Thanks for that. I left a bate hive with a frame of brood but no luck. I moved it back to the main hive just now 6.00pm. This is a really bad time to take a hive apart, they went nuts. If I hadn?t seen the swarm I wouldn?t have noticed the hive is full of bees and brood so fingers crossed. Thanks for all your messages. Chick. ponderwoman Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > I've often gathered swarms in April. Its been a > mild winter and all they need is some great > weather if they've got plans...... Chick, leave an > unoccupied hive out (with frames and wax) and I'm > sure it will fill up with someones bees soon. It > will have been your old queen that has left- your > hive will now have a new virgin queen. > > I expect the hives in Peckham Park are managed > properly as the keeper has paid ?45 for each > Queen, but if they are really set on their plans > you might find they suddenly belong to you! > > Good luck.