For national Frames
A calm, healthy Buckfast colony on National frames, ready to build from May onwards.
Starting out in beekeeping is exciting. It can also be overwhelming. We keep things simple. You get a strong, healthy colony of calm bees, a mated Buckfast queen, and we’re here for every question that follows.
If you have a National hive (or you’re buying a hive and want the most common setup in the UK) this is the starter colony (NUC) for you.
National is the British standard. It’s the most widely used hive format in the country, which means equipment is easy to find, local beekeeping associations will be familiar with it, and you’ll never struggle for advice or spare parts.
Not sure which frame size is right for you? Have a Flow Hive? Flow Hives use Langstroth frames, so you’ll want to order that version instead. If you’re not sure, get in touch and we’ll help you work it out before you order.
After you order:
We don’t disappear after the sale. You can contact us before, during, and after introduction. We’ve also got a library of YouTube videos, guides, blog posts, and live streams that cover most questions before you even need to ask them.
All went well with the delivery They have settled in well.
I purchased 1 nuc this year , instructions very clear and straight forward for the installation , fast response with any questions I had .
These bees are the best I have ever had as they are calm , they produce brood very quickly and they are still doing very strong going into winter with great numbers and good honey stores!
top quality bees will definitely recommend purchasing of Laurence
Thanks again to Black Mountain Bees – what a cracking nucleus. I received it on Thursday and have been fortunate to have a lovely warm day to take a peek inside. These bees are so lovely to handle and this is the second nuc I have bought from this company this year. The information and communication from Laurence is top notch and nothing is too much trouble for him, which is much appreciated.
I have posted a photo of one of the super frames produced from my spring nuc – 3 supers already.
First thing first,I am new at beekeeping and I want to start my review by saying a big THANK YOU to Laurence for everything!!! from the moment I bought my bees from BMH to the day when they arrived home. I had all my question asked and felt like I am getting help and support with everything that I need. This is my second nuc of bees that I bought this year and first one is doing extremly well so far! The feeling I get is that BMH isn’t just a bussines, this is about love and passion for bees.
Our summer National nucs are available from May through to June each season. Exact availability depends on the season, so it’s worth getting your order in early. We dispatch in strict date order, first come first served.
Your nuc is shipped in a free Paynes poly nuc box via Royal Mail Special Delivery. It’s a signature-required service, so make sure someone will be in to receive it. The poly nuc is ventilated and purpose-built for safe postal delivery. We’ve shipped thousands of colonies this way and the bees arrive in excellent condition.
Queens are shipped in secure postal cages with attendant bees and food via Royal Mail Special Delivery (£9.99). This is a signature-required service and cannot be posted through your letterbox. Delivery is tracked so you know exactly when to expect them. We’ve shipped thousands of queens safely using this method.
Contact us immediately with a photo of what you’ve received. We’ll sort it out. We stand behind every colony we send.
Yes. You’ll need a National hive ready to receive your colony. If you’re not sure what equipment you need, our Fundamentals and Beehives course modules walk you through exactly what to buy and how to set it up. Or just ask us before you order.
No. Flow Hives use Langstroth frames, not National frames. If you have a Flow Hive, you need our Summer Starter Colony (Langstroth) instead. Still not sure? Get in touch and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Summer nucs build fast in warm weather. Within a few weeks, your colony should be filling out and the queen will be laying well across multiple frames. By midsummer, a well-managed colony on National frames can be a full, strong hive.
Quite possibly. Summer nucs started in May have the best chance. It depends on your local forage, the weather, and how your colony develops. Six-frame nucs have a real advantage over five-frame nucs for building quickly. Many of our customers do get a harvest in their first season. We won’t promise it, but it’s genuinely possible.
Everything. Contact us before, during, or after your colony arrives. Ask as many questions as you like. There are NO silly questions. We also have a library of YouTube videos, guides, and live streams covering most questions you’ll ever have as a beekeeper.
