My bees have still got plenty of room available in the hive and my queen is only one year old.
Brood box doing well, second box is at least 60% honey storage and they are already working in the super.
There is plenty to keep my girls busy.
Would I still be at risk of swarming?
Swarming IS inevitable, especially during the springtime. As you probably already know, swarming is how they reproduce. Sometimes the urge to reproduce can drive bees to make swarm preparations well before they run out of room. It’s just something that we need to be aware of during swarm season.
My thinking is that colonies are constantly working towards that end, where they will eventually swarm.
And the rhythm of life is a powerful beat, puts a tingle in your fingers and a tingle in your feet. 
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I wholeheartedly agree with @JeffH, and would like to add that this is why inspecting every week or two, during a nectar flow, is absolutely essential. Some people split pre-emptively, but I only do it if I see convincing signs of swarm preparations. However, that does mean that you have to inspect conscientiously. 
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As a newbie can you tell me if they return to the hive or do I have to find them and return them?
They almost never return to the original hive, unless they are doing a “practice swarm”. In that case, they may return once or twice, but eventually they do depart. It is quite unusual to be able to catch your own swarm, as you have to be there to see it happen, and then see where they first cluster. Often it will be up high, and they often don’t stay long before going much further afield and out of reach.
Prevention is far, far preferable to attempting to catch them after the event.
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Thanks Dawn,
Having an in-depth hive inspection on Sunday.
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Don’t let swarm prevention worry you too much Heather, it’s great experience and very satisfying to raise splits into healthy new colonies. Let us know how everything looks when you inspect 
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I’ll see if I can get some good photos as well.
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My hive inspection was successful and we swapped a few frames around to make sure the queen had plenty of room for brood.
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Wonderful, well done Heather! Those will both be bursting again in no time 
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Thanks for your advice. It’s always good to have an inspection and make sure all is well.
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