with you.

Why choose an overwintered nuc instead of a spring nuc?
Established before winter and available from April, an overwintered nuc gives you more of the spring season for colony growth, honey production and making splits when strong enough.

Do I need to feed my nuc after installation?
Feed lightly as needed until the colony has expanded to fill the brood box.