Summer National Nucleus Colony — 2027

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

Why Choose a Summer National Nucleus Colony?

A June start lets you replace losses, expand your apiary or begin beekeeping later in the season. With a laying queen, brood and stores already together, your colony can develop quickly in suitable summer conditions.

Depending on weather, forage and colony strength, there may also be time for a honey crop. Give your colony suitable space, food and regular inspections as it grows.

• ✔ Replace a lost colony — Get your apiary back on track without waiting until next spring.
• ✔ Expand your apiary — Add a colony with brood, stores and a laying queen during the summer season.
• ✔ Room to grow — Support summer colony development, with the opportunity for honey production when conditions allow.

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 National frames and wax comb are 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.

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.
• All DN4 National frames and wax comb are less than eight months old.

June National Nucs — 2027 Availability

Our June National nucs are available from June 2027, subject to weather and colony readiness. We'll confirm delivery or collection arrangements in advance and reschedule if conditions are unsuitable.

If you need bees earlier, see our Spring National Nucs or Overwintered National Nucs.

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 posted nucs, choose your preferred delivery day, Tuesday to Friday. We'll confirm the date based on weather and colony readiness.

Installing Your Summer 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
• Overwintered National Nucs
• Spring National Nucs
• Langstroth Nucs

Frequently Asked Questions

Why buy a Summer National nuc?
A June nuc lets you replace losses, expand your apiary or begin later in the season. Supplied with brood, stores and a laying queen, it can develop through summer, with the opportunity for a honey crop when conditions allow.

When will my summer nuc be delivered?
Our Summer National nucs are available from June 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 a summer nuc still build up before winter?
Yes. A Summer National nuc can develop through summer with appropriate space, feeding and Varroa management. Inspect it regularly and prepare for autumn in good time.

Can beginners buy a Summer National nuc?
Yes. A summer nuc gives beginners an established brood nest with a mated, laying queen and stores. Have your National hive ready and arrange training or mentoring if needed.

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