A temperature inversion and mist is surrounding some of the low hills lying to the west of the Malvern Hills, viewed here from just south of the Wyche Cutting.
A contributor to the site has suggested, in answer to the question about the purpose of this pipe: it may be connected to a local sewer to vent sewer gas (methane) - so it needs to be above the nearest housing to prevent sewage passing out of it if a blockage occurs.