Frequently Asked Questions
Raw Honey and Nucleus Colony FAQ
We’re often asked about our honey, bees, and nucleus colonies. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about how our honey is produced, how our bees are kept, and how our nucs are supplied.
If you’re new to beekeeping, you may also find our practical guides helpful, including our guides on preparing your hive for a nucleus colony and installing a nuc safely.
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Honey | Nucleus Colonies | Orders & Delivery
Honey
Is your honey raw?
Yes. All Eden Honey Bees honey is raw and unpasteurised. It is only lightly filtered to remove larger pieces of wax, leaving the natural enzymes, pollen, and delicate flavour intact.
Because it is not heat treated or heavily processed, the honey retains the character of the landscape where the bees forage.
Where is your honey produced?
Our honey is produced in small batches from our bees across several apiaries in North Shropshire, including around Myddle and the surrounding countryside.
Different locations and seasons produce slightly different honeys, which is one of the pleasures of raw honey - each batch reflects the forage available to the bees at that time.
What flowers do your bees forage from?
The nectar sources change naturally throughout the season and vary between our apiaries. Bees may collect nectar from:
- hawthorn
- dandelion
- clover
- wildflowers
- lime trees
- hedgerow blossom
- himalayan balsam
- occasionally nearby OSR fields
Because the bees forage freely across the surrounding countryside, each batch of honey can look and taste slightly different.
Why does honey crystallise or set?
All raw honey naturally crystallises over time. This is a natural process and a sign the honey has not been heavily processed.
Spring honey often sets more quickly due to its natural glucose content.
If you prefer runnier honey, simply stand the jar in warm (not hot) water and the crystals will gently dissolve.
How should I store honey?
Honey keeps best in a cool, dry cupboard away from direct sunlight.
There is no need to refrigerate honey. Refrigeration can actually encourage crystallisation.
Properly stored honey will keep for a very long time.
Is your honey local honey?
Yes. Our honey is produced locally by our bees in North Shropshire.
Honey bees typically forage within a few miles of the hive, so the honey reflects the flowers, trees, and crops growing in the surrounding countryside.
Where can I buy your honey?
Our honey is available directly through our website.
We offer local delivery around Myddle and nearby villages, as well as collection by arrangement. From time to time our honey may also be available through selected local stockists depending on seasonal availability.
Nucleus Colonies (Nucs)
What is a nucleus colony?
A nucleus colony, often called a nuc, is a small but fully functioning honey bee colony.
It contains a laying queen, worker bees, brood, and food stores on several frames. Because the colony is already established, it is one of the most reliable ways to start a new hive.
If you’d like to learn more, our guide explaining what a nucleus colony is and why beekeepers use them goes into more detail.
Are your nucs suitable for beginner beekeepers?
Yes. Our nucleus colonies are suitable for both beginner and experienced beekeepers.
We aim to supply calm, healthy colonies that establish quickly once transferred into a full hive.
Many new beekeepers choose nucs because they allow a colony to build up much faster than starting from a package or swarm.
What is included in an Eden Honey Bees nuc?
Each nucleus colony includes:
- a young, marked laying queen
- 5 Langstroth frames containing brood, bees, and food stores
- a healthy population of worker bees
If delivered by Royal Mail, the colony is supplied in a temporary travel box, ready to transfer into your own hive. If collecting in person, your colony will be in a Quarti box.
What hive type are your nucs supplied on?
Our nucleus colonies are supplied on Langstroth frames.
Our guide on transferring a nuc into your hive explains the process step by step.
How strong are your nucleus colonies?
We aim to supply well-established colonies with a strong laying queen and a healthy population of worker bees.
Each nuc contains brood in multiple stages, food stores, and plenty of bees so that the colony can expand quickly once installed in a full hive.
When are nucleus colonies available?
Our nucs are generally ready between April and June, depending on weather conditions and how quickly colonies develop during spring.
Because we produce our colonies in limited numbers, pre-ordering is essential.
How do I prepare for receiving a nuc?
Before your nuc arrives you should have:
- a fully assembled hive
- frames prepared in the brood box
- a suitable apiary location
The colony should be transferred into its permanent hive as soon as possible after collection or delivery so the bees can settle quickly.
Our guide on preparing your hive for a nucleus colony walks through this process step by step.
Do you deliver nucleus colonies?
Yes. We offer:
- collection from Myddle in North Shropshire
- local delivery by Henry
- nationwide delivery within the UK via Royal Mail
We will contact you nearer the time to confirm arrangements and ensure the bees travel safely.
Orders & Delivery
Can I collect my order?
Yes. Orders can be collected by arrangement from our base in Myddle.
Full details will be provided after your purchase.
Do you offer local delivery?
Yes. We offer local delivery around Myddle and nearby villages, usually personally by Henry.
If this option is available for your postcode it will appear during checkout.
How is honey shipped?
Honey jars are carefully packed to protect them during transit and shipped via Royal Mail within the UK.
Can I pre-order honey?
We release honey in small seasonal batches, so we do not currently offer pre-orders.
The best way to hear when new honey becomes available is to join our mailing list.