A nucleus colony - or nuc - is a small colony of bees with a laying queen, frames of honey and frames of brood. It helps if the nuc has been over-wintered so it has a chance to build up strongly. That means it’s all set to go into your hive and start the process of making honey.

Beekeeper John breeds his own queen bees in Devon. They’re Buckfast queens, renowned for their gentleness and non-swarming qualities. It’s worth choosing the best stock to start your beekeeping - a gentle queen makes for a gentle hive!

Our nucs are supplied as five-frame Nationals in a small reusable wooden box and cost £230 each (buyer collects from Dartington). There’s limited stock in the spring, so reserve one by emailing Beekeeper John. £50 deposit with the balance paid by the day of collection.

A nuc is not a hive - you need a fully set-up beehive to receive your bees, a suitable place to keep them, a bee suit and some basic beekeeping equipment. If you are a new beekeeper, it’s worth going on a course first or looking at your local beekeeping society website.