Prepare for colder spells by cutting back vegetation so that it doesn’t overhang the pond. Falling leaves can, if left to gather in your pond, release toxins into the water as they decay.

These toxins can be poisonous to the pond – and the creatures in it. If the position of your pond means you can’t prevent leaves and vegetation falling on it, consider investing in a pond net.

If you have an ornamental waterfall in your pond, it’s wise to turn it off during cold weather. When temperatures are low, your fish will seek out the warmer ‘layer’ of water that lies at the bottom of the pond - waterfalls disrupt this by mixing it with colder water.

Winter is also a time to switch off and remove any pumps or filters you might have in your pond. Algae doesn’t grow in winter, making your filter redundant. It’s an ideal opportunity to take it out and give it a clean – try using a dash of vinegar to remove any built-up lime scale.

An essential part of winter pond care is remembering to change your fish food.

In cold temperatures, fish find it difficult to digest protein, so as soon as water temperature drops to anywhere near 10°C, it’s advisable to switch to a low protein alternative.

Wheat germ pellets are the most popular, and are readily available from garden centres and aquatic stores.

As temperatures drop further (anywhere below 7°C), you’ll need to stop feeding the fish altogether. 

In freezing temperatures, it’s inevitable that your pond will ice over. While it may look pretty, this effectively depletes the oxygen in the water – and fish that rush to the surface in an attempt to breathe may get caught in layers of ice.

To avoid such problems, always try to create at least one gap in the ice – allowing oxygen into the pond.

One way of doing this is to put a plastic bottle (or similar object) in the water overnight if you anticipate frost. If your pond does indeed freeze over, simply pull out the bottle and you’re left with that all-important gap in the ice.

If you’re taken by surprise and your pond freezes over before you’ve had chance to take that precaution, simply melt a hole in the ice using warm (not boiling) water. Never break the ice by smashing it – the shockwaves you send through the water could cause your fish more problems than they solve.

In addition to our winter pond care guidance, we’ve also put together advice on gardening in winter – ideal for nurturing your plants through the colder months.