Born and bred in Cwmtyleri in the valleys, David was a research molecular biologist for many years and Senior Lecturer at Cardiff University Medical School before deciding to change career to get involved in community regeneration. He is passionate about using  creative approaches in working with communities to help (re)connect people and place. His focus in recent years has been addressing health and wellbeing challenges. He currently works as the Nature and Wellbeing Lead for RSPB Cymru. Music and drumming are amongst his main interests outside work.