I think jan/feb is too early to sow, anything, I find they have a better chance from mid march, depending on the weather.

We sow in April when the soil has started to warm a little. Also we sow directly into the ground as, being root vegetables, they don't like to be disturbed.

Had a look where you are (Flint) so I would say first week in April indoors or mid May if outdoors.

This is how I sow/gro mine;
http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Parsnip/Parsnip.htm

Couple of things to try. Take out a shallow drill and fill it with damp compost and sow the seeds on the compost and then cover them. Stops the seeds from drying out.
Or. Sow as normal then cover the seed drill with a plank. Remove when there are any signs of germination.
Or. Pregerminate the seeds on damp paper towel. Mix up with a thin wall paper paste mix and gently spread the seeds and paste in a seed drill and cover.
I have tried all three methods and they all work.

Sow direct to where you want them to grow not into trays, root veg hate their roots being disturbed

I was told Parsnips are hard to germinate from old seed. Best to buy fresh just before you sow them.

The oldies knew what they were about. They were much closer to the soil than us. My source was in his nineties and had been gardening since he could toddle.

I sow mine in Peat Pots standing in half an inch of water
in shallow trays in the greenhouse. When about 2" high I plant each pot into the row, and keep damp. Seems the easiest way. Might put the pots onto compost 2013 as advised above, seems a good idea.
Wonder what kind of summer we are going to have ?