Jem’s Bees® is happy to be able to offer a limited number of
overwintered nucleus colonies for collection in Spring 2026!
Overwintered 6 x frame National nucleus colony for 2026
£320 – Collection only
A strong overwintered 6-frame National nucleus colony consisting of:
• 6 BS deep frames (DN4) containing healthy bees, brood in all stages, ample food, and a 2025 British-bred Buckfast queen.
• NBU inspection records, confirming that the colony has been inspected by an NBU inspector and is free from notifiable diseases at the time of inspection. You will also receive details of any VMD-approved varroa treatments administered over the winter period.
• Sustainably made travel hive box, not a poly nuc. This is a new feature for 2026. Jem will share full details with applicants.
For every colony purchased, Collect-a-Bee points are added to your loyalty account for immediate use. Learn more here.
What do you get?
Why Choose Jem’s Bees?
• Award-Winning Beekeeping
Jem’s Bees® has been awarded the 2025 International Green Apple Gold Award for the project “Overwintered Nucs: Championing Responsible Beekeeping”. This recognition celebrates the high standards and care behind the responsibly raised honeybee colonies. Sustainability and circularity are at the core of the business, which has also won the Sustainability Award at the 2024 FSB Awards for the East of England and the Gold Sustainability Award at the 2024 National Business Women’s Awards. Jem’s Bees® additionally achieved Gold and Silver at the 2024 Cambridgeshire SME Business Awards.
• Personal and local approach
Jem values the personal touch, especially for first-time beekeepers. That’s why all nucleus colonies are offered on a collection-only basis for 2025, allowing Jem to meet each new bee owner personally.
• Quality Assurance
Each colony undergoes a thorough inspection by an NBU bee inspector before reaching its new home, ensuring top-notch quality and giving you peace of mind with your purchase.
• Exclusive Rewards
As a thank-you to customers, Jem has created the Collect-a-Bee loyalty program. Purchasing a nucleus colony earns you thousands of bee points, which can be redeemed for exciting rewards. Learn more about how you can benefit.
To apply for a colony,
follow these steps:
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Read the Terms
Review the terms of the nucleus colony sale. Click here to read the terms.
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Complete the "Bees Please" Form
Fill out the "Bees Please" form, which includes a multiple-choice knowledge check.
Why? This step ensures you understand the terms of sale and confirms your knowledge of beekeeping basics. Jem wants to make sure the bees are going to attentive and responsible new owners. Click here to complete the form.
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Submit a Deposit
If you pass the knowledge check, you'll be invited to pay a £100 deposit per colony. If there are significant errors in your responses, you won't be able to proceed with the order. If you have any questions or believe there are special circumstances, please contact Jem directly.
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Pay the Remaining Balance
In Spring 2026, pay the remaining balance of £220 within 7 days after receiving the payment link. You will then be able to arrange a time to collect your bees.
