The long term outcome for an over wintering hive depends on how well the hive population has prepared for the cold, this could be based on how much honey has been stored and left in the hive but also blocking up gaps in the hive structure to prevent drafts. As our hive is relatively a young colony we have been feeding the bees to give them the possible chance to over winter successfully ,We also reduce the hive opening size to reduce drafts but also make it easier for the bees to defend their hive from wasps and mice.