Prerequisites:
 

• You, the purchaser, must be either an experienced beekeeper, have a beekeeping mentor in place to assist you, or be undertaking a beekeeping course with help available as needed. Jem’s Bees® does not provide a beekeeping guidance service as part of the sale.

• You, the purchaser, are required to register on Beebase when keeping honeybees. This allows the movement of bees and associated diseases to be traced by APHA. Register via this link: Beebase Registration.

• If placing the bees in a space requiring permission (e.g., an allotment), it is your responsibility to gain approval from the relevant authority or landowners. Jem’s Bees® will not issue a refund if you purchase the bees and later realize you lack permission.

• You, the purchaser, must be the person collecting the bees.

• You, the purchaser, must never have had an anaphylactic shock from a bee sting.

• You accept responsibility for the bees as soon as they enter your possession.

• You are responsible for placing the bees in a location where they will not cause a nuisance to neighbors or the public. It is recommended to join the BBKA through your local beekeeping club or as an independent beekeeper to ensure appropriate public and product liability insurance is in place.
   

Cancellations and Refunds:

• The £100 deposit to secure your colony is non-returnable once paid. Bees are classed as perishable items. A full refund would only be issued if Jem’s Bees® is unable to supply the bees.

• If you cannot pay the remaining balance in spring 2025, the £100 deposit will be retained to cover the work committed to producing and nurturing the colony through winter.

• If you cancel your order after paying a deposit due to force majeure, Jem’s Bees® will not be liable for any losses or costs incurred.
   

Collections:

• Nucleus colonies are collection only. The collection location will be at a mutually agreeable site in Kennett, Cambridgeshire, not at the apiary site due to landlord preferences.

• You, the purchaser, must personally collect the bees. Collection times will be either early morning (7-8am) or late evening (8pm+).

• The exact time and date for nuc collection in 2025 will depend on the weather and the availability of the NBU bee inspector. Jem’s Bees® reserves the right to adjust the collection window, and you agree to be flexible.
   

Bee Health Guarantee:

• Each colony will be inspected by a bee inspector. Jem’s Bees® will provide details of the varroa treatments administered to your colony over the 2024 winter period.
   

Queens:

• Your queen will be marked but not clipped.

• You will receive a 2024 overwintered British queen, not an imported one.
   

Data Sharing and Colony Registration:

• By purchasing a nucleus colony, you understand that APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency) will be notified of your purchase. The data shared includes your name, the address where your bees are located, and your contact details. Collection and use of this data comply with GDPR and the Data Protection Act. You also agree to comply with any inspection requirements from the NBU Bee Inspectorate.
   

Collection and Onwards: What you need to bring when collecting your bees:

• Straps to secure your bee box.

• Items to keep your bee box upright in your vehicle.

• Ensure your vehicle is well-ventilated and cool to prevent bees from overheating. Do not block the mesh on the underside of the nuc. The box orientation should have the entrance facing the direction of travel to prevent frame rotation and bee squishing during acceleration or braking.

• Bring your beekeeping PPE (suit, gloves, smoker, etc.) in case you need them on the way home.
   

What to do after bringing your bees home:

• Place the nucleus colony on the stand and open the door on the nuc.

• Allow the bees to fly out and orientate. After a day or two, transfer them to their permanent hive. Beginners should utilize their mentor or beekeeping club for assistance.

• Feed the bees, as it takes a lot of syrup for them to draw wax on the frames.

• Inspect regularly. Beginners should seek support from their mentor or beekeeping club.
   

Post-Purchase Support:

• Your colony is guaranteed to be free from foulbrood diseases. An NBU bee inspector will have checked the bees before collection.

• Beekeeping mentoring is not part of the nucleus sale. Seek hints, tips, and guidance from your beekeeping mentor or association.