Elephant dung, dirty laundry and fresh fish – these are just three of the cargoes that passed through Wheathampstead railway station during more than a century in operation.

The station opened in 1860, on the single track line linking Welwyn with Luton, Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard, built by the Hertford, Luton & Dunstable Railway.

The coming of the railway to Wheathampstead changed people’s lives, socially and economically. Before 1860 most inhabitants of the village had never travelled further than the centre of St Albans on market day, but once the line opened, there were many new opportunities.

For the first time, fresh fish could be brought in from the coast, while local farmers could transport their goods far and wide. Schoolchildren went on day trips to places such as Hunstanton – special trains were provided for this purpose.

During Victorian times, washing was sent from London to Wheathampstead because of its cleaner air and local families opened cottage laundry industries.

Elephant dung was delivered to Wheathampstead from London Zoo, to help grow lettuces, which were then sent back to the capital.

The most famous regular user of the station was the playwright George Bernard Shaw, who used to cycle there from Shaw’s Corner, his home in Ayot St Lawrence, and catch the train into London.

It was the increasing popularity of the motor car that signalled the end of the line for Wheathampstead’s railway station, as was the case on many loss-making branch lines in the UK that were scrapped as part of the Beeching Axe in the 1960s. It closed in 1965, but the line continued to carry freight until 1971. Today the nearest station is in Harpenden, three miles away.

Wheathampstead station was abandoned, but recently a team of about 50 volunteers have been clearing the undergrowth and rebuilding the platform to create an open space for the community to use.

Although it is unlikely trains will ever call in there again, the station will be a stop on Wheathampstead’s heritage trail, which is being developed by the parish council. Following its planned opening in September, future uses for the site could include an outdoor classroom or venue for art displays.

Much of the railway line is also in use once more, as the Ayot Green Way, a walking and cycling route.