Hey Rhys,
Congrats on the outcome. I just saw your topic and would like to chip in that I just checked on my damp towel parsnips and they have definitely germinated within 5-6 days. They were sown on the 20th April. 2 days before full moon and root day.
I had some parsnips direct sown last month… I can´t see any yet except weed seedlings! Think I might just have to go with the damp towel method.