Nucleus Colonies in West Sussex

Locally Raised Nucleus Colonies

We produce locally raised nucleus colonies (nucs) from our own apiaries in Almodington, West Sussex, near Chichester.

Our nucs are intended for beekeepers looking to start keeping bees, replace a colony or expand an existing apiary. Rather than supplying a box of loose bees, a nucleus colony is an established working colony containing a queen, bees, brood and food stores.

What's a Nucleus Colony?

A nucleus colony is a smaller version of a full bee colony. It contains everything the bees need to continue developing as a colony, including:

-A laying queen

-Worker bees

-Brood at different stages

-Food stores

-Established comb

The colony has already started working together, making a nuc a practical way to begin or expand an apiary.

Locally Raised, Not Imported

Our nucleus colonies are raised locally rather than imported. The bees are kept and developed within our own apiaries in West Sussex.

We know the colonies we work with and select them based on useful characteristics such as good temperament, colony development, productivity and general performance.

We believe that knowing the history and behaviour of a colony is important when supplying bees to other beekeepers.

A Good Start for Your Apiary

A nucleus colony gives a beekeeper an established starting point rather than having to build a colony from a package of loose bees.

Once collected and introduced into suitable equipment, the colony can continue to develop as the season progresses. As with all living colonies, development depends on factors including weather, forage, queen performance, colony strength and good beekeeping management.

Collection from Almodington

Our nucleus colonies are available for collection from Almodington, West Sussex, subject to availability.

We're conveniently located for beekeepers around Chichester, Selsey, East Wittering, West Wittering, Bracklesham Bay, Birdham, Sidlesham, Emsworth and Bognor Regis.

Availability varies throughout the season, so please check our current listings or get in touch if you're interested in a nucleus colony.

Buying a Nuc From Us

We aim to provide healthy, well-established colonies and straightforward information so you know what you're collecting.

Before collecting your nuc, make sure you have a suitable hive ready, along with the equipment needed to safely transport and install the colony.

Collection only — Almodington, West Sussex.