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EPP Poly Nuc Range
Poly Nuc made from Expanded Polypropylene
Every other poly nuc on the market is made from Expanded Polystyrene (EPS). We changed that. Our 6 Frame Dual Poly Nuc uses EPP — the same ultra-tough material found in motorcycle helmets. Stronger, warmer, completely waterproof, and never needs painting. A modular system designed to grow with your apiary.
Six reasons to choose EPP over traditional EPS
Every advantage matters when you’re working with livestock in unpredictable weather.
Impact Proof
The same material used in motorcycle helmets. EPP absorbs and dissipates energy without cracking or permanent deformation. Drop it, knock it, stack it — no damage.
No Painting Required
EPP’s closed molecular structure includes UV filters. Simply wipe clean each season. No brushes, no paint, no prep. More time with your bees.
100% Waterproof
Zero water absorption. No swelling, no rot, no degradation even through the wettest winters. EPP maintains its insulation properties regardless of moisture exposure.
Superior Insulation
EPP provides better thermal performance than EPS. Colonies stay warmer in winter, cooler in summer. Less stress, better survival rates, earlier spring build-up.
Longer Lifespan
EPP is stronger and more durable than EPS due to its higher density. It retains its shape even after multiple impacts and resists UV degradation. Your investment lasts decades, not years.
100% Recyclable
EPP can be reprocessed and reused in various applications. When your nuc finally reaches end-of-life (decades from now), it doesn’t go to landfill. Sustainable beekeeping from start to finish.
One box. Two colonies.
No other poly nuc offers this flexibility at this price. Use the removable Correx divider to run two 3-frame colonies side by side — perfect for walk-away splits, queen rearing, or controlled queen introduction.
Queen Rearing Made Simple
Create a perfect queenless environment for cell raising without the complexity of multi-box setups. One side becomes your cell builder, the other continues as your support colony.
Walk-Away Splits Without Guesswork
Split a colony in one box. Both halves have immediate access to drawn comb, stores, and brood. The queenless side raises a new queen while the queenright side continues building.
Controlled Queen Introduction
Run a new queen in one half while the other half continues with the existing queen. Observe both colonies through the same inspection schedule, then combine or keep separate depending on performance.
A modular system that grows with your apiary
Start with the core nuc. Add extensions, upgrades, and spares as your colony develops. Every component is designed to work seamlessly together.
6 Frame Dual Poly Nuc
The complete foundation. Feeder, divider, mesh floor, lid, entrance discs — everything you need in one box. £54.99
✓ 3.5L feeder
✓ Mesh floor
Add Extensions as Your Colony Grows
Convert to 14×12 depth or add a second brood box for overwintering strong nucs.
14×12 Eke Extension
Match your main hive frame size
Brood Box Extension
Double-brood for strong colonies
Transport Solutions & Premium Upgrades
Safe transport options and premium component alternatives for long-term investment.
Full specifications at a glance
| Frame Standard | British National |
| Frame Capacity | 6 frames (or 2 × 3 frames when split) |
| Material | Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) — NOT Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) |
| Weight | 1.6 kg — ultralight |
| Feeder Capacity | 3.5 litres |
| Feeder Compatibility | Liquid syrup AND fondant / pattie — no adapters needed |
| Floor Type | Open mesh — Varroa monitoring and improved airflow |
| Divider Type | Removable Correx (upgrade aluminium composite available separately) |
| Entrance Discs | 2× included with fixing screws — one per split section |
| Lid | Recessed hive strap indentation — secure in transport |
| UV Filter | Built in — colour is permanent, no painting required |
| Painting Required | No — but you can paint with standard smooth masonry paint if preferred |
| Recyclable | Yes — 100% EPP, fully reprocessable |
| Registered Design | IPO No. 6345341 |
| Availability | Exclusively from Old Castle Farm Hives |
Core products — complete & ready to use
Everything you need in one box. No hidden costs, no surprises. Both versions include feeder, divider, mesh floor, lid, and entrance discs.
6 Frame Dual Poly Nuc — Standard
The hero product. Full 6-frame British National nuc with 3.5L feeder, Correx divider, mesh floor, lid, and 2× entrance discs. Complete kit — nothing extra to buy.
6 Frame Dual Poly Nuc — 14×12
The standard nuc with the 14×12 eke extension pre-installed — full 14×12 brood depth straight out of the box. Ideal for larger colonies or frame-matching to your main hives.
14×12 Eke Extension
Convert your standard nuc to 14×12 depth. Fits perfectly between the brood box and lid. Match your main hive frame size or give a developing colony more brood space.
Brood Box Extension
Additional full-depth brood space for established colonies. Stack it on top, use it as a second complete unit, or create a double-brood nuc setup for overwintering strong nucs.
Vented Transport Lid
Safe, ventilated transport for your nuc. Mesh ventilation panels prevent overheating while keeping bees secure. Includes recessed hive strap channel for extra security during transit.
Mesh Transport Bag
Additional ventilation and security during transport. Heavy-duty mesh construction allows maximum airflow while containing the entire nuc. Drawstring closure keeps everything secure.
Aluminium Composite Divider
Upgrade from standard Correx to aluminium composite. Stiffer, more rigid, and completely impermeable. Better insulation between splits and longer lifespan. Perfect for permanent dual-colony setups.
Stainless Steel Entrance Discs (125mm)
Corrosion-proof, fully recyclable alternative to plastic entrance discs. Smooth rotating action, precise entrance sizing, and a lifetime of use. No rust, no degradation, no replacement.
Individual components available for repair, replacement, or building custom configurations. Every part designed for long-term availability.
| Part | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement Feeder (3.5L) | Identical to the feeder included with complete nuc | View → |
| Replacement Lid | Standard solid lid with hive strap recess | View → |
| Replacement Correx Divider — Standard | For standard depth brood box | View → |
| Replacement Correx Divider — 14×12 | For 14×12 depth configuration | View → |
| Spare Perspex Feeder Panels (×2) | Replacement viewing panels for feeder | View → |
| Spare Silicone Bung (Feeder) | Feeder access bung — apply petroleum jelly and twist for seal | View → |
| Plastic Entrance Discs (125mm) | Standard plastic entrance discs | View → |
Ready to build your modular setup?
Start with the core nuc and add exactly what your apiary needs. Every component backed by our commitment to quality, durability, and long-term availability.