Sergeant’s Grove, Netanya

One of my favorite places to hike, and also to photograph, is the grove near the house. Every time I get there, I feel like I’m entering a magical world, separate from the daily routine. Especially in the spring, Sergeant’s Grove blooms in thousands of magnificent colors. The variety of flowers and plants that come out of the ground looks like a spectacular natural mosaic, and every corner of the grove is filled with new life. There is so much to see and experience in this grove, and not only in the spring – every season brings its own magic.

The grove is full of history and stories. There are those who do not quite like the history that gave the grove its name, Sergeant’s Grove. Therefore, it was given an official name that has not really taken root in the public – Oak Grove. This is despite the fact that the vast majority of the grove actually contains eucalyptus trees, and only on the eastern side are there a few oaks. On this side, an observation point was also built, from which you can see the magnificent panoramic view that surrounds the grove (in the second panorama). However, after a few years, the observation point was removed due to wear and tear that reached the point of risk.

Speaking of names, the JNF calls the grove somewhat exaggeratedly in my opinion – Netanya Forest. This name brings a smile to my face every time I hear it, as this grove is indeed large and beautiful, but calling it a forest is a bit beyond what it is. However, this name gives it a sense of importance and status.

In the southeastern corner of the grove was a wishing tree, a special tree that holds many hopes and dreams of its visitors. Unfortunately, bad people hurt him, perhaps as revenge for a wish that did not come true. According to legend, this tree has already undergone a large number of amputations and recovered from all of them, so I hope that this time too it will manage to recover, even though several years have passed since then.

One of the special features of the grove is the wooden bridge that was built in 2016 over the winter pool. I especially love the bridge, as it offers a convenient and exciting way to cross the pool and enjoy the magnificent view from it. In the rainy seasons, the pool fills with water and reflects the sky and the trees around it, and serves as a landing ground for ducks, a particularly pastoral and picturesque sight. The bridge allows you to get close to the puddle and feel the magic of nature up close, without getting wet or dirty in the mud.

A visit to the grove and a walk on the wooden bridge are always a fun and special experience. I recommend anyone visiting the area to come and enjoy the magnificent view and the tranquility that this place offers. This bridge is a living testament to the successful combination of natural beauty and human creativity, and is a welcome addition to the amazing landscape of the grove.