pond care over winter

Hi all this will be my first winter with my new pond a nd various fish, can anyone offer me any advice on hoe to care for pond and fish over winter please??

Someone said i should be removing my pond pump and filter now, is this correct and if so why is this?

Ive also been told i should be changing the food any advice on maintainince ect greatly appreciated

Thanks all
Mickeyboy

I am a believer in using air pumps and airstones overwinter to oxygenate and keep the water ice free. If the pump is in a nearby shed which warms up quickly during the day you will be pumping warmer air in raising the temperature which will keep the fish active and help their digestive system work faster ,no need for wheatgerm.

Remove any rotting lilies or weed you can easily reach if the pond is small.
Do not smash any ice you will do more harm than good.
I believe the main reason for removing water pumps was to avoid ice damage.

If your pump is on constantly it should not be damaged by ice (unless the weather is very cold) but when the pump is switched off ice plugs may form and damage parts or cause a leak which can cause the pond to empty.
The dying vegetation will also tend to clog pipes and filters.