David has over 40 years’ experience in ecology and conservation including native forest ecology, conservation & management of threatened plants, mistletoe biology, remnant habitat ecology, restoration ecology, threat classification and significance assessment. This work has resulted in >150 scientific publications, including a book on biodiversity conservation in farming landscapes. 

Since retiring from the University of Canterbury, David  continues to work actively with the farming sector promoting biodiversity conservation and seeking ways to build this into farm management. He also works as a strategic science advisor with Pure Advantage promoting native reafforestation for climate change mitigation in Aotearoa.