Tom Heap was born in 1966 in the United Kingdom. He grew up in a rural environment, which influenced his later focus on countryside and environmental journalism.

He was educated at a boarding school in the UK before studying at the University of Cambridge, where he developed an interest in geography and environmental issues.

Heap began his career in journalism, working for ITV News and Channel 4 News as a reporter, covering major national and international stories before specialising in environmental reporting.

He joined Countryfile on BBC One as a regular presenter, reporting on farming, climate change, and rural affairs. He is also known for his work on BBC Radio 4, particularly as a presenter on Costing the Earth.

He lives in the UK with his family and continues to work across television and radio as a leading environmental journalist.